Hi
does anyone know much about tumour markers? What exactly are they? What information do oncologists get from the routine blool tests they ask for?
Although Onc. thinks I may have spread to the rib, my blood results last week were “not very exciting”, to quote my oncologist. So do these blood tests show up cancer or not? They are not a definitive test, I take it.
Anyone who can explain this to me…?!
Thanks
Ena x
Hi Ena…I’ve had tumour markers taken every 4 and now every 3 weeks since my secondary diagnosis in 2003. The markers, CA15-3 are able to measure the amount of cancer activity in your body by picking up on a protein made by any active cancer. My markers are very accurate and have always shown when any activity is on the rise and a change of treatment is needed before I start to have any symptoms. A rise in markers usually means the old treatment has either stopped working or is beginning to wane. Lots of oncs don’t bother with markers saying they are not always accurate for all and prefer to rely on scans but for me it’s been reassuring to know I’m being closely monitored and have a chance to change treatments to try and halt a rise in my markers that might eventually lead to further progression. Your onc will be looking for a trend in your markers, one high reading might be a blip. You can find out more on (all the w’s) dot labtestsonline.org.uk/ (if I copy the whole address the BCC mods might remove it.) Here’s a small piece of info I copied from the site…
In general, the higher the CA 15-3 level the more advanced the breast cancer and the larger the tumor burden (amount of tumor present). The level tends to increase as the cancer grows. In metastatic breast cancer, the highest levels of CA 15-3 often are seen when the cancer has spread to the bones and/or the liver.
Belinda.
Hi Belinda
that is great information - thanks for that. I will take a look at that link.
Maybe it is encouraging that Onc. found my blood results “not very exciting”
Ena x
Hi Sorry for jumping in, but a year ago my tumour marker jumped from 25 to 80 something or other, ovaries removed week later (already arranged as BRCA2) bc found there and also peretinium wall. None of this showed on scans (still doesn’t as so small) but onc changed me from tamoxifin to femara. Weren’t sure if this was a recent spread or not (also have it in bones) but tumour markers had been stable all previous year so she acted on this. So I’m pleased she takes notice of this and doesn’t rely on scans only.
TAke care xxx
Hi Lynni…hope Femara is working well for you…Belinda…x
Thanks Belinda, it seems to be - aches, creaky joints and all.