Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen Research Articles

Utility of Serum Lipids and CEA Levels as Novel Markers in Comparison to Various Histopathological Parameters and TNM Staging in Colorectal Carcinoma: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most widespread type of cancer around the globe. Elevated Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels, a blood protein, are often observed in CRC patients. Need of the Study: Among gastrointestinal cancers, CRC is the most frequent cause of death. This research aims to investigate the potential link between serum lipid profiles, the levels of CEA, and the risk of developing CRC. Early detection and staging of CRC are crucial for effective management and improved outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of serum lipids and CEA levels as novel markers compared to different Tumour Node Metastasis (TNM) staging and histopathological parameters in CRC. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study will be conducted in the Department of Pathology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India from October 2024 to April 2026. Peripheral blood samples will be collected from CRC patients to determine serum lipid profiles and CEA levels. Resected colon specimens will be processed and graded using TNM staging with appropriate staining. Karl Pearson’s test (data distributed normally) or Spearman’s test (data distributed non normally) will be used to conduct a correlation between continuous variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Lymph node metastasis risk factors in T2 colorectal cancer.

This study evaluates risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM) in T2 colorectal cancer to refine patient selection for endoscopic resection. We reviewed records from consecutive patients who had undergone curative surgical resection of T2 colorectal cancerat our institution in Japan between April 2001 and December 2021. Data on conventional clinicopathologic variables were retrieved from the pathology reports at the time of surgery. The clinicopathological features included patient age, sex, tumor diameter, morphology, tumor location, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, tumor differentiation, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels, number of lymph node dissections, presence of adenoma component, and LNM. Among the patients (338 men, 320 women), 170 (25.8%) exhibited LNM. Multivariate logistic regression identified three independent risk factors for LNM: lymphatic invasion (odds ratio [OR], 32.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 17.3-61.4; p < 0.0001), female sex (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.10-2.62; p = 0.02), and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.10-5.96; p = 0.03). Lymphatic invasion, female sex, and high carcinoembryonic antigen levels significantly increase the risk of LNM in T2 colorectal cancer.

CEA Rebound After Discontinuation of Pre-Hepatectomy Chemotherapy Predicts Worse Outcomes After Resection of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels may vary with administration and discontinuation of pre-hepatectomy chemotherapy in patients undergoing resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CLM). The prognostic significance of these changes, termed CEA dynamics, is unclear. Consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy for CLM (2001-2021) at a comprehensive cancer center were included. CEA dynamics were classified as CEA normal (CEA < 5ng/mL before, during, and after chemotherapy), CEA decrease (elevated CEA levels that drop during and after chemotherapy), and CEA rebound (elevated CEA levels that drop during chemotherapy but rebound upon discontinuation). Recurrence-free (RFS), hepatic-specific disease-free (hDFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared across CEA dynamics groups. Of 903 patients, 254 (28%) were CEA normal, 423 (47%) were CEA decrease, and 226 (25%) were CEA rebound. Median RFS was 15.9months, median hDFS was not reached, and median OS was 11.9years for CEA normal patients. By comparison, CEA decrease and CEA rebound patients had shorter median RFS (12.2months, P = 0.002 and 7.4months, P < 0.001, respectively), shorter median hDFS (29.1months, P = 0.003 and 14.8months, P < 0.001, respectively), and shorter median OS (7.1years, P = 0.131, and 4.9years, P < 0.001, respectively). On multivariable analysis, CEA rebound was an independent predictor of worse RFS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.93], hDFS (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.88), and OS (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.18-2.73). Among patients with CEA rebound, RAS-BRAF/TP53 comutation and multiple tumors predicted worse OS while APC mutation predicted improved OS. CEA rebound between pre-hepatectomy chemotherapy discontinuation and CLM resection is associated with worse oncologic outcomes, particularly in patients with aggressive tumor biology, and may help frame patient and surgeon expectations ahead of CLM resection.

Effect of elevated CEA levels on the outcome of colorectal cancer patients with different histopathologic types: A SEER population-based study.

Limited and contradictory evidence has been reported regarding the prognostic effects of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) on the prognosis and metastasis of classical adenocarcinoma (CA), mucinous adenocarcinoma (MA), and signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) in colorectal cancer patients. We investigated the associations between histological subtypes and preoperative serum CEA levels in determining the oncologic outcomes of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. A total of 47,692 patients with clearly diagnosed CRC were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and divided into two cohorts based on serum CEA levels: CEA-normal (C0) and CEA-elevated (C1). Chi-square analysis revealed a correlation between CEA levels and histological classification. We then included a newly defined interaction variable (H&CEA) in the Cox regression analysis, which demonstrated that this variable could serve as an independent prognostic factor (P<0.001). CA, in the context of elevated serum CEA levels, differed from the other two histopathological types, showing unexpectedly higher risks for both OS (HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.65-1.75, P<0.001) and CSS (HR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.72-1.85, P<0.001). Furthermore, elevated CEA levels significantly increased the proportion of liver metastases in the CA group (25.43% vs. 3.95%, P<0.001). The interaction variable H&CEA can be used as an independent prognostic factor for CRC and should be considered in the diagnosis of CRC and the development of personalized treatment plans. Additionally, in the context of elevated CEA levels, CA is associated with poor prognosis and increased liver metastases. This CRC subgroup warrants special clinical attention from oncologists.

Characteristics and risk factor analyses of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in older patients with colorectal polyps.

According to the degree of intradermal neoplasia in the colorectal exhalation, it can be divided into two grades: Low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN) and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN). Currently, it is difficult to accurately diagnose LGIN and HGIN through imaging, and clinical diagnosis depends on postoperative histopathological diagnosis. A more accurate method for evaluating HGIN preoperatively is urgently needed in the surgical treatment and nursing intervention of colorectal polyps. To explore the characteristics and risk factors of HGIN in older patients with colorectal polyps. We selected 84 older patients diagnosed with HGIN as the HGIN group (n = 95 colonic polyps) and 112 older patients diagnosed with LGIN as the LGIN group (n = 132 colonic polyps) from Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University. The endoscopic features, demographic characteristics, and clinical manifestations of the two patient groups were compared, and a logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for HGIN in these patients. The HGIN group was older and had a higher number of sigmoid colon polyps, rectal polyps, pedunculated polyps, polyps ≥ 1.0 cm in size, polyps with surface congestion, polyps with surface depression, and polyps with villous/tubular adenomas, a higher proportion of patients with diabetes and a family history of colorectal cancer, patients who experienced rectal bleeding or occult blood, patients with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 199 (CA199), and lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels. The polyp location (in the sigmoid colon or rectum), polyp diameter (≥ 1.0 cm), pathological diagnosis of (villous/tubular adenoma), family history of colorectal cancer, rectal bleeding or occult blood, elevated serum CEA and CA199 levels, lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels also are independent risk factors for HGIN. The occurrence of high-grade neoplastic transformation in colorectal polyps is closely associated with their location, size, villous/tubular characteristics, family history, elevated levels of tumor markers, and lower nutritional levels and higher frailty levels.

Examination of Sarcopenia with Obesity as a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Using the Psoas Muscle Mass Index

Background: Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, is a negative prognostic factor in gastrointestinal cancer. Sarcopenia combined with visceral obesity (sarcopenic obesity) is associated with poor outcomes. We explored the influence of obesity and other factors on the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed with sarcopenia. Methods: We enrolled 211 patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed with preoperative sarcopenic obesity who underwent radical resection at Osaka University Hospital between January 2009 and January 2012. Muscle mass was assessed using the psoas muscle mass index. Obesity was evaluated by measuring the visceral fat area in the umbilical region. Patients were categorized into two groups: sarcopenia with obesity (SO) and sarcopenia without obesity (non-SO). Overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and cancer-related relapse-free survival (CRRFS) were compared between the two groups. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, body mass index, serum albumin, C-reactive protein, tumor markers, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), were also analyzed. Results: CRRFS was significantly shorter in the SO group than in the non-SO group (p = 0.028). PNI, mGPS, and GNRI were not identified as significant prognostic factors for CRRFS. Multivariate analysis highlighted sarcopenic obesity, elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and unfavorable histological types as significant predictors of poor CRRFS outcomes. Conclusions: Sarcopenic obesity is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with CRC. Thus, interventions aimed at increasing muscle mass and reducing visceral fat could potentially improve the prognosis of these patients.

12556 Medullary Thyroid Cancer With Persistent Elevation Of Carcinoembryonic Antigen: Case Report

Abstract Disclosure: M.S. Campana: None. Introduction: Medullary thyroid Cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that originates from thyroid parafollicular C-cells and represents 5 % of all thyroid cancers. MTC can be sporadic (75%) or hereditary (25%) associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome (MEN2). Serum calcitonin (Ctn) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are its tumor markers. We report a case of persistently elevated CEA levels despite an undetectable Ctn in a patient with MTC after initial thyroid lobectomy. Description of the case: A 42-year-old woman self-identified a neck lump after intentional weight loss. A neck US showed a right lobe thyroid nodule which resulted as suspicious for malignancy (Bethesda V) with subsequent right lobectomy. Pathology reported a 2.6 cm unexpected MTC with negative surgical margins, extrathyroidal extension, angioinvasion, and lymphatic invasion. No cervical lymph nodes (LNs) were removed. Immunohistochemistry was positive for CEA, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, and Ctn. T2 Nx. One month after lobectomy, the Ctn was 10.5 (0-3.0 pg/mL) and CEA 205.2 (0-3.0 ng/mL Non-smoker; 0-5.0 ng/mL smoker). The patient was then referred to our clinic for further management. Laboratories showed normal serum calcium, PTH, and fractionated plasma metanephrine/normetanephrine. A 2-month post-operative Ctn was undetectable, but CEA was elevated at 24.5. Subsequently, we broaden imaging studies to include neck US, CT neck /chest with contrast, and MRI abdomen pelvis with contrast. The only remarkable finding was a 6.7 cm pelvic mass with normal Ca-125. Genetic testing was negative for germline RET, ruling out MEN2. Patient underwent completion left lobectomy with prophylactic bilateral central neck dissection. Pathology showed benign thyroid parenchyma with multinodular hyperplasia and 0/12 LNs. Because of concerning pelvic mass, the patient was referred to OB/GYN. She underwent a laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Pathology showed a follicular ovarian cyst, negative for malignancy. A year post-completion total thyroidectomy Ctn remains undetectable, and a CEA is normal at 1.3. Discussion: Because Ctn was already undetectable 1 month after lobectomy with persistent elevated CEA a complete total thyroidectomy with prophylactic bilateral central neck dissection was indicated to achieve operative cure. Ctn is specific to MTC but variable. CEA is more reproducible with less variability; however, it is not specific to MTC and can also be elevated in smokers, benign breast and genitourinary disease, emphysema, cirrhosis, and cancer of colon, rectum, liver, genitourinary, and lung. If residual disease is present, Ctn tends to be proportionally more elevated than CEA. When the opposite occurs, poorly differentiated MTC with possibility of distant metastases vs. a second primary malignancy vs. a distant benign neoplasm known to elevate CEA need to be ruled out. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Grading carcinoembryonic antigen levels can enhance the effectiveness of prognostic stratification in patients with colorectal cancer: a single-centre retrospective study.

This study developed a refined carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) grading system using CEA cut-off points of 5, 20 and 50 ng/mL and to explore the prognostic value of CEA grading in predicting the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. A retrospective cohort study. First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. 1107 CRC patients who received surgical treatment. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. A Cox regression model with a 95% CI was used to evaluate the independent prognostic risk factors for CRC. Prognostic nomograms were constructed to predict the 1-5-year PFS/OS. Elevated serum CEA levels are often indicative of recurrence and death in CRC patients. Higher CEA levels were significantly associated with more aggressive tumour phenotypes. The CEA grading system was an independent predictor of prognosis in CRC patients and effectively stratified PFS (62.0% vs 51.2% vs 33.7% vs 20.2%, p<0.001) and OS (64.7% vs 54.4% vs 36.6% vs 22.5%, p<0.001) in CRC patients. As the CEA grade increased, the risk of poor prognosis gradually increased in a gradient manner, with an approximately 10% difference in risk grade between each CEA grade. The internal validation cohort further confirmed that CEA grade remains an effective prognostic factor for the survival of CRC patients. Prognostic nomograms, which integrate individual characteristics, tumour features and CEA grading, provide a more comprehensive prognostic evaluation for CRC patients. The CEA grading system is an independent predictor of prognosis for CRC patients and can effectively stratify PFS and OS.

Role of Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Severity Assessment and Mortality Prediction in COVID-19 Patients.

Background Early risk stratification of COVID-19 may yield a better prognosisby tailoring effective treatment strategies. Recent studies have identified that elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has prognostic value in terms of disease severity and mortality in patients with pneumonia. This study aims to explore the potential of CEA as a marker for both severity assessment and mortality prediction in COVID-19 patients. Methods From August 2020 to October 2021, we conducted this observational study in which patients who tested positive for COVID-19 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or had high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest suggestive of COVID-19 were includedon day 0 of their admission to the COVID unit. Patients were classified into mild, moderate, severe, and critical according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and CEA on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 of admission. The patient's profile was used to obtain lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, and HRCT scores [based on COVID-19 reporting and data system (CO-RADS) grade]. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with Youden's index to find the initial (day 0) critical values of CEA for each of mild, moderate, severe, and critical COVID-19. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to predict mortality with the best initial(day 0) cut-off value of CEA. Results Among 75 patients in this study, 15, 20, 19, and 21 were in the mild, moderate, severe, and critical groups, respectively;most were male (68%), and mortality was 18 (24%). Spearman's rank correlation test demonstrates a strong correlation between COVID-19 severity and changes in CEA. In the ROC curves, the area under the curve (AUC) value of CEA was higher among markers in all classifications except for mild to moderate disease. The AUC and critical values of CEA were as follows: for mild to moderate (0.948), 2.5 ng/ml; moderate to severe (1.000), 6.02 ng/ml; and severe to critical (0.769), 11.75 ng/ml. The survival curve shows the best initial cut-off values for mortality outcomes: CEA ≥7.15, CRP ≥81.52, ferritin ≥680.68, lymphocyte percentage ≤7.5, and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio ≥12.7. Conclusions The initial levels of CEA can serve as markersfor severity assessment and mortality outcome prediction of COVID-19.

Prognostic value of the postoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level in colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is one of the commonly used preoperative biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC), but no meta-analysis has evaluated the findings of all recently published studies to determine whether its postoperative level can serve as a prognostic indicator. We conducted a systematic search for eligible literature from the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases in October 2023. Studies that investigated the relationship between postoperative serum CEA levels and prognosis in CRC patients were included. Outcome indicators, including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS), were analyzed using a fixed-effects or random-effects model. The pooled hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as effective values. This meta-analysis included 20 eligible studies involving 10,114 CRC patients from the East Asian and Western countries. A comprehensive analysis revealed that elevated postoperative CEA levels were associated with low OS (HR: 2.92, 95% CI: 2.36-3.62, and p<0.000), DFS (HR: 2.81, 95% CI: 2.01-3.94, and p<0.000), and RFS/PFS (HR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.75-3.62, p<0.000). A subgroup analysis by region, analysis type, distant metastasis, HR obtain method, sample size, postoperative measurement date, and study design demonstrated that the negative correlation observed between high serum CEA levels after surgery and poor prognosis was not significantly different between the subgroups. When CEA levels are found to be elevated during postoperative follow-up, more active intervention measures should be implemented to further improve the patient's survival outcomes.

Abstract B015: Duodenal aspiration biopsy in diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms

Abstract Introduction Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are a subset of lesions with elevated malignant potential, warranting their inclusion in screening standards. Despite endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) serving as the standard for verification, the occurrence of erroneous conclusions remains significant. Consequently, analysis of pancreatic juice is considered as a potential adjunctive diagnostic method. However, the absence of methods for obtaining pancreatic juice in adequate volume and quality poses a barrier to the widespread adoption of this approach.Materials and MethodsA method of duodenal aspiration biopsy (DAB) was developed involving active aspiration from the lumen of duodenum, yielding large volume of the mix of pancreatic juice and bile uncontaminated by gastric juice. Patients diagnosed with pancreatic neoplasms utilizing EUS with FNAB, were enrolled and ALB was implemented as an adjunctive diagnostic procedure. Cytological analysis of the material obtained was performed along with measuring the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The level &amp;gt;192 ng/mL was considered significant, according to the Fukuoka 2017 guidelines.ResultsIn patients with cystic neoplasms of the pancreas undergoing DAB, results of cytological examination were non-informative in certain cases. However, analysis of CEA levels in the pancreatic juice and bile mixture always demonstrated strong concordance with the degree of dysplasia. In some instances, elevated CEA values facilitated the adoption of a more aggressive treatment strategy, leading to the detection of carcinoma. Conversely, low CEA levels prompted the decision to opt for observation rather than radical surgery in other cases.ConclusionDiagnosing precancerous transformations of the pancreas remains a challenging task, characterized by a notable rate of false-positive or false-negative conclusions. The DAB method offers a promising solution, seamlessly integrating into routine clinical practice and offering supplementary data to enhance the verification of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Aleksei Kashintsev, Vitali Proutski. Duodenal aspiration biopsy in diagnosis of pancreatic neoplasms [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 15-18; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B015.

Prognostic Significance of Tumor and Inflammatory Markers in Disease-Free and Overall Survival Duration in Colonic Adenocarcinoma Patients.

Introduction Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) continues to be a major global health concern, contributing substantially to cancer incidence and mortality. Colonic adenocarcinoma, a common subtype of CRC, is influenced by various prognostic factors, including tumor stage, histopathological characteristics, and tumor markers. Despite their routine use in clinical settings, the prognostic value of traditional tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), and others, is still under debate. In this study, we aim to analyze the tumor markers' prognostic significance in our CRC patients in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 71 patients who underwent surgery for colonic adenocarcinoma between January 1, 2018, and January 1, 2024. Data on patient demographics, recurrence rates, survival times, and tumor marker levels (CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125, AFP, and CRP to albumin ratio (CAR)), disease-free survival duration (DFS), and overall survival durations (OS) were collected and analyzed. Statistical analyses included Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, the Mann-Whitney U test, ROC curve analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results The study found that elevated CAR and CA 125 levels were significantly associated with higher mortality and recurrence rates, whereas elevated CEA levels were strongly predictive of recurrence. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified optimal cutoff values for these markers, with CEA ≥ 47.145, CA 125 ≥ 15.85, and CAR ≥ 6.796 demonstrating high specificity and predictive value for recurrence. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with CEA < 47.145 had a significantly longer DFS (67.7 months) compared to those with CEA ≥ 47.145 (24 months, p < 0.001). Similarly, patients with CA 125 < 15.85 and CAR < 6.796 showed longer DFS compared to those with higher values. Overall survival analysis also highlighted that patients with CA 125 < 21.71 and CAR < 4.09 had better survival outcomes, with significant differences of 26 and 10 months, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001). Conclusion Tumor markers, such as CEA, CA 125, and CAR, hold significant prognostic value in colonic adenocarcinoma, with higher levels correlating with poorer outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of integrating tumor markers into clinical decision-making to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient survival. Future research should focus on standardizing the use of these markers and exploring novel biomarkers for enhanced prognostication.

Elevation of Serum CEA as a Possible Predictor of Response to Pulse Methylprednisolone in Acquired Idiopathic Generalized Anhidrosis.

Acquired idiopathic generalized anhidrosis (AIGA) is a rare disorder primarily observed in Asian populations, particularly in Japan. Although pulse methylprednisolone therapy is an effective treatment for AIGA, predictors of therapeutic response remain poorly defined. This study sought to identify factors that predict the efficacy of pulse methylprednisolone therapy in patients with AIGA. Data obtained from 32 patients with AIGA were assessed based on clinical, histopathological, and serological examinations. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore predictors of response to pulse methylprednisolone therapy. The average age of participants was 32.1 years (SD = 12.3), with a male predominance (66%). Response to pulse methylprednisolone therapy was closely associated with the time from the onset to start of therapy (Wilcoxson's rank sum test, p = 0.016, n = 27), with earlier intervention resulting in better outcome. Notably, males and patients presenting with severe symptoms at diagnosis responded better to treatment. High serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and histological evidence of inflammation around sweat glands also correlated with a positive therapeutic response. Earlier intervention, elevated serum CEA levels, and inflammation around sweat glands are potential indicators of successful response to pulse methylprednisolone therapy in patients with AIGA.

Survival and predictors of mortality among colorectal cancer patients on follow-up in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama region, Southern Ethiopia, 2022. A 5-year retrospective cohort study.

The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer were still rising rapidly in many low-income and middle-income countries, which was linked to ongoing societal and economic status. Colorectal cancer is the leading cancer in Ethiopia with relatively lower survival. However, colorectal cancer patients' survival time and predictors have not been well studied in Southern Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess five-year survival and predictors of mortality among colorectal cancer patients at Hawassa Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. Facility-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 323 patients who visited Hawassa Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from May 1st, 2017 to April 30th, 2022. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve with the Log-rank test was used to estimate the survival time. Bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the net effect of each independent variable on time to death after diagnosis. Over the 5-year observation period, the overall mortality rate was 38.5%, with an incidence density of 31 fatalities per 100 person-years observation. Survival at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 78%, 53, 32.4%, 23.3%, and 18.7% respectively. The multivariable analysis showed that metastatic disease (AHR = 4.2, CI: 1.5-11.5), baseline carcinoembryonic antigen level ≥5ng/ml (AHR: 2.4, CI: 1.2-5.8), living in rural areas (AHR = 2.2, CI:1.03-4.8) and mucinous carcinoma (AHR = 0.33, CI: 0.13-0.87) were independent predictors of colorectal cancer mortality. Overall survival of colorectal cancer patients in the study was low compared to similar studies in developing and developed worlds. A significantly low survival rate was observed for patients with advanced stage, elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and rural residents indicating the key role of early detection and timely initiation of treatment to improve survival and quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer.

Early-Stage Colon Cancer Surveillance: Pattern and Timing of Recurrence and the Role of 5-Year Surveillance

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer among both men and women with 80% of patients having localized disease enabling curative treatments. Given the low recurrence rate in early-stage disease, there is a growing interest in reviewing follow-up protocols. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and timing of recurrence in early-stage colon cancer, as well as recurrence patterns. Methods: The data from all patients with colon adenocarcinoma consecutively treated with surgery at the Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, EPE, between January 2013 and December 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 1,372 patients with colon cancer were submitted to surgery during the study period. From this group, 51.4% (n = 705) were early-stage colon cancers. Regarding the pathological stage, 3.5% were stage 0, 37.4% were stage I and 59.1% were stage II. The overall recurrence rate was 6.7%. When considering the group of patients without risk factors, the recurrence rate was 5.6%. The majority of recurrences occurred in the first 3 years of follow-up. The recurrence was diagnosed in the majority of patients through carcinoembryonic antigen elevation, followed by imaging exams. The presence of one or more risk factors (high nuclear grade, vascular invasion, extramural venous invasion, and perineural invasion) showed a statistically significant association with recurrence rate. Conclusion: The recurrence rate was low in early-stage colon cancer, with the majority of recurrences occurring in the first 3 years. Our study results show that surveillance should be tailored according to individual risk factors.

Development and validation of a machine learning-based 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT radiomics signature for predicting gastric cancer survival

BackgroundSurvival prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC) often influences physicians’ choice of their follow-up treatment. This study aimed to develop a positron emission tomography (PET)-based radiomics model combined with clinical tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging to predict overall survival (OS) in patients with GC.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical information of a total of 327 patients with pathological confirmation of GC undergoing 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) PET scans. The patients were randomly classified into training (n = 229) and validation (n = 98) cohorts. We extracted 171 PET radiomics features from the PET images and determined the PET radiomics scores (RS) using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and random survival forest (RSF). A radiomics model, including PET RS and clinical TNM staging, was constructed to predict the OS of patients with GC. This model was evaluated for discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness.ResultsOn multivariate COX regression analysis, the difference between age, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), clinical TNM, and PET RS in GC patients was statistically significant (p < 0.05). A radiomics model was developed based on the results of COX regression. The model had the Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) of 0.817 in the training cohort and 0.707 in the validation cohort and performed better than a single clinical model and a model with clinical features combined with clinical TNM staging. Further analyses showed higher PET RS in patients who were older (p < 0.001) and those who had elevated CEA (p < 0.001) and higher clinical TNM (p < 0.001). At different clinical TNM stages, a higher PET RS was associated with a worse survival prognosis.ConclusionsRadiomics models based on PET RS, clinical TNM, and clinical features may provide new tools for predicting OS in patients with GC.

A combined nutritional risk index and carcinoembryonic antigen score predicts the outcome in radically resected colorectal cancer.

Nutritional risk index (NRI) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are useful prognostic markers in colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the prognostic value of a combination of the NRI and CEA, namely, the NRI and CEA score (NCS), needs further investigation. Stage I-III CRC patients were collected and then divided into three subgroups by counting the NCS: NCS 1: high NRI with normal CEA; NCS 2: high NRI with elevated CEA or low NRI with normal CEA; and NCS 3: low NRI with elevated CEA. The differences in outcome, counted as disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), were tested among the subgroups. A total of 285 patients were enrolled, with 108 in NCS 1, 118 in NCS 2 and 59 in NCS 3. Patient features, including age, tumour deposit, T stage, N stage and TNM stage, were significantly different in the NCS subgroups. Both the DFS (log-rank = 26.06, P<0.001) and OS (log-rank = 39.10, P<0.001) were significant in different NCS subgroups, even in maximum tumour diameter ≤4 cm cases (DFS: log-rank = 21.42, P<0.001; OS: log-rank = 30.95, P<0.001), and NCS 1 patients displayed the best outcome compared with the rest of the subgroups. NCS was also found to be an independent risk factor for both DFS and OS. NCS was a useful prognostic indicator in stages I-III CRC patients.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with low serum IgE: a case report

Here, we reported a case of delayed diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) with low serum IgE and normal Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgE levels. During the course of the disease, the patient (female, 55 years old) had imaging manifestation of mass shadow and significant elevation of carcinoembryonic antigen, leading to suspicion of a lung tumor. Later, transbronchial lung biopsy tissue culture showed Aspergillus fumigatus. Combined with the history, clinical characteristics and imaging, she was diagnosed with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis combined with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. As the diagnostic criteria for ABPA do not cover all patients with ABPA, in rare cases where immunological evidence is insufficient, a combination of clinical and imaging features is required for early diagnosis and treatment.

Feasibility, reliability and satisfaction of (automated) capillary carcinoembryonic antigen measurements for future home-based blood sampling: the prospective CASA-I study.

Follow-up for colorectal cancer (CRC) necessitates regular monitoring of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) at the hospital. Capillary home-based blood collection, including minimally invasive techniques such as lancet sampling or an automated upper arm device (TAP-II), has the potential to replace a significant portion of hospital-based blood sampling, thereby enhancing self-reliance and quality of life. The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility, reliability and preference for CEA blood collection. Baseline venous and capillary (by lancet and TAP-II) blood samples were collected from 102 participants, including 20 CRC patients with elevated CEA levels, 60 CRC patients undergoing postoperative outpatient monitoring and 20 healthy volunteers. The second group performed capillary blood collections at home on two consecutive follow-up appointments and subsequently sent them to the hospital. Satisfaction was assessed via patient reported outcome measures on pain, burden, ease of use and preference. The Pearson's correlation test of all usable samples resulted in a linear coefficient of 0.998 (95% CI 0.997-0.998) for the TAP-II method and 0.997 (95% CI 0.996-0.998) for the lancet method, both compared to venipuncture. Following the initial blood collection, 86% of the participants (n = 102) favoured the TAP-II, rating it as the least painful and burdensome option. After two home-based blood samples, the preference for the TAP-II method persisted, with 64% of the patients endorsing its use. This study demonstrated the feasibility of home-based capillary sampling of CEA. The TAP-II blood collection is the most reliable method and is preferred by patients over venipuncture and lancet sampling.

Efficacy of first-line chemotherapy based on primary site of tumor versus etoposide-platinum in advanced gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NECs) constitute a rare and aggressive group of malignancies usually with widespread disease. There are limited studies on GEP-NECs, and therefore, we aim to acquire more information on the clinical features, treatment regimens, and prognosis. Data from advanced GEP-NECs patients who had not previously received systemic treatment for advanced disease at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from 2010 to 2022 were retrospectively collected. Relationships between clinical-pathological features, treatment regimens, and prognosis were investigated using Kaplan-Meier curves and cox regression models. A total of fifty-four patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 65.5 years and 79.6% were male. At diagnosis, 51.9% and 3.7% of patients developed liver and brain metastasis respectively. Sixteen (29.6%) patients received chemotherapy according to primary site of tumor (PST), while thirty-eight (70.4%) were treated with etoposide-platinum (EP) regimen, which based on the first-line treatment of advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC). No significant differences on progression-free survival (PFS) and response rate were observed between these two groups. Univariate survival analysis showed that liver metastasis, elevated baseline serum carcinoembryonic antigen, elevated baseline serum neuron-specific enolase, elevated baseline serum lactate dehydrogenase, and elevated baseline serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were associated with shorter PFS. After multivariate analysis, elevated NLR was the only factor that remained significantly associated with shorter PFS (P=0.01). GEP-NECs are aggressive neoplasms, of which elevated NLR is proven to be an independent negative predictor. Treatment regimens based on PST are not inferior to regiments based on SCLC (EP) for GEP-NECs patients. Large-scale, prospective randomized controlled trials are required to establish the standard of care.