Prognostic significance of preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen in stomach and colorectal cancer.

Prognostic parameters of patients with stomach and colorectal cancer, which could be established within a few days during hospitalization of patients for primary treatment, were characterized and compared in a clinical investigation with observed postoperative survival. Statistical analysis was based on data from a long-term follow-up study of 563 colorectal and 390 stomach cancer patients registered since 1974. The potential prognostic parameters included resectability, tumor extension, and preoperative serum CEA levels. Statistical examination revealed that each of the parameters was associated with highly significant differences in survival of the patients. Combinations of clinical parameters with distinct ranges of preoperative serum CEA levels gave additional valuable prognostic information, thus facilitating the management of patients for adjuvant postoperative treatment.