Role of CEA—A Challenge of a Verdict

Abstract

To Editor.— The recent article by Moertel et al (239:1065, 1978) leaves reader with a pessimistic impression that the CEA [carcinoembryonic antigen] assay is not a sensitive test for early detection of recurrence of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, authors are also concerned about needless anxiety produced by premature knowledge of presence of a fatal disease in those (unfortunate?) cases where rising CEA levels may be helpful in early detection of recurrence because of our limited therapeutic accomplishments under these circumstances. It is clear from patient population studied by Moertel et al that only those with pelvic (local and regional) recurrence were selected for study. In all fairness, these patients represent no more than 50% of total population of colorectal cancer patients at risk after potentially curative surgery of primary lesion. In this regard, authors seem to ignore relevant observations made