Metastatic Colon Cancer to Liver and Lungs: Significant Drop in CEA and CA19-9 with Integrated ECCT treatment
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Malaysia, 60, When Charmaine Tan was first referred to ECCT medical team, her condition was deeply concerning and medically complex. She had been living with metastatic Metastatic Colon Cancer for over two years, and by the time we were consulted, the disease had progressed extensively. Imaging showed that nearly 80% of her liver was involved with metastatic lesions, with multiple nodules also present in both lungs. She was visibly jaundiced, experiencing respiratory discomfort, and physically weakened after undergoing extensive prior treatment, including surgery, repeated cycles of chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Despite these interventions, the disease continued to progress and her overall condition had become increasingly fragile.
At baseline, her laboratory findings of Metastatic Colon Cancer reflected the severity of her disease. Her tumor markers were markedly elevated, with a CEA level of 1955.4 and CA 19-9 of 773. These values are typically associated with very high tumor burden and active metastatic progression. Her bilirubin levels were also significantly raised, indicating severe liver impairment. Clinically, she presented with fatigue, poor appetite and general weakness, and her tolerance for further conventional systemic therapy had become limited. At that stage, her oncology management focused mainly on stabilization and supportive care rather than further escalation of treatment.
On October 14, 2025, under careful clinical supervision and alongside her ongoing oncology care, Charmaine began integrating ECCT into her treatment plan for Metastatic Colon Cancer. The intention was not to replace conventional therapy, but to provide additional biological support at a time when options were narrowing and her systemic resilience was compromised.
Over the following weeks, follow-up assessments began to demonstrate meaningful changes.
Comparison of CT scans between September 17, 2025 and January 8, 2026 shows real improvement, not merely stability.
Metastatic Colon Cancer
Liver Findings
The largest liver lesion reduced from 9.8 cm to 7.6 cm.
Slight reduction in sizes of multiple other hepatic metastases as well.
No new liver lesions were identified.
No worsening portal vein compression was observed.
This represents objective measurable reduction in tumor size within the liver.
Lung Findings
Previously described as “increased in size and number.”
On the January 2026 scan: stable in size and number.
Some nodules demonstrated central cavitation, which may reflect internal tumour necrosis.
No new pulmonary nodules were reported.
This represents stabilization rather than further progression.
Radiologic Conclusion
Compared to September 2025, the January 2026 scan demonstrates:
Measurable reduction in the dominant liver mass
Overall slight reduction in hepatic metastases
Stabilization of lung metastases
No new metastatic spread
This qualifies as partial regression with disease stabilization. It is not a complete response, but it clearly does not represent continued progression. The overall radiologic assessment reflects improvement.
Most significantly, her tumor markers demonstrated a sustained and dramatic decline after the introduction of ECCT. CEA decreased from 1955.4 to 56.3, and CA 19-9 fell from 773 to 33, representing more than a 95 percent reduction in both markers. Such a consistent downward trend suggests a meaningful reduction in tumor biological activity. In advanced metastatic disease, tumor markers often provide early insight into biological response even when residual masses remain visible on imaging.
Beyond laboratory and radiologic findings, Charmaine’s overall clinical condition improved in parallel. Her haemoglobin rose from 10 g/dL to 15 g/dL, indicating recovery in systemic strength. Her sleep improved, bowel function stabilized, and she remained mentally alert, communicative and ambulatory. Although her appetite remained variable, there were clear signs of regained resilience compared to her initial presentation.
Today, Charmaine continues her cancer care journey with ongoing monitoring and tailored therapy. Her case illustrates that in advanced metastatic disease, meaningful progress is not always defined by dramatic radiologic shrinkage alone. Stabilization of disease, reduction in tumour markers and improvement in systemic function can together represent an important shift in overall trajectory, particularly in a situation that had previously been trending toward rapid deterioration.