A study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology found that the presence or absence of CEA mRNA in a blood sample may help predict whether colorectal cancer will recur.
What the Heck is CEA mRNA?
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) is a protein and it's thought that CEA levels in a person's blood may increase in the presence of colorectal cancer. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is basically the template your body uses when manufacturing proteins, including CEA.
Results of the CEA mRNA Study
Researchers found that the presence of CEA mRNA in a blood sample taken seven days after someone had received surgery for colorectal cancer, increased that person's chances of having a recurrence. The absence of CEA mRNA was an indication that recurrence was less likely. It's certainly no crystal ball, but it might be worth discussing with your doctor if the test becomes comercially available.
Related Research Summaries:- Chemo and Radiation Before Surgery Help Keep Rectal Cancer from Coming Back
- Studies Find that Exercise Increases Colon Cancer Survival Rate
- Study Explains Why Exercising Aids in Colon Cancer Survival
Source: Sadahiro, S. and Suzuki, T. "Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Messenger RNA-Expressing Cells in Peripheral Blood 7 Days After Curative Surgery is a Novel Prognostic Factor in Colorectal Cancer." Annals of Surgical Oncology 14 (2007): 1092-1098. Accessed 17 March 2007.
