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. 1972 Sep 9;3(5827):605–609. doi: 10.1136/bmj.3.5827.605

Role of Plasma Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal, Mammary, and Bronchial Carcinoma

D J R Laurence, U Stevens, R Bettelheim, D Darcy, C Leese, C Turberville, P Alexander, E W Johns, A Munro Neville
PMCID: PMC1785948  PMID: 5071695

Abstract

Our studies have confirmed that raised plasma levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (C.E.A.) occur with many but not all malignant tumours, particularly those of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, and bronchus. However, the incidence of raised values may reach 30% in diseases associated with inflammation or regeneration or both. Consequently, it cannot serve yet as a routine screening test for cancer. Effective surgical therapy results in high plasma C.E.A. levels returning to normal. Subsequent rises appear to develop with tumour recurrence or spread. At present the most useful role for C.E.A. seems to be in monitoring patients during the post-therapeutic followup period. Further basic work is required before C.E.A. can become of routine medical value.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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