Using Tumour Markers to Monitor Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): U. Ward, J.N. Primrose, P.J. Finan, T.J. Perren, P. Selby, D.A. Purves, E.H. Cooper
Primary Institution: St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
Hypothesis
Can tumour markers CEA, CA-195, and CA-242 be used to accurately monitor the response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer?
Conclusion
Tumour markers can help monitor disease progression in colorectal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, potentially reducing the need for imaging.
Supporting Evidence
- CEA was elevated in 85% of patients before treatment.
- CA-195 and CA-242 were elevated in 78% of patients before treatment.
- At least one tumour marker was elevated in 93% of patients.
- Rising tumour markers often indicated disease progression up to 16 weeks before it was seen on scans.
- CEA correlated best with disease course compared to CA-195 and CA-242.
Takeaway
Doctors can use blood tests to check for certain markers that show how well cancer treatment is working, which might mean fewer scans are needed.
Methodology
Measured tumour markers in blood samples from patients undergoing chemotherapy and compared results with CT scans.
Limitations
Tumour markers may overestimate treatment responses and underestimate disease progression.
Participant Demographics
33 patients (24 male, 9 female) with a mean age of 58 for males and 60 for females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
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