The Clinical Value of Serum and Urinary CEA in Bladder Cancer

Han, Chang Sup; Choi, Sung Hyup

Abstract

Carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) was measured in the serum and urine of 46 patients with bladder cancer and 15 patients with non-cancer disease as control group at the Paik Hospital. Pusan during the period from January, 1986 to June, 1988. The following results were obtained. 1. The upper limits of normal serum and urinary CEA levels in non tumor control group were 3.7 ng/ml and 2.3 ng/ml. Mean and positive rate of serum and urinary CEA levels in bladder cancer group were 4.40 ng/ml(37.0%) and 21.52ng/ml(65.2%). 2. Mean urinary CEA level was correlated significantly with the stage, grade and size of bladder cancer but no significance was seen in serum CEA. In the advanced cases(Stage C, D), serum CEA levels were elevated. 3. The diagnostic rate was not elevated in spite of urinary CEA determination combined with urinary cytology. After transurethral resection of cancer mass and radiation therapy, urinary CEA level decreased. As a result, serum and urinary CEA determinations in bladder cancer have no diagnostic value, but it will be useful in the study of the extent of cancer, effect of therapy, recurrence and prognosis.