Does brain mets affect tumor markers?
 

Hello,
I just wanted to see the experience on the board regarding changes in tumor markers with brain mets. Do they correlate or are they completly silent. In addition is a PET scan of the brain more accurate.

Thanks,
Anne

Anne,

In my experience, No. Altho' my CA27-29 was in the high 300's when dx'd with other mets, then down to normal after scans showed NED, my recurrances of brain mets have always been while CA27-29 is around 17. And still NED in body.

From all I have researched in the past four yrs, MRi with contrast (even the triple contrast/smaller slice pics) is the definitive set of scans for brain mets.

The question does remain whether the MRispec/something (or even pet) could determine between 'active' cancer or necrosis, tho'.

But for dx or good checkups, it is the MRi with contrast by far.

pattyz

Different experience
 

My CEA was being checked each 3 weeks for a long time and it started to creep up although my CA27-29 remained within 2 or 3 points.
My change in CEA was actualy signalling the development of brain mets. As soon as I had the Gamma Knife threatment the CEA was back down to .7 or .8, where it remains now.
Just prior to the Gamma Knife it was something like 14 as I had a large 3cm met.

I believe that Christine here had the same experience that her CEA was in line with her brain mets. I know another women at my clinic with the same story - it seems to be the CEA that changes only.

P.S. Gosh, PattyZ, I am so glad you are feeling better and up to posting here.
Take care!

Hi Anne,
My CEA was also up when I had brain mets, but I also had other mets so I can't be sure.
Barbara H.

my cea rose only slightly and was within the normal range when my brain mets were found in early 2003. due to slight but frequent headaches, I got an mri. the mets were tiny and gamma knifed. a year later when more brain mets were found with follow up mri's, my cea was high due to bone mets. I believe I can't depend on my cea for brain mets, but it's been very accruate for other spots. interesting question.

My markers went up with brain met in the skull but markers work great for me! HavahJ