Question about tumor markers
 

I am pretty sure it's the CA-27? I know so little about this, but my onc does draw them every 3 months, and has from the beginning. During chemo and even right before surgery (which pathology proved there was still alot of cancer left), my tumor markers were about 25. My last tumor marker test a few weeks ago showed them at 14. I know lower is good, but does that mean there is even less cancer in my body? Will it ever be 0? I am very happy with a drop since surgery because I hope that means the Herceptin is working and that we got the rest with surgery.

I know we can't put too much stock into 1 tumor marker test, but I thought some of you ladies who are educated about tumor markers could educate me a little. Are there an other tests I should be asking for regularly? Is every 3 months enough? I asked my onc if she would run them more often and she said she won't.

Re: Question about tumor markers
 

DeenaH,
I have my CA27.29 ran every 3 months. Not all onc's run TMer tests because they aren't reliable for everyone--they are just one piece of the puzzle...a tool to be used. For some of us they are a really good indicator that our cancer is back. The first time my CA27.29 inched up over almost a yrs time we found my cancer had returned...so we know it works for me.

But there are alot of ppl that have had their cancer return and their CA27.29 will be in the normal range...so again...you can't just go by markers. After reading your post it sounds like they may work well for you? They dropped since you have had your surgery and started Herceptin. And it is the norm to run your CA27.29 every 3 months unless you recur then they might do them more frequently. For me I usually don't get caught up in the number...it's more they way they are trending. If mine just inch up and never drop back down...it means progression for me. Anything under 38 they say is good depending on your labs reference range? But for now if I was you I'd be very happy with 14. :) I have added a link to Dr. Susan Loves site that might be helpful for you.

http://www.dslrf.org/mwh/content.asp?L2=2&L3=8&SID=132&CID=591&PID=0

Chelee

Re: Question about tumor markers
 

My onc doesn't run them either.

Re: Question about tumor markers
 

My TM's always run high normal (scares the heck out of me!) They were at 29 right before surgery, have gotten as high as 48, but usually they are right around 30. 3 months ago they were 34, now latest one came in at 28. Don't know why they bounce around. I am not currently on active treatment (finished chemo Dec 2009 and finished herceptin Oct 2010)--I hope it doesn't mean anything at all for me. My onc doesn't seem to be concerned. Everytime I ask her about them she says "Normal is normal." And she always adds, "As long as they aren't consistently climbing, it's nothing to worry about." Gee, I wish I could not worry. . .

Re: Question about tumor markers
 

Tumor markers work as part of a larger part of determining the "success" of therapy. CEA (which is the cancer embryonic antigen test) is used where I am treated. While the numbers don't indicate whether there are still tumors, per se, they give a pretty good idea of the direction treatment is going. I will say however, that the Antigen 15-3 that some use had me in the normal range before I started treatment and I was considered Stage IV.
Rejoice in the decline of numbers, it does mean something, or it wouldn't be done. Scans are the real deal, though.

Re: Question about tumor markers
 

weety,
I agree with your onc...that boucing around wouldn't concern me...it's when they keep creeping up is when I'd get concerned.

Chelee

Re: Question about tumor markers