ROC analysis indicated that CEA, circulating NETs and CEA + NETs had no better diagnostic efficacy for identifying CRC from CRP, with AUCs of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.82), 0.69 (95% CI, 0.58 to 0.80) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64–0.86), respectively (Fig. 7D). Here, CEACAM5 is linked to colorectal carcinoma.