Carcinoembryonic antigen in ovarian cancer: Correlation of concentrations in tumour tissue, cyst fluid, ascitic fluid and peripheral blood

Summary: The interpretation of CEA levels in patients with malignant disease is still difficult in some instances because of lack of knowledge of the factors which influence the concentrations of CEA in peripheral blood. In the present study of patients with advanced ovarian cancer, CEA was measured in extracts of the tumour, in cyst fluid, in ascitic fluid, as well as in serum. A gradient in CEA level was found in the various compartments, highest values being found in the primary tumour and cyst fluid, intermediate values in the surrounding ascitic fluid, and the lowest values in peripheral blood. A significant correlation was found between CEA concentrations in tumour and cyst fluid or ascitic fluid, but not between CEA concentrations in tumour and serum. CEA was more frequently detected in the ascitic fluid than the corresponding serum; it increased the CEA positivity rate from 57% to 78%