Serum CEA levels and CT scans in recurrent colorectal cancer

Pre- and post-operative serum CEA levels were examined in relation to grade of cancer invasion, recurrence, and CT findings in 87 patients with colorectal cancer. In patients with liver metastasis, although preoperative serum CEA levels were correlated with the volume of metastatic lesions, but not correlated with the grade of peritoneal dissemination. Serum CEA levels were significantly higher in patients whose tumor invaded the subserosa or deeper. After operation, a rapid increase in serum CEA levels was seen prior to clinical diagnosis of distant metastasis or unresectable tumor invading the adjacent organs. In patients with local recurrence, serum CEA levels failed to predict recurrence because the levels were within normal range or were slowly increased. However, serial CT findings were useful in predicting recurrent cancer. (Namekawa, K.)