title: Effect of hepatic cryotherapy on serum CEA concentration in patients with multiple inoperable hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer.
abstract: Eleven patients with multiple hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer, all judged inoperable, were treated by cryotherapy using a probe through which liquid nitrogen was circulated using a single freeze thaw sequence. Localization of metastases, positioning of the probe and monitoring of ice ball size was by intra-operative ultrasound. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was measured in these patients: there was a postoperative fall in all but two. In all but one, there has been a subsequent rise. Speed and degree of rise of CEA varied between patients. Serial CEA may be an effective means of monitoring the effect of hepatic cryotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Charnley
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Morris
mesh_terms: D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D003452:Cryosurgery; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen