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01-06-2015 | Original Article

Normalization of CEA Levels Post-Neoadjuvant Therapy is a Strong Predictor of Pathologic Complete Response in Rectal Cancer

Authors: Ariella Kleiman, Ahmed Al-Khamis, Ali Farsi, Abbas Kezouh, Te Vuong, Philip H. Gordon, Carol-Ann Vasilevsky, Nancy Morin, Julio Faria, Gabriela Ghitulescu, Marylise Boutros

Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Background

Recent attention has been focused on the relationship between carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and pathological complete response (pCR), without consensus regarding its predictive value. This study aims to examine the association between CEA and pCR.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent primary rectal cancer resection after neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Patients were divided into two groups, pCR or no-pCR, based on final pathology. CEA levels were measured at the initial visit with the surgeon/oncologist and post-completion of nCRT.

Results

One hundred and forty-one patients underwent primary rectal cancer resections after nCRT. Nineteen patients (13.5 %) achieved pCR, while 122 (86.5 %) had no-pCR. Pre-nCRT CEA levels were not significantly different between groups (2.75 vs 4.5 μg/L, p = 0.65). However, post-nCRT CEA levels were significantly lower in patients with pCR (1.7 vs 2.4 μg/L, p < 0.01). On multivariate logistic regression analyses, low post-nCRT CEA level was an independent predictor of pCR (OR 1.74, CI 1.06, 3.81) and normalization of CEA from an initially elevated level was a highly significant predictor of pCR (OR 64.8, CI 2.53, 18,371).

Conclusion

Low post-nCRT CEA is an independent predictor of pCR, and normalization of CEA post-nCRT is a strong predictor of pCR.

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Title: Normalization of CEA Levels Post-Neoadjuvant Therapy is a Strong Predictor of Pathologic Complete Response in Rectal Cancer
Authors: Ariella Kleiman
Ahmed Al-Khamis
Ali Farsi
Abbas Kezouh
Te Vuong
Philip H. Gordon
Carol-Ann Vasilevsky
Nancy Morin
Julio Faria
Gabriela Ghitulescu
Marylise Boutros
Publication date: 01-06-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 1091-255X
Electronic ISSN: 1873-4626
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-015-2814-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Normalization of CEA Levels Post-Neoadjuvant Therapy is a Strong Predictor of Pathologic Complete Response in Rectal Cancer

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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