Chemotherapy-Induced Carcinoembryonic Antigen Surge in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

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Abstract
To investigate the incidence of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) surge in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) and its implications on clinical outcome. A retrospective chart review of patients with MCRC treated with chemotherapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute from January 2000 to May 2004 was conducted. A CEA surge was defined as an increase of >20% from baseline followed by a >20% drop in one or more subsequent CEA levels compared to baseline. The incidence of CEA surge and its association with clinical outcome was investigated. Eighty-nine patients were evaluable for CEA surge. A CEA surge was documented in 10 patients. The CEA surge lasted 4 months, cannot be used as an indicator of progressive disease.