New protocol when NED: no tumor markers

Debbie L. · 05-25-2014, 07:11 AM

Thanks for that, Steph. Wouldn't it be perfect if there were a reliable marker for everyone, to announce brain mets and spur further diagnostics and allow early/easier treatment options? It seems like, since the brain is so different, there MUST be some neuro-secretions (I have no idea if that's a word, but you know what I mean) that could be used as a marker in a blood test.

But as it stands so far, I think all the existing markers are equally unreliable. Elevated with some cancers and not with others (plus elevated by things other than cancer), so that as a screening tool, they are not very useful. I'm glad that CEA made a difference for you and Christine, and I hope they can find something similar that makes a difference for all.

Lani posted a study of PET/MRI vs. PET/CT which includes a bit about brain mets detection. Full body scanning is overkill for brain mets/this discussion but still, there may be some hints there.

Jackie07 · 05-25-2014, 04:21 PM

Looks like we've past the tumor marker era ...

World J Clin Oncol. 2014 May 10;5(2):48-60.
MicroRNAs in pathogenesis of breast cancer: Implications in diagnosis and treatment.
Shah NR, Chen H.
Author information
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs generated by a two-step complex process and are post transcriptional negative regulators of their target mRNAs. Dysregulation of many of these miRNAs has been associated with tumorigenesis in various cancers including breast cancer. Aberrantly high expression of specific miRNAs in breast cancer cells is demonstrated to be linked with inhibition of tumor suppressor genes and promote tumorigenesis. They are classified as oncogenic miRNAs. However, the tumor suppressor miRNAs are downregulated in breast cancer cells, since their major targets are oncogenic mRNAs. Understanding mechanism of action of specific miRNAs in breast cancer cells can be utilized to develop newer anti-cancer therapies. Recently, newer techniques are also developed to detect abundance of specific miRNA in the blood plasma samples and can be used in early diagnosis or prognosis in breast cancer. In this review article, we have discussed several miRNAs dysregulated in breast cancer and their therapeutic potential.

Catherine · 05-25-2014, 10:33 PM

Thank you everyone with the information you have posted. Over the years since my treatment has been over, i have tried to keep a bit up to date with current treatments. My research and knowledge has not been half as good as some of the very smart and experienced members of our site. What was the cute name we called these bright people? Motor heads? Brainiacs? The tumor markers I used to have was the CA 15-3. You have answered my question and I get it. The test is most helpful at the beginning of the BC journey. A test that is not necessary or overly reliable at this point.Once again my Her2 friends have helped me out. You are all awesome!

Hugs and thanks!