What tumor marker is particularly used in the monitoring of colorectal cancer patients post-treatment?

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the tumor marker that is primarily used in monitoring patients with colorectal cancer after they have undergone treatment. CEA is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, and it is produced during fetal development, but it typically has low levels in healthy adults. In adults, elevated levels of CEA can be associated with several types of cancers, most notably colorectal cancer.

After treatment for colorectal cancer, measuring CEA levels regularly helps in detecting recurrence of the disease. An increase in CEA levels may indicate that cancer has returned or progressed, making it a valuable tool for ongoing patient management. Regular monitoring can aid in timely intervention, which is crucial for improving outcomes in cancer management.

Other tumor markers listed are used for different cancers, such as alpha-fetoprotein for liver cancer, prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer, and CA-125 primarily for ovarian cancer. Their roles in monitoring are specific to their respective cancers, highlighting the importance of using the correct marker for each specific type of cancer. Thus, CEA remains the key marker for colorectal cancer follow-up.