Question about cea

[Volfan]

Don't think I'm real sure what this number represents.
When I started treatment my number was 103 then it went to 44 then 9.6 then 7.6.
Doc checks it once a month and says it's a good marker for me since the last scan showed 40% reduction in liver tumors and significant reduction in rectal cancer.
Yesterday at my appointment doc said he expects either this check or the next check I would be in normal range.
My question is if cea does get in normal range what does that actually mean since I will still have two liver mets and the cancer in my rectum.

[NZJay]

Normal range CEA alone is not proof of absence of active cancer.
Abnormal range CEA alone is not proof of presence of active cancer.

So essentially, CEA trend monitoring just helps your team with your treatment / observation plan. IE whether chemo is probably reducing your tumours, whether you may need a CT scan etc.