Tumor Markers May Help Predict Outcomes After Cytoreductive Surgery for Appendix Cancer

New research led by Dr. John Paul Shen of MD Anderson Cancer Center, published in JAMA Network Open, offers important insight into how commonly measured blood tumor markers may help predict outcomes for patients with appendix cancer (appendiceal adenocarcinoma). ACPMP is proud to be one of the funders supporting this research.

What the researchers studied

The study looked at three serum tumor markers – CEA, CA19-9, and CA125 – measured before and after cytoreductive surgery (CRS), with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). CRS aims to remove all visible cancer from the abdomen, and achieving complete cytoreduction is critical for long-term outcomes.

What they found

• Before surgery: Elevated tumor marker levels were associated with a higher tumor burden, a lower likelihood of complete tumor removal, and a shorter time before the cancer returned.
• After surgery: When tumor markers stayed elevated after surgery, patients were more likely to experience recurrence and had poorer survival.
• Good news: When marker levels returned to normal after surgery, patients had significantly better outcomes.

Why it matters

These findings suggest that routinely measuring CEA, CA19-9, and CA125 both before and after surgery can help clinicians better understand each patient’s risk, monitor for remaining disease, and tailor follow-up care. Identifying patients at higher risk of relapse may also help select those who could benefit from new therapies in clinical trials.

Read the study

Pattalachinti VK, et al. Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma Cytoreduction Outcomes and Perioperative Serum Tumor Marker Levels. JAMA Network Open. 2026;9(5):e2610569. Read the full article.

See more ACPMP-supported studies in our Published Research library.

This summary is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please talk with your care team about what this research may mean for you.