ca 25 test

[behr]

I have intraductil breast cancer stage two, histological grade 3 with negative receptors, node negative but multifocal. Had a mastectomy. (15 yrs ago had Medulary cancer in other breast had lumpectomy and chemo 5fu) Just finished 4 treatments adriamyicin & four taxotere. Ca test started at 17 and the end of my treatments it has risen to 35. What does that indicate? Is the cancer still growing or could the chemo case the increase?

[chrissy56531]

A related discussion, Breast CA recurrence? was started.

[behr]

Perhaps I was not clear in my question. The ca 27-29 rose with every test every three weeks from 17 to 35 during the six months of chemo. Understanding, that it is not always a true barometer of whar the cancer is doing, my question is what could cause the steady increase?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear behr, Are you referring to the CA 27.29 test? If so. . .

So close to chemotherapy an elevation could very well be caused by the chemotherapy.  I am copying for you some information regarding the CA27.29 test, used in previous postings.

The use of CA27.29 to detect breast cancer recurrence at present is controversial. When other alternative causes of elevated CA 27.29 have been eliminated, an abnormal test result may indicate recurrent disease. However, there has been no evidence to date that treatment based solely on CA27.29 elevation significantly improves overall survival rates. The American Society of Clinical Oncologists (last update in 1997) guidelines state that at present the data are insufficient to recommend routine use of CA27.29 for screening, diagnosis, staging or surveillance following primary treatment. Although an increasing CA 27.29 can detect recurrence following primary treatment, the clinical benefit is not established. When discussing clinical benefit they are talking about will this have an effect on disease free or overall survival? Will the benefit of early treatment outweigh the risks of treatment side effects? The answers or evidence in regards to these questions is not currently available.

Elevated levels may be found in-patients with other diseases such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, intestinal or colonic problems, medication; Paxil, hepatitis, tuberculosis, systemic lupus.

Whether a person should proceed with treatment based solely on the elevated CA27.29 would have to be seriously weighed based on risks of treatment and unknown overall benefit. In most cases, a CA27.29 would not be sufficient information on which to base treatment decisions.