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

Abstract

CEA surges can be observed in patients receiving chemotherapy for MCRC and are often associated with a clinical benefit. None of the CEA surges satisfied the American Society of Clinical Oncology definition of CEA progression. A rise in CEA after initiation of chemotherapy, unless lasting >4 months, cannot be used as an indicator of progressive disease.