Prognostic Value of Combined Tumor Markers in Colon Cancer Patients

Study investigates the combined tumor markers CEA and CA19-9 in colon cancer patients. 531 patients underwent curative resection, with higher preoperative and postoperative tumor marker levels associated with lower recurrence-free and overall survival rates. Patients with elevated postoperative tumor markers had increased risk of recurrence and death. Normalization of markers post-surgery improved prognosis. Postoperative tumor markers better predicted outcomes than preoperative markers.