Serial CEA levels in colorectal carcinoma on adjuvant immuno (chemo) therapy

Serial CEA levels have been studied preoperatively, and one day, 10–15 days, four months, and eight months after surgery in a group of colon cancer patients who started soon after surgery a protocol of adjuvant immuno(chemo)therapy with Levamisole® and BCG®. Results showed a decrease of mean values of plasma CEA levels from preoperatively to four months after surgery, while eight months after surgery a slight increase was noted. Some of the patients in whom disease recurred showed persistent high levels of CEA, while one patient was consistently a false-negative notwithstanding a bone recurrence. While the prognostic value of serial CEA determinations is confirmed, the possibility of restarting (or intensifying) a protocol of adjuvant immunochemotherapy given high CEA levels and a negative clinical picture is discussed.