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P Dombernowsky

Publications and source records attributed to P Dombernowsky.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Biological variation and analytical imprecision of CA 125 in patients with ovarian cancer.

Despite the availability of serial data on CA 125 in ovarian cancer, the problem of interpreting a change over time is still unsolved. Changes in marker concentrations are due not only to patients improving or deteriorating but also to analytical imprecision and normal intra-individual biological variation. The aim of this study was to assess the analytical imprecision (CV(A)) and the intra- and inter-individual biological variation (CV(I) and CV(G), respectively) of CA 125 in a group of 26 patients with clinically stable ovarian cancer. Furthermore, the critical difference for a change between two consecutive CA 125 concentrations calculated as square root(2) x Z x (CV(A)2 + CV(I)2)(1/2) (Z =1.65 for unidirectional and 1.96 for bidirectional changes, p < or = 0.05) and the index of individuality calculated as ((CV(A)2+CV(I)2)/CV(G)2)(1/2) were estimated. After the exclusion of outliers, CV(A) and the average CV(I) and CV(G) were 12.1%, 24.0%, and 43.1%, respectively. The index of individuality was 0.62 and the critical difference calculated for unidirectional changes was 62.6%. CV(A) and CV(I) contribute considerably to the variation in serial results and should, therefore, be included in the criteria for serum tumor marker assessment during monitoring of patients with ovarian cancer. The cut-off value of CA 125 is of minor value in detecting unusual results for an individual subject, when previous measurements from an individual are available. These measurements should be preferred as reference for interpretation of new results.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Assessment of CA 15.3, CEA and TPA concentrations during monitoring of breast cancer.

The variability of the tumor markers cancer antigen (CA) 15.3, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) during steady state concentrations and the rate of increase during progression is described. One hundred and ninety-two patients were monitored during first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer and during follow-up. Blood specimens were sampled approximately every four weeks. Steady state concentrations were registered for 77 (CA 15.3), 96 (CEA), and 127 (TPA) patients with below cutoff level values and for 28 (CA 15.3), 25 (CEA), and 11 (TPA) patients with above cutoff level values. Clinical and marker progression was registered for 75 (CA 15.3), 62 (CEA), and 57 (TPA) patients. The coefficients of total variation of steady state concentrations (comprising the intra- and interassay analytical imprecision and the within subject biological variation) were higher below (14.9% CA 15.3, 15.4% CEA, 25.9% TPA) than above cutoffs (9.6% CA 15.3,6.0% CEA, 19.9% TPA). The variability was similar for CA 15.3 and CEA but higher for TPA. During progression the rates of increase in concentrations were similar for CA 15.3 (0.0257) and CEA (0.0214) and lower than for TPA (0.0346). Our data indicate that criteria for assessment of sequential tumor marker concentrations should consider the marker in question, the steady state variability, the cutoff value, and the rate of increase during disease progression.

Adult↗

Progression criteria for cancer antigen 15.3 and carcinoembryonic antigen in metastatic breast cancer compared by computer simulation of marker data.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the utility of computer simulation models for performance comparisons of different tumor marker assessment criteria to define progression or nonprogression of metastatic breast cancer. METHODS: Clinically relevant values for progressive cancer antigen 15.3 and carcinoembryonic antigen concentrations were combined with representative values for background variations in a computer simulation model. Fifteen criteria for assessment of longitudinal tumor marker data were obtained from the literature and computerized. Altogether, 7200 different patients, each based on 50 measurements, were simulated. With a sampling interval of 4 weeks, the monitoring period for each event was approximately 3.8 years. RESULTS: Modulation of the background variation, the starting concentrations, and the cutoffs enabled identification of criteria that were robust against false-positive signals of progression. CONCLUSIONS: The computer simulation model is a fast, effective, and inexpensive approach for comparing the diagnostic potential of assessment criteria during clinically relevant conditions of steady-state and progressive disease. The model systems can be used to generate tumor marker assessment criteria for a variety of malignancies and to compare and optimize their diagnostic performance.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Assessment of biological variation and analytical imprecision of CA 125, CEA, and TPA in relation to monitoring of ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Changes in serial tumor marker results during monitoring of patients with ovarian cancer are due not only to deterioration or amelioration of the patient's condition, but also to preanalytical sources of variation (CPP), total random analytical error, and within-subject normal biological variation. The aim of the study was to assess (i) the analytical imprecision (CVA) and the average inherent intra- and interindividual biological variation (CVTI and CVG, respectively) for CA 125, CEA, and TPA in a group of healthy women; (ii) the significance of changes in serial results of each marker; and (iii) the index of individuality. METHODS: The study group consisted of 31 healthy women. Sixteen blood samples from each subject were collected in four series over a period of approximately 1 year. Data analysis was based on ANOVA. The index of individuality was calculated as ((CV2A + CV2TI)/CV2G)1/2 and the critical difference for a change between two consecutive concentrations as radical2xZx(CV2P + CV2A + CV2TI)1/2 (Z = 1.65 for unidirectional and 1.96 for bidirectional changes, P </= 0.05). RESULTS: The averages of CVTI and CVG were 35.5 and 70.6% for CA 125, 13.9 and 58.3% for CEA, and 31.4 and 62.5% for TPA, respectively. The indices of individuality were 0.5 for CA 125, 0.3 for CEA, and 0.5 for TPA. The critical differences of CA 125, CEA, and TPA were 84.6, 37.6, and 76. 3%, respectively (Z = 1.65). There were no significant differences in CA 125, CEA, and TPA concentrations between smokers and nonsmokers or in CA 125 and CEA concentrations between pre- and postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women had higher TPA concentrations than premenopausal (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: CVA and CVTI contribute considerably to the variation in serial results and should, therefore, be included in the criteria for serum tumor marker assessment during monitoring of patients with ovarian cancer.

Adult↗

Doxorubicin versus methotrexate both combined with cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil and tamoxifen in postmenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer--a randomised study with more than 10 years follow-up from the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group. Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group (DBCG).

To evaluate the substitution of methotrexate with doxorubicin (Dox) in CMF-(cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) containing regimen for advanced breast cancer, 415 postmenopausal patients below the age of 66 years, naïve to chemotherapy, were accrued from 1980 to 1984 and followed-up until 1995. They received tamoxifen 30 mg daily orally and by randomisation either 400 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide, 25 mg/m2 doxorubicin and 500 mg/m2 5-fluorouracil (CAF) or 40 mg/m2 methotrexate instead of Dox (CMF) intravenously (i.v.) days 1 + 8 repeated every 4 weeks. Dox was substituted by methotrexate at a cumulative dose of 550 mg/m2. Among 341 eligible patients the response rate and median time to progression was significantly in favour of CAF: 53% CAF versus 36% CMF (P = 0.002) and 11.8 months CAF versus 6.5 months CMF (P = 0.001). Median duration of response was 19.5 CAF versus 18.0 CMF months, and survival 20.8 CAF versus 17.4 CMF months (non-significant). The two regimens were equimyelotoxic. There were no treatment-related fatalities but 1 patient with congestive heart failure on CAF was reported. Nausea/vomiting, stomatitis and infections were modest in both groups, whilst alopecia was more common with CAF. Regression analysis showed that long recurrence free interval, good performance status, and no visceral involvement was significantly related to long-term survival, whilst the treatment regimen was not. It is concluded that in chemotherapy-naïve patients with advanced breast cancer Dox-containing regimens are superior and remain the first choice of chemotherapy, especially in patients with visceral metastases, until newer drugs and combinations have been proven to be superior.

Adult↗

Tamoxifen in high-risk premenopausal women with primary breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Report from the Danish Breast Cancer co-operative Group DBCG 82B Trial.

Following modified radical mastectomy, pre- and perimenopausal (amenorrhoea for < 5 years) patients with stage II or III breast cancer received CMF (cyclophosphamide 600, methotrexate 40, 5-fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.) every 4 weeks, 9 cycles). The effect on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of the addition of adjuvant tamoxifen (TAM) to adjuvant chemotherapy was examined by randomisation either to no additional treatment (n = 314), or concurrently TAM 30 mg daily for 1 year (n = 320). 40% had positive, 12% negative and 48% unknown receptor status. One year after surgery 21% versus 35% (CMF + TAM versus CMF) were still menstruating (P < 0.01). With a median follow-up of 12.2 years there was no difference in RFS (10-year RFS 34% versus 35%, P = 0.81) or OS (45% versus 46%, P = 0.73). In a Cox proportional hazards model, tumour size, number of metastatic lymph nodes, frequency of metastatic nodes in relation to total number of nodes removed, degree of anaplasia, age, and menostasia within the first year after operation were significant independent prognostic factors for RFS, and the same factors except age for OS. No significant interactions with TAM were seen. Thus, in this group of pre- and perimenopausal high-risk early breast cancer patients with heterogeneous receptor status given CMF i.v., concurrent TAM for 1 year did not improve the outcome. These results do not exclude that receptor positive patients may benefit from adjuvant TAM for longer periods given sequentially to chemotherapy.

Adult↗

Paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and cisplatin in non-resectable non-small-cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and cisplatin are each active in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and with different modes of action. Hence, a phase II study combining these drugs were conducted. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment was paclitaxel 110 mg/m2 and cisplatin 60 mg/m2 day 1 and 15, with gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 day 1, 8, and 15, every four weeks. Patients had previously untreated NSCLC, measurable disease, age 18-70 years, performance status < or = 2, and no brain metastases. RESULTS: Among 49 patients, 6 (group 1) received chemotherapy as described above, while 43 patients (group 2) did not receive gemcitabine day 8. In group 1, all experienced grade 4 neutropenia and four achieved a partial response (67%). In group 2, neutropenia grade 4 occurred in 58%, with one episode of febrile neutropenia and no toxic death. No other grade 4 toxicities occurred, while grade 3 toxicity occurred with respect to thrombocytopenia (9%), nausea/vomiting (12%), neurotoxicity (12%), and nephrotoxicity (7%). There were 3 complete and 20 partial responses (response rate 54%, 95% confidence limits 38%-69%), median response duration 29 weeks (range 10-66+), median time to progression 28 weeks (range 4-66+), median survival 46 weeks (4-89+) and one-year survival rate 42%. CONCLUSION: This regimen of paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and cisplatin has neutropenia as dose limiting toxicity, but septicemic episodes were rare and toxic death did not occur. Other grade 4 toxicities than neutropenia did not occur. The regimen appears safe and with a noteworthy activity both in terms of response rate, time to progression, and survival.

Adult↗

Early death during chemotherapy in patients with small-cell lung cancer: derivation of a prognostic index for toxic death and progression.

Based on an increased frequency of early death (death within the first treatment cycle) in our two latest randomized trials of combination chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), we wanted to identify patients at risk of early non-toxic death (ENTD) and early toxic death (ETD). Data were stored in a database and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for early death. During the first cycle, 118 out of 937 patients (12.6%) died. In 38 patients (4%), the cause of death was sepsis. Significant risk factors were age, performance status (PS), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and treatment with epipodophyllotoxins and platinum in the first cycle (EP). Risk factors for ENTD were age, PS and LDH. Extensive stage had a hazard ratio of 1.9 (P = 0.07). Risk factors for ETD were EP, PS and LDH, whereas age and stage were not. For EP, the hazard ratio was as high as 6.7 (P = 0.0001). We introduced a simple prognostic algorithm including performance status, LDH and age. Using a prognostic algorithm to exclude poor-risk patients from trials, we could minimize early death, improve long-term survival and increase the survival differences between different regimens. We suggest that other groups evaluate our algorithm and exclude poor prognosis patients from trials of dose intensification.

Age Factors↗

Phase II study of gemcitabine and vindesine in patients with previously untreated non-resectable non-small-cell lung cancer.

Because both vindesine and gemcitabine are active drugs in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with different modes of action and only partly overlapping toxicity, a phase II study was performed. Gemcitabine 1000 mg m(-2) was given on days 1, 8 and 15 every 4 weeks, while vindesine 3 mg m(-2) was administered weekly for 7 weeks, then every 2 weeks. A total of 42 patients with nonresectable NSCLC were included. The median age of patients was 56 years; 57% were men, 52% had adenocarcinoma, 31% squamous cell carcinoma and 17% had large-cell carcinoma. The performance status ranged from 0 to 2 with 83% in performance status 1. The majority (55%) had stage IV disease, while 40% had stage III B and 5% stage III A disease. WHO grade 3-4 leucopenia occurred in five patients (12%) and 9% had grade 4 neutropenia. Thrombocytopenia grade 3-4 was observed in six patients (15%). There were no septic death or bleeding episodes. One patient had a transient WHO grade 4 increase in bilirubin, and four patients had a decrease in glomerular filtration rate below the normal limit; one of these patients developed a non-reversible renal insufficiency. Ten patients (24%) complained of dyspnoea of uncertain mechanism, possibly involving bronchoconstriction. There were one complete and seven partial responses among 40 assessable patients (20%, 95% confidence limits 9-36%). Median response duration was 31 weeks (range 11-83 weeks) and median survival time 31 weeks (range 2-171 weeks). The current combination of gemcitabine and vindesine does not appear to be promising for further examination because of the toxicity and somewhat disappointing activity.

Adult↗

Granisetron compared with prednisolone plus metopimazine as anti-emetic prophylaxis during multiple cycles of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.

This randomized, double-blind, double-dummy parallel study compared the anti-emetic efficacy and tolerability of the serotonin antagonist granisetron with prednisolone plus the dopamine D2 antagonist metopimazine during nine cycles of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. Chemotherapy naive women with stage I or II breast cancer scheduled to intravenous cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil and methotrexate or cyclophosphamide, epirubicin and fluorouracil every 3 weeks were included. Patients received a single intravenous dose of granisetron 3 mg or a 3-day oral treatment with prednisolone 25 mg once a day plus metopimazine 30 mg four times a day. A total of 223 women were enrolled and 218 patients (97.8%) were evaluable for efficacy. Granisetron (n = 109) was superior to prednisolone plus metopimazine (n = 109) in the prophylaxis of acute nausea and vomiting during the first cycle of chemotherapy (P < 0.001) and prednisolone plus metopimazine was superior on days 2-5 (P = 0.002). Overall, granisetron was superior on days 1-5 (P = 0.009). The median number of cycles completed with granisetron was five (95% confidence interval 4-6) compared with two (95% confidence interval 2-2) for prednisolone plus metopimazine (P = 0.0019). Constipation and rash were reported more frequently with granisetron (P < 0.001 and P = 0.043 respectively) and palpitations more frequently with prednisolone plus metopimazine (P = 0.015). In conclusion, the number of cycles completed with granisetron was significantly higher than the number completed with prednisolone plus metopimazine, but the anti-emetic efficacy of both treatments declined during multiple cycles of moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.

Adult↗

Metastatic pattern in non-resectable non-small cell lung cancer.

This study describes the metastatic pattern at autopsy in patients with non-resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and evaluates the impact of various pretreatment variables and treatment outcomes on the metastatic spread. In eight phase II chemotherapy trials from 1985 through 1993, 337 patients were treated and 51 autopsies were performed (autopsy rate 15%). The male/female ratio was 31/20, median age 56 years (range 36-71), response rate to chemotherapy 8%, and median survival 88 days (range 3-899). Histologic types included adenocarcinoma, 31 cases (60%), squamous cell carcinoma, 9 cases (18%), large cell carcinoma, 9 cases (18%), and unclassified NSCLC, 2 cases (4%). Patients who were autopsied had a shorter median survival than patients without autopsy (p = 0.002, log-rank test). Most commonly involved metastatic sites found at autopsy were mediastinal lymph nodes (84%), pleura (51%), liver (47%), bone (34%), brain (32%), pericardium (29%), adrenals (29%). The median number of involved organs was 5 (range 1-16), with a median of 3 intrathoracic sites (range 1-8) and 2 extrathoracic sites (range 0-11). Patients who initially had metastatic NSCLC also had significantly more metastatic sites at autopsy both extrathoracic (p = 0.004) and totally (p = 0.03) compared to patients with locally advanced disease. No other relation to pretreatment variables was found.

Adult↗

Outcome of combination chemotherapy in extensive stage small-cell lung cancer: any treatment related progress?

During the past two decades many different treatment regimens of combination chemotherapy have been applied in extensive stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). This study was carried out to identify whether these modifications have resulted in an improved overall survival for extensive stage during the past two decades. In total, 1111 patients with extensive stage SCLC were included in six consecutive randomised trials in our setting from 1973 until 1992. Of these, 526 patients treated in the early period (1973-1981) were compared with 585 patients treated in the late period (1981-1992) with respect to pretreatment prognostic factors, staging, treatment and outcome. No change in the distribution of prognostic factors was detected and the frequency of patients with extensive stage was equal in the two periods, and no difference in overall response rates and survival was observed (P = 0.49). Median survival in the two periods was 208 days and 215 days, respectively. No stage migration or treatment-related improved outcome was observed in extensive disease. We suggest restricting aggressive treatment to patients with favorable prognosis and long-term survival as a realistic aim.

Adult↗

High-dose epirubicin is not an alternative to standard-dose doxorubicin in the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcomas. A study of the EORTC soft tissue and bone sarcoma group.

The activity and toxicity of single-agent standard-dose doxorubicin were compared with that of two schedules of high-dose epirubicin. A total of 334 chemonaive patients with histologically confirmed advanced soft-tissue sarcomas received (A) doxorubicin 75 mg m(-2) on day 1 (112 patients), (B) epirubicin 150 mg m(-2) on day 1 (111 patients) or (C) epirubicin 50 mg m(-2) day(-1) on days 1, 2 and 3 (111 patients); all given as bolus injection at 3-week intervals. A median of four treatment cycles was given. Median age was 52 years (19-70 years) and performance score 1 (0-2). Of 314 evaluable patients, 45 (14%) had an objective tumour response (eight complete response, 35 partial response). There were no differences among the three groups. Median time to progression for groups A, B and C was 16, 14 and 12 weeks, and median survival 45, 47 and 45 weeks respectively. Neither progression-free (P = 0.93) nor overall survival (P = 0.89) differed among the three groups. After the first cycle of therapy, two patients died of infection and one owing to cardiovascular disease, all on epirubicin. Both dose schedules of epirubicin were more myelotoxic than doxorubicin. Cardiotoxicity (> or = grade 3) occurred in 1%, 0% and 2% respectively. Regardless of the schedule, high-dose epirubicin is not a preferred alternative to standard-dose doxorubicin in the treatment of patients with advanced soft-tissue sarcomas.

Adult↗

Epirubicin cardiotoxicity: an analysis of 469 patients with metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of cumulative dose, dose-intensity, single-dose level, and schedule of epirubicin on the risk of developing congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients with advanced breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred sixty-nine consecutive anthracyline-naive patients with metastatic breast cancer were included. Only patients with cardiac failure according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) function class II or more were recorded as having CHF. For each patient, the following were calculated: the cumulative dose of epirubicin, mean dose-intensity (cumulative dose of epirubicin/duration of treatment), and single-dose level (cumulative dose of epirubicin/number of injections). RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (7.2%) developed CHF. The cumulative risk of cardiotoxicity was 4% at 900 mg/m2 and increased exponentially to 15% at 1,000 mg/m2. Irradiation against the mediastinum and thoracic spine increased the risk of CHF (P=.025), but dose-intensity, single-dose level, and schedule had no influence on the risk of developing CHF. Age, previous adjuvant irradiation (to the left or right hemithorax), and previous chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil [CMF]) were not risk factors. The median time to onset of CHF following the last dose of epirubicin was 57 days (range, 0 to 853). Among patients with CHF, 13 (38.2%) died of cardiac failure. The median survival time for all patients with CHF was 162 days (range, 0 to +1,957). Previous irradiation directly against the heart increased the risk of death due to cardiac failure and decreased the median survival time to 125 days (range, 0 to 336). CONCLUSION: The present large retrospective study of 469 patients substantiates previous results concerning the cardiotoxicity of epirubicin. A significantly increasing risk of CHF in patients who receive cumulative doses greater than 950 mg/m2 was established. The future recommended maximum cumulative dose of epirubicin should be 900 mg/m2 in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Previous irradiation against the heart leads to an increased risk of developing CHF with an accelerated course to death, which indicates an additive cardiotoxic effect of irradiation and epirubicin.

Adult↗

Letrozole, a new oral aromatase inhibitor for advanced breast cancer: double-blind randomized trial showing a dose effect and improved efficacy and tolerability compared with megestrol acetate.

PURPOSE: To compare two doses of letrozole and megestrol acetate (MA) as second-line therapy in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer previously treated with antiestrogens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five hundred fifty-one patients with locally advanced, locoregionally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive letrozole 2.5 mg (n = 174), letrozole 0.5 mg (n = 188), or MA 160 mg (n = 189) once daily in a double-blind, multicenter trial. Data were analyzed for tumor response and safety variables up to 33 months of follow-up evaluation and for survival up to 45 months. RESULTS: Letrozole 2.5 mg produced a significantly higher overall objective response rate (24%) compared with MA (16%; logistic regression, P = .04) or letrozole 0.5 mg (13%; P = .004). Duration of objective response was significantly longer for letrozole 2.5 mg compared with MA (Cox regression, P = .02). Letrozole 2.5 mg was significantly superior to MA and letrozole 0.5 mg in time to treatment failure (P = .04 and P = .002, respectively). For time to progression, letrozole 2.5 mg was superior to letrozole 0.5 mg (P = .02), but not to MA (P = .07). There was a significant dose effect in overall survival in favor of letrozole 2.5 mg (P = .03) compared with letrozole 0.5 mg. Letrozole was significantly better tolerated than MA with respect to serious adverse experiences, discontinuation due to poor tolerability, cardiovascular side effects, and weight gain. CONCLUSION: The data show letrozole 2.5 mg once daily to be more effective and better tolerated than MA in the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer previously treated with antiestrogens.

Administration, Oral↗

Gemcitabine and paclitaxel combinations in non-small cell lung cancer.

Gemcitabine and paclitaxel are new cytotoxic agents that have been used both as single agents and in combination, particularly with cisplatin, in the therapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with promising results. The lack of overlapping toxicities and different mechanisms of action of gemcitabine and paclitaxel make the combination of these drugs appealing in the treatment of NSCLC. A number of phase I and II trials are evaluating the use of this combination of cytotoxic agents as first-line therapy and as second-line therapy in patients with advanced NSCLC. In ongoing phase II trials using a 21-day schedule, the combination of gemcitabine and paclitaxel therapy appears to be well-tolerated, with response rates ranging from 29% to 58% and hematologic toxicities that are mild to moderate in severity. Other reported toxicities included alopecia, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms, which were also mild to moderate. However, grade 2/3 neurotoxicity was also reported. In conclusion, preliminary results from these early phase II trials of gemcitabine/paclitaxel combination therapy in advanced NSCLC are encouraging.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

Carcino-embryonic antigen in monitoring the growth of human colon adenocarcinoma tumour cells SK-CO-1 and HT-29 in vitro and in nude mice.

A set of experimental model systems were designed to investigate (a) the inter-relationship between growth of two human cancer cell lines (SK-CO-1, HT-29) and carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) kinetics; and (b) whether neoplastic growth or CEA concentration is modulated by human growth hormone (hGH). We found that increasing CEA concentration depended on tumour burden. SK-CO-1 cells had the lowest growth rates but the highest rates of CEA production. The rate of CEA increase exceeded the growth rate of both SK-CO-1 and HT-29. hGH modulated neither neoplastic growth nor CEA production. In conclusion, our results suggest that experimental models may be useful for investigating the role of serological markers as monitors of increasing tumour burden. It will be of interest to investigate the performance of those model systems in examining the effect of cytotoxic agents in neoplastic growth.

Adenocarcinoma↗