We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Simple Test Improves Treatment for Colon Cancer Patients

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 06 Jul 2017
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the USA and the second deadliest. More...
There are four primary stages of colon cancer. Generally, with stage 2, the cancer has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs but has grown into or through the wall of the colon.

An underused simple blood test could improve treatment for more than 1 in 6 of stage 2 colon cancer patients, and many patients who could benefit from the test likely are not receiving it. The blood test has been around for decades but is not broadly used across the different states.

Scientists at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) used data from the National Cancer Database for 40,844 patients, to look at benefits of a blood test that measures the protein called carcinoembryonic antigen, or CEA, in stage 2 colon cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen can be found in higher levels in people with certain cancers, especially colon cancer. The patients were stage II colon adenocarcinoma patients undergoing curative intent resection. A novel risk stratification including both traditional high-risk features (T4 lesion, less than 12 lymph nodes sampled and poor differentiation) and elevated CEA was developed.

The investigators found that knowing these blood test results prior to treatment could have changed the classification for 17% of stage 2 colon cancer patients from average risk to high risk. That change could have altered treatment options, including whether to use chemotherapy. They also discovered that, for stage 2 patients who had surgery but not chemotherapy, the five-year survival rate was 66% for those with elevated protein levels and 76% for those without elevated levels. And for patients with elevated protein levels, those who had chemotherapy and surgery fared better than those who only had surgery.

Kellie Mathis, M.D., a colon and rectal surgeon and senior author of the study said, “The decision to give a patient chemotherapy after surgery is not a light one, and physicians must weigh the risks and benefits. We are currently using the blood test to help make these difficult decisions, and we suggest other physicians do the same. If a patient with a new diagnosis of stage 2 colon cancer has an elevated carcinoembryonic antigen level, physicians should consider chemotherapy in addition to surgery. There is no good reason for a physician to omit this blood test, and more work needs to be done to ensure that all patients receive it.” The study was published in the May 2017 issue of the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Related Links:
Mayo Clinic


New
Gold Member
Quality Control Material
iPLEX Pro Exome QC Panel
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Staining System
RAL DIFF-QUIK
New
Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.