Definition

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol (GPI) cell-surface-anchored glycoprotein whose specific glycoprotein form acts as functional colon cancer L-selectin and E-selectin ligands that may be critical for the metastatic spread of colon cancer cells. Carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein that is found in very low amounts in adult blood. In some types of cancer and non-cancer (benign) conditions, blood CEA levels may be elevated. CEA testing is the most commonly used colorectal cancer.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a nonspecific serum biomarker that is elevated in a variety of malignancies, including colorectal cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and mucinous ovarian cancer. It is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 200 kDa, usually derived from the embryonic endoderm epithelium of the fetus, controlled by fetal oncogenes. Usually, it disappears from the serum after birth. However, a small amount of CEA remains in colonic tissue. Human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and its associated genes (29, 18 of which are normally expressed) make up the CEA family. CEA is synthesized by the fetal gastrointestinal epithelium, pancreas and liver, CEA is elevated within the first 6 months of pregnancy, the content is very low after birth, and the serum CEA concentration in healthy adults is less than 2.5 ng/ml. The mucosal epithelium produces quite a bit of CEA, but it does not enter the bloodstream.

Fig. 1 Tumour cell with Carcinoembryonic antigen

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a group of highly associated glycoproteins involved in cell adhesion. CEA is normally produced in gastrointestinal tissues during fetal development but stops before birth. As a result, CEA is usually low in the blood of healthy adults.

Fig. 2  The structure of Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Function

Carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein in the body. The fetus has high levels in the womb. After birth, the level drops significantly. Healthy adults have low levels of vitamin D, but certain types of cancer can cause vitamin D levels to rise. This test can often help predict whether the cancer is growing or spreading to other parts of the body. It can also help judge how well your treatment is working and predict your prospects.

CEA is originally found in colon cancer and fetal intestinal tissue, hence the term carcinoembryonic antigen. Elevated CEA is common in colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, breast, and medullary thyroid cancers. However, 15% ~ 53% of people with smoking, pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, non-specific colitis and other diseases also have elevated serum CEA. Therefore, CEA is not a specific marker for malignancy and only has an auxiliary value. In addition, there is a clear relationship between serum CEA levels and colorectal cancer stage, and the more advanced the lesion, the higher the CEA concentration.

Cancers that can cause high levels of CEA include:

-- Colon and rectum (colorectal or bowel cancer)

-- Prostate

-- Ovary

-- Lung

-- Thyroid

-- Liver

-- Pancreas

-- Breast

Application

The clinical relevance of CEA analysis has been confirmed in the follow-up treatment of colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer. The results of follow-up studies in colorectal, breast and lung cancer people showed that the preoperative CEA value had prognostic significance.

CEA values should be used in conjunction with clinical evaluation and other processes. CEA testing can be used as an adjunct to predict prognosis and adjuvant treatment outcomes in people with tumors.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing is mainly used in cancer people whose CEA levels are regularly elevated. It is most commonly used for colorectal cancer.

-- Learn more about cancer as soon as possible. CEA levels can help predict the likelihood of recovery and/or the likelihood of cancer recurrence after treatment.

-- See how well your cancer treatment works.

-- Monitoring: In asymptomatic people, CEA is the most common indicator of relapse.

The positive correlation between CEA and pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and urinary system cancer was 30-70%. The sensitivity for colon cancer ranged from 45 to 80%. However, CEA is a non-specific marker and only plays an auxiliary role.

Fig. 3 CEA-Test

Alpha Lifetech Inc. is dedicated to developing CA15-3 diagnostic regents. Alpha Lifetech Inc. is a reputable supplier focusing on research, manufacture and sales of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) regents. All the IVD regents offered by Alpha Lifetech Inc. have undergone strict QC validation and are certified by the COA (certificate of analysis). Meanwhile, we can provide customized services according to customers' requirements. Alpha Lifetech Inc. is committed to supplying high-quality, high-sensitivity antigen and antibody products for scientific research and industrial customers. In addition to regular small packages, Alpha Lifetech Inc.'s large-scale fermentation platform also allows us to provide raw material-grade IVD regents for the majority of industrial clients.

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