Advances in carcinoembryonic antigen detection: a review of clinical applications and standardization

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is among the earliest identified tumor markers and remains extensively utilized in the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer. The detection of CEA presents considerable challenges in the field of analytical chemistry, given its complexity. The most prevalent detection approach is the immunoassay, including the chemiluminescence immunoassay commonly employed in clinical settings; however, discrepancies between various methods persist. Mass spectrometry-based techniques offer enhanced accuracy as they circumvent matrix interference. Nonetheless, the intricate nature of proteins continues to pose significant challenges. This paper reviews recent advancements in CEA detection technologies, examines their clinical application potential from two key platforms, and addresses the standardization process of CEA detection. This paper highlights the importance of developing rapid and precise methods for CEA analysis in complex matrices and their standardization.