Free DNA and carcinoembryonic antigen serum levels: an important combination for diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Purpose: The identification of new molecular markers for the early detection of colorectal cancer has become an important objective. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of free circulating DNA with that of the more conventional carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and evaluated the two markers in combination.

Experimental Design: The study was carried out on 75 healthy donors and 75 colorectal cancer patients.