Correlation of Plasma Prolactin and Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Colorectal Cancer

TL;DR

This study found that higher levels of prolactin and CEA are linked in colorectal cancer patients, suggesting a possible role for prolactin as a biomarker.

Contribution

The study is the first to demonstrate a positive correlation between plasma prolactin and CEA in colorectal cancer patients.

Findings

Both plasma prolactin and CEA levels were elevated in colorectal cancer patients.

A positive correlation was observed between serum prolactin and CEA levels.

Abstract

Background

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been widely used as a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer for decades. Elevated levels of prolactin have also been observed in various cancers, including CRC; however, the role of elevated prolactin in colorectal cancer remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between plasma prolactin and CEA levels in patients with colorectal cancer.

Materials and methods

In this observational study, 80 colorectal cancer patients were included. Serum levels of prolactin and CEA were measured using chemiluminescence assay (Siemens AdviaCentaur XP, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, unpaired t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate correlations between the two biomarkers.

Results

Our results showed elevated levels of both plasma prolactin and CEA in colorectal cancer patients. A positive correlation was found between serum prolactin and CEA levels in the patient population.

Conclusion

The present study found elevated serum prolactin levels in most patients with raised CEA levels. Further research is required to better understand the role of prolactin as a potential prognostic factor in colorectal cancer and to establish the relationship between serum prolactin and CEA.

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