A 60-year-old patient undergoes curative resection for colorectal cancer. During postoperative surveillance, which serum tumor marker is most useful for detecting recurrence?

• A CA 19-9
• B Alpha-fetoprotein
• C CA 125
• D Carcinoembryonic antigen ✓

Explanation

Carcinoembryonic antigen is the recommended serum tumor marker for postoperative surveillance of colorectal cancer to detect recurrence. It is not used for screening but is valuable for monitoring after curative resection. CA 19-9 is associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Alpha-fetoprotein is used for hepatocellular carcinoma and germ cell tumors. CA 125 is primarily used for ovarian cancer surveillance.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.