What does this mean?

[HavahJ]

What does it mean if the marker keeps rising but the her2neu serum test is normal?

[Chelee]

Do you mean your regular tumor marker? If so...I wouldn't be too concerned since I keep hearing that they just aren't very reliable at all. I understand the her2 serum test to be much more dependable. So I don't think I would be very worried about that if this has happened just once. I am sure others will help you out here. Hang in there.

Chelee

[kristen]

Hi HavahJ,
All I know from what others have told me, (my CA 27-29 rises), but is still in the normal range), If it's active again, it skyrockets. A little variation just could be a cold or something else going on that it would pick up on. I made a deal with my onc. since she doesn't believe in TM's. I said if it spikes, could re recheck it in a month? Yes, to that. She feels that symptoms will show long before the markers go up. From this site, you know that is not always the case. I am not currently on the Bayer Her2 test. I think from being on the study, that when I go for my check-ups that they draw blood for a blood test, I think it's the Bayer test, but nothing confirmed on that. They also draw blood for some heart test.
I would keep an eye on it and if it is out of range, ask your onc. to repeat it the following month to give you some peace of mind. My best to you.

[Lala]

In general the tumor markers are used to trend response to treatment. I use the tumor markers cea and ca27-29. I do Not use the her2 serum test. I have always found that my tumor markers are accurate as scans have confirmed the results. However for some people tumor markers are not accurate. In some cases of rising tumor marker numbers it can mean the cancer cells are dying at a rapid rate in response to treatment. Or it can mean an infection.

It is best to follow the trend over weeks to see if your tumor markers continue to rise. I would ask for scans to confirm the rising numbers if this trend continues.
I wish you the best.