Tumor Markers (CEA, CA19-9, TPA) in Portal Blood in Colorectal Cancer Patients

The Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA19-9 and Tissue Polypeptide Antigen (TPA) levels in portal blood in colorectal cancer patients were studied in correlation with the peripheral blood levels and histopathologic findings in order to know serum levels increased. 1) Portal blood CEA, CA19-9 and TPA increased by operative maneuver. 2) Mean values of these markers in portal blood were higher than those in peripheral blood. 3) Portal blood CEA was correlated with Dukes' staging, and revealed higher positive rates than CEA in peripheral blood in each stage. Portal CA19-9 changed within normal value and strikingly rose in Dukes' D stage. Portal TPA tends to be higher in all stages and correlated with grades, but the value in Dukes' D were lower than that of peripheral blood. 5) Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma revealed the highest level of portal CEA (P<0.05), but portal CA19-9 and TPA did not indicate any correlation with cell differentiation. 6) The mean values of portal and peripheral CEA, CA19-9 and TPA showed significant elevation in those with infiltration of cancer cells extending through the proper muscle layer. This study suggests that the mechanism of these markers' transfer from tumor into the portal vein is the most important decisive factor of the peripheral levels.
Acta medica Nagasakiensia. 1991, 36(1-4), p.185-190