Breast cancer and clinical utility of CA 15—3 and CEA

Abstract

This manuscript summarizes the experiences with CA 15—3 and CEA obtained in 8 000 breast cancer patients. These markers were usually in normal range (CEA <6 μg/L, CA 15—3 <40 UL) before surgery and increased only before the development of distant metastases. 80% of all patients with metastases had elevated marker levels several months before or at the time of detection of metastases. Therefore CA 15—3 and CEA determinations should be used as an easy method for screening of metastases during follow-up of breast cancer patients.

Key Words:

• carcinoembryonic antigen
• follow-up
• metastases
• mucin
• tumour marker