Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels correlating with disease recurrence in a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is an oncofetal glycoprotein involved in cell recognition and adhesion. Serum CEA has been extensively studied as a potential chemical marker for malignancy, most notably in patients with colon carcinoma. Serum CEA measurements have not been reported for patients with salivary gland carcinomas.


METHODS
Serum CEA was measured in a case study using enzyme immunoassay with monoclonal antibody specific for CEA. Tissue was examined with standard histologic and immunohistologic methods.


RESULTS
A patient was initially seen with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the trachea and had a markedly elevated serum CEA level which declined after surgical resection. The serum CEA level became elevated again when the patient developed abdominal metastases and then declined after debulking of the tumor. Immunohistochemical study of the tumor was positive for CEA.


CONCLUSIONS
The measurement of serum CEA levels may play a role in the management of patients with ACC. Clinical investigation utilizing monoclonal antibodies against CEA, for imaging and for the delivery of chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be worthwhile.
Kuhel
W I
WI
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York 10021, USA.
Chow
H
H
Godwin
T A
TA
Minick
C R
CR
Libby
D M
DM
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007414:Intestinal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000556:secondary*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014134:Tracheal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen