What does this mean

[BIGC4ME]

CEA doubling time and
CEA half time
I have seen it mentioned in my research but can't find the answer. Are either one good or bad?

[Nik Colon]

Not sure exactly what you mean, but I have heard of CEA doubling or increading, which can mean that cancer has returned or is growing. Dropping CEA is good, but, CEA is not always a good indicator for everyone.

Af far as doubling time or half time, idk. I have only heard of tumor doubling time.

[O Stoma Mia]

Here is an old article that makes a statement about the rate of CEA change and likelihood of recurrence. I'm not sure if this can be taken as a standard or general rule, though.

"..Nevertheless, it has been suggested recently that when CEA increases more rapidly than an average of 12.6% per month, recurrence should be strongly suspected (213). Serial CEA determinations may in this way allow initiation of anti-tumor chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or second-look surgery at an earlier stage of progression of recurrent colorectal cancer and offer a better outcome for the patient..."

213 Denstman F, Rosen L, Khubchandani IT, et al. Comparing predictive decision rules in postoperative CEA monitoring. Cancer 58(9): 2089-2095; 1986

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[Kick'nAssCancer'sAss]

I have also wondered what this meant. I have also seen CEA half life.

[rp1954]

CEA half life is something that can be measured by CEA blood values taken before and after surgery for clues as to the completeness of the resection.
Best timed values are: right before surgery, a few days (3-6 days) after surgery and a third set several more days later.

CEA doubling time is measured by a series of CEA measurements. It is a clue to likely cancer growth, even if not yet imaged, and its degree of aggressiveness.