Synergistic diagnostic value of circulating tumor cells and tumor markers CEA/CA19-9 in colorectal cancer

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology 2023-01, Vol.58 (1), p.54-60
• Main Authors: Cai, Mingzhi, He, Huiduan, Hong, Shaojun, Weng, Jianming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarkers, Tumor; CA-19-9 Antigen; carbohydrate antigen 19-9; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; CEA; Circulating tumor cell (CTC); colorectal cancer; Colorectal Neoplasms - diagnosis; Cyttel method; Humans; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating - pathology; Prognosis
• ISSN: 0036-5521; 1502-7708
• DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2022.2106152

Circulation tumor cells (CTCs) play a crucial role in cancer spread and have a strong correlation with cancer progression. Previous works of research have shown that the number of CTCs can be used to predict the recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we used the Cyttel method to isolate and detect CTCs, and analyzed their correlation with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels. We found that the amount and positive (CTC number ≥2 in 3.2 mL peripheral blood) rate of CTCs were higher in peripheral blood (PB) of patients in stage III/IV than that of patients in stage I/II, suggesting the number of CTCs in CRC patients may have a higher correlation with metastasis. Furthermore, the number of CTCs was correlated to CEA and CA19-9 levels in individuals with all stages of CRC, and all of them predicted a worse prognosis and higher recurrence rate. Notably, triple positive (CTCs ≥ 2, CEA ≥ 5 ng/mL, CA19-9 ≥ 37 U/mL in PB) leads to the worst outcome indicated by overall survival and recurrence rate. Taken together, this study first revealed that a triple combination of CTCs, which were detected by the Cyttel method but not other approaches, CEA and CA19-9 is a promising prognostic marker on the recurrence of colorectal cancer and overall survival in clinic practice.