Elevated plasma gastrin, CEA, and CA 19-9 levels decrease after colorectal cancer resection

Background and aims: Gastrin stimulates mucosal growth of much of the gastrointestinal tract and has also been implicated in promoting growth of colonic tumors, but its role in colorectal carcinogenesis remains controversial. This study determined fasting serum gastrin levels before and after surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) and the relationship to the clinical stage of the disease to investigate it possible prognostic role. Patients and methods: Fasting radioimmunoassay gastrin, CA 19-9, and CEA levels were measured before and after surgery for CRC. Helicobacter pylori status was also assessed since it causes significant hypergastrinemia. Results: Mean fasting plasma gastrin level was significantly higher in CRC patients than in controls before surgery but not 59 days after surgery. Mean CEA and CA 19-9 levels were significantly higher in patients with CRC before surgery than after tumor resection. There was a significant positive correlation between the plasma gastrin, CEA, and CA 19-9 levels and the CRC stage (Dukes' classification). Conclusion: The significance of gastrin as a marker for diagnosis or prognostic purposes in colorectal cancer needs to be further examined.