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AlaskaAngel · 10-23-2007, 04:35 PM

A quick interruption --

The term "markers" can be confusing. Some here who are stage IV and more likely to be getting the tests specifically designed for shed cells (Bayer HER2 serum test) may not realize that "markers" refer to other types of blood tests, such as the CA 15-3, CA 27.29, CEA, and CA-125.

The CA-125 is generally used for trying to detect ovarian cancer, and so those who not only are at risk for recurrence of bc but also ovarian cancer would get the CA-125 regardless of HER2 status or hormonal status. It too is not infallible, but can be helpful in that group. As Becky mentioned in another thread, it in conjunction with annual transvagional ultrasounds has more accuracy.

The CA 15-3 and the CA 27.29 are both used for general bc and some docs use them for all stages and some don't. Some docs may consider them more useful for HR- patients and/or HER2 patients early on. If they are aware that HR+ risk extends out indefinitely, they may consider them useful for HR+ patients farther out in time as well.

The CEA is used mostly for other cancers, and less often used for bc.

The Bayer HER2 serum test is not used for early stage bc.

And ALL of these "markers" are not used in isolation, but are considered along with other lab test results, physical exam results, history, scans, etc. So if you have lots of red flags being raised, even at stage I, hopefully you would be more likely to be getting markers; if everything else is fairly benign, you would be less likely to be getting markers routinely.

AlaskaAngel

10-23-2007, 04:35 PM	#11
AlaskaAngel Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Alaska Posts: 2,018	Terminology, terminology, terminology A quick interruption -- The term "markers" can be confusing. Some here who are stage IV and more likely to be getting the tests specifically designed for shed cells (Bayer HER2 serum test) may not realize that "markers" refer to other types of blood tests, such as the CA 15-3, CA 27.29, CEA, and CA-125. The CA-125 is generally used for trying to detect ovarian cancer, and so those who not only are at risk for recurrence of bc but also ovarian cancer would get the CA-125 regardless of HER2 status or hormonal status. It too is not infallible, but can be helpful in that group. As Becky mentioned in another thread, it in conjunction with annual transvagional ultrasounds has more accuracy. The CA 15-3 and the CA 27.29 are both used for general bc and some docs use them for all stages and some don't. Some docs may consider them more useful for HR- patients and/or HER2 patients early on. If they are aware that HR+ risk extends out indefinitely, they may consider them useful for HR+ patients farther out in time as well. The CEA is used mostly for other cancers, and less often used for bc. The Bayer HER2 serum test is not used for early stage bc. And ALL of these "markers" are not used in isolation, but are considered along with other lab test results, physical exam results, history, scans, etc. So if you have lots of red flags being raised, even at stage I, hopefully you would be more likely to be getting markers; if everything else is fairly benign, you would be less likely to be getting markers routinely. AlaskaAngel