Monitoring Colorectal Cancer with Prolactin and CEA
Author Information
Author(s): J.M. Bhatavdekar, D.D. Patel, D.D. Giri, N.H. Karelia, H.H. Vora, N. Ghosh, N.G. Shah, S.N. Trivedi, D.B. Balar
Primary Institution: Gujarat Cancer Society
Hypothesis
Is prolactin a better marker than CEA for monitoring recurrences in colorectal cancer patients?
Conclusion
Prolactin is a more effective marker than CEA for detecting recurrences in colorectal adenocarcinoma patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Prolactin levels were significantly higher in colorectal cancer patients compared to controls.
- Prolactin had a predictive value of 94% for monitoring recurrences.
- CEA showed a less significant predictive value of 62% for monitoring recurrences.
- Prolactin levels remained elevated in patients with liver metastases.
Takeaway
Doctors measured two substances in the blood of cancer patients to see which one is better at showing if the cancer comes back. They found that one substance, prolactin, is much better at this than the other.
Methodology
Plasma prolactin and CEA levels were measured in 74 colorectal cancer patients and correlated with disease stage and treatment response.
Limitations
The study had a limited follow-up period and a small sample size.
Participant Demographics
74 colorectal cancer patients (46 males, 10 premenopausal females, 18 postmenopausal females) aged 17-75.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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