Tumor Marker- Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), first described in 1965 by Gold and Freeman, is a tumor-associated antigen characterized as an oncofetal glycoprotein. The Healgen CEA Test is a sensitive and less complicated immunoassay of CEA. CEA was first present as a specific antigen for adenocarcinoma of the colon. More recent studies have demonstrated CEA presence in a variety of malignancies, particularly those involving ectodermal tissues of gastrointestinal or pulmonary origin. Small amounts have also been demonstrated in secretions from the colonic mucosa. Additionally, CEA-like substances have been reported in normal bile from non-icteric patients.