Markers and brain mets question
 

Hi,
I have read the posts a long time - over 5 years - but this is my first question.
I have moved to arkansas and the oncologist here does markers. No where else we have lived since my diagnosis in 9/2000 has done them.

What do the markers mean in terms of indication of brain mets? My markers are WNL about mid way in the acceptable range. Is there any correlation to brain mets or only other systemic metatisis?

I am 6 years post diagnosis, age 45 at diagnosis, HER2 ++, Stage IIB, mastectomy, ACT and rads. On Arimidex off label in the beginning and to continue until further notice. I was pre Herceptin. NEAD right now. Bone scan done for pain that was negative only more arthritis.

Thank you for your help.

Elena,

The only definitive test for brain mets is a brain MRI.

Regards
Joe

Joe,
Thanks for the info. The other thing I am wanting to know is...
will my markers change in response to brain mets or is that just with other body systems.
As many may know, the further you get out the cloudier the water is. Since I have never had marker studies done before this is very muddy water and the docs really are not much help.
Thanks,
Elena

It is good to have some baseline tumor markers so that you know what should be "normal" for YOU.

In my case the CEA marker was a positive indicator of mets advancing to my brain. The CA27-29 was indicative of my systemic mets in liver and bone, but stayed steady and in normal range when I had the 2 brain mets growing. I know of thers that have had markers rise with brain mets as well as in other parts of the body.

The HER2 serum test is the more reliable test if you want to check for circulating tumor cells.

My CA27-29 never has shown a rise due to my brain mets. Only rose to over 300 when dx'd with other mets.

pattyz