Carcinoembryonic antigen surge in metastatic colorectal cancer patients responding to irinotecan combination chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Oxaliplatin (OXA)-induced carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) surge was reported to be associated with a clinical benefit. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenomenon of CEA surge in irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 132 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy. Incidence of a CEA surge and chemotherapy efficacy were investigated.

RESULTS

Eleven of 99 eligible patients (11.1%) had CEA surges. None of the 11 patients showed progressive disease (four had a partial response, seven had stable disease).

CONCLUSION

A CEA surge can be induced by irinotecan-based chemotherapy. An early increase in CEA after irinotecan-based chemotherapy does not usually indicate progression of disease and failure of therapy, and should not lead to a change of chemotherapy.