Changes in soluble CEA and TIMP-1 levels during adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer.

BACKGROUND

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) has been suggested to be a valuable marker in colorectal cancer (CRC), but the effects of chemotherapy on TIMP-1 levels are unknown. The present study evaluated the effect of chemotherapy on TIMP-1 levels in comparison with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in patients with stage III colon cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty patients who had been curatively resected for stage III colon cancer were included. The patients received 10-12 cycles of modified FOLFOX6 regimen. Blood samples were collected before and after the first and the second cycle and three months later.

RESULTS

No significant change could be detected in CEA levels while TIMP-1 raised significantly after the second cycle but returned to normal 3 months later.

CONCLUSION

Plasma CEA levels are stable during adjuvant chemotherapy while the plasma level of TIMP-1 might be directly affected by chemotherapy represented by a transient rise about 2 weeks following the initiation of treatment.