Early detection of recurrence after curative resection for colorectal cancer - obstacles when using soluble biomarkers?

Objective: Results from monitoring studies using biomarkers in blood samples aiming at early detection of recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC) are presently evaluated. However, some serological biomarker levels are influenced by the surgical trauma, which may complicate translation of the levels in relation to recurrence. The primary purpose of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of postoperative surgical interventions during a follow-up period of patients who have undergone surgery for primary CRC.

High plasma TIMP-1 and serum CEA levels during combination chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer are significantly associated with poor outcome.

Objective: To evaluate whether combination chemotherapy leads to early changes in plasma TIMP-1 and serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and whether such changes relate to subsequent objective response, time to progression (TTP) and overall survival.

Materials And Methods: Eighty-eight patients with mCRC were included. Blood samples were collected before initiation and after 2, 4 and 6 weeks of treatment with an irinotecan-5-fluorouracil combination.

Chemoradiation-induced changes in serum CEA and plasma TIMP-1 in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Background: Preoperative biomarkers serum CEA and plasma TIMP-1 have been shown to have prognostic and predictive value in patients with colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible impact of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on preoperative biomarker levels in patients with rectal cancer.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-three patients with rectal cancer were prospectively included.

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.

[Perineal wound complications following preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer].

Introduction: Every year, approximately 1200 new cases of rectal cancer are registered in Denmark. Preoperative radiation therapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy (chemo-radiation) is a gold standard in the treatment of patients with T3 and T4 tumours. Although it carries a good response rate, preoperative radiation is associated with significant morbidity including wound infection and delayed healing.