Certain medications can increase Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels. These include antineoplastic drugs, cytokines, differentiating agents, and protein kinase inhibitors.
CEA is a protein often elevated in certain cancers, but its levels can also be affected by non-cancerous conditions and pharmacological agents. The following classes of drugs have been shown to potentially up-regulate CEA expression:
- Antineoplastic Drugs:
- Example: 5-Fluorouracil. These drugs, used in chemotherapy, can sometimes cause a temporary increase in CEA.
- Cytokines:
- Examples: Interferons or Interleukin-6. These signaling proteins can influence CEA expression.
- Differentiating Agents:
- Example: Sodium Butyrate. These agents promote cell differentiation and can impact CEA levels.
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors:
- Example: Staurosporine. These inhibitors affect cell signaling pathways and can influence CEA expression.
It's important to note that changes in CEA levels should always be interpreted in the context of a patient's overall clinical picture, including medical history, physical examination, and other diagnostic tests. Increases in CEA do not automatically indicate cancer recurrence or progression and can be influenced by various factors, including these medications.
