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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
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Colorectal Cancer Cell Surface Protein Profiling Using an Antibody Microarray and Fluorescence Multiplexing
Published on: September 25, 2011
Comparative study of carcinoembryonic antigen and epithelial membrane antigen expression in normal colon, adenomas
B R Davidson1, V R Sams, J Styles
1Department of Surgery, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, London.
Gut
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Comparing Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) in colorectal cancer, this study found CEA is more sensitive but less specific than EMA. Selecting antibodies based on tumor biopsies may improve cancer localization for imaging or therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Cancer Biomarkers
Background:
- Tumor antigen heterogeneity necessitates personalized antibody selection for effective tumor localization.
- Previous comparisons between Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) expression in colorectal cancer are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the expression patterns of CEA and EMA in colorectal cancer tissues.
- To evaluate the utility of CEA and EMA as biomarkers for colorectal cancer detection and characterization.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunoperoxidase staining was performed on colorectal cancer tissues (n=52), adjacent normal colon (n=45), adenomas (n=11), and nodal metastases (n=49).
- Monoclonal antibodies targeting CEA and EMA were used.
- Tumor sections were graded based on the percentage of positive cells.
Main Results:
- All primary colorectal cancers expressed CEA; 83% expressed EMA.
- CEA expression was significantly higher in well-differentiated tumors and proximal lesions compared to EMA.
- EMA was not expressed in normal colon or adenomas, suggesting higher specificity.
Conclusions:
- EMA is more specific but less sensitive than CEA for colorectal cancer.
- EMA expression is independent of tumor differentiation and location.
- Selecting monoclonal antibodies to CEA or EMA based on tumor biopsies may enhance tumor localization for imaging or therapy in colorectal cancer patients.
