Tumor markers and prognosis

This study evaluated the associating of two specific tumor markers with the survival of recurrent metastatic breast cancer patients.

Tumor markers refer to molecules produced by the cancer, or in response to it. These markers are often the first to indicate the presence of a cancer, and in many cases used to monitor caner progression or response to treatment. Various cancer types are associated with specific markers, with a different significance to each marker. Among breast cancer patients, elevated levels of cancer antigen 15-3, or CA 15-3, have been linked to the presence of a metastatic disease (spread of the cancer to other organs of the body). Carcinoembryonic antigen, or CEA, is a frequently used tumor markers in colon and rectal cancers, but is also found in high levels in some breast cancer patients. This study investigated the prognostic significance of these two markers.

This study included 351 patients diagnosed with recurrent metastatic breast cancer. CA 15-3 and/or CEA levels were regularly measured for an average of 18 months. Elevated CA 15-3 levels were identified in 55.6% of the patients and elevated CEA levels were reported in 36%. CEA was found to be associated with liver metastasis, while CA15-3 was found to be linked to multiple tumors and bone metastasis. Both CA 15-3 and CEA were associated with significantly shorter survival.

This study concluded that CA 15-3 and CEA levels in recurrent metastatic breast cancer patients are associated with survival.