Prognostic impact of preoperatively elevated and postoperatively normalized carcinoembryonic antigen levels following curative resection of stage I-III rectal cancer.

Prognosis after resection of rectal cancer was worse in patients with preoperatively elevated and postoperatively normalized CEA compared to those with normal preoperative CEA. Patients with elevated preoperative CEA might require intensive follow-up even if levels normalize after resection, especially in earlier periods, for early detection of recurrence.