Abstract 114P
Background
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most frequently used tumor marker in colorectal cancer (CRC) with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 70%. Some studies have discussed its significance in stage III; however, its association with other clinicopathological features is under investigated. The aim of this study was to cover this gap in the literature and evaluate the impact of CEA level on the clinicopathological features in different treatment modalities.
Methods
Data were extracted from SEER database for CRC patients )2000-2021(. Patients were first grouped according to the CEA level (positive or negative) with further stratification based on the treatment modality: curative (local excision or partial colectomy in stage I (and (partial or subtotal or total colectomy combined with systemic chemotherapy in stage II and III) or palliative chemotherapy in terminal stage IV. SPSS version 27 was used for data analysis.
Results
Out of 59,931 CRC patients, 51.4% were CEA positive. Negative CEA level had a significantly improved 5-year relative survival compared to the elevated CEA level (84.4% and 48.4%, P<0.000). In the group with a negative CEA level, females had quite similar 5-year relative survival but statistically significant compared to males (85.5% and 83.6%, P<0.001). The elevated CEA level had improved 5-year relative survival in females than males (51.1% and 46.1%, P<0.001). In the negative CEA group, Caucasians had a 5-year relative survival of 85% compared to African-Americans (79%, P<0.001), especially in stage III (85.3% and 80.4%, P<0.001) compared to the elevated CEA (48% and 44.2%, P < 0.001). Caucasians and African-Americans had similar 5-year relative survival in stage II (79.2% and 79.5%, P < 0.001). Married patients showed significantly higher 5-year survival in both negative CEA (86.3% and 81.2%, P<0.001) and elevated CEA level (50.5% and 46%, P<0.001).
Conclusions
Positive CEA status consistently correlates with poorer survival outcomes across all stages. Females and Caucasians have better survival rates. Incorporating psychological support, especially for married individuals, may enhance overall survival outcomes in addition to patients' quality of life, emphasizing the need for comprehensive patient care.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.