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What Causes Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels While Treating Colorectal Cancer?

Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2015

Question: Have a colon cancer step 4. Am following a chimiotherapy since 5 years.my CEA level jumped to 256 today. what does it mean. is it dangerous?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (5 minutes later)

This may be due to recurrence of the cancer.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (59 minutes later)

Have a colon cancer step 4. Am following a chimiotherapy since 5 years.my CEA level jumped to 256 today. what does it mean. is it dangerous?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes this needs attention

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

I understand your concerns. Chemotherapy for 5 years is difficult. CEA level rising progressively suggests progression of the disease. You have mentioned that it has jumped to 256 but the previous level is not mentioned. Even if I assume a 25% increase, it most likely suggests disease progression.

I would get fresh CT scans to assess the disease status and change the therapy to induce response again.

Hope this helps. I will be available for followup.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar