Application of serum colon cancer-specific antigen-2 in postoperative follow-up and prognostic judgment of colorectal cancer

Abstract:

Objective：To evaluate the value of serum colon cancer-specific antigen-2（CCSA-2） as a surveillance and prognostic mark－er for colorectal cancer（CRC）. Methods：CCSA-2 content in the serum was measured using ELISA method from 49 CRC patients（in－cluding 14 colon cancer patients and 35 rectal cancer patients） on 3 d before surgery and on 7 d after surgery，respectively. Serum CCSA-2 level was also detected every 3-6 months during the follow-up to observe the relationship between CCSA-2 level and tu－mor recurrence and metastasis. Results：Serum CCSA-2 content in CRC patients was significantly decreased on 7 d after surgery（t=26.53，P<0.001），but it was rebounded to a high level again when the recurrence occurred（P<0.01）. Pre-operative serum CCSA-2 level in patients with recurrence after surgery was significantly higher than that in the patients without recurrence. Conclusion：Serum CCSA-2 may be a useful biomarker in surveillance and prognosis estimate for CRC.