Breast Marker Profile Test

The Breast Marker Profile measures CA 15.3, CEA levels in the blood.

• This test is done to monitor patients of breast cancer.
• Serial monitoring is done to compare concentrations before and after treatment to assess effectiveness of treatment given.
•  The test can help detect recurrence, metastasis and residual cancer
• This test is not an effective tool for screening as patients with early stages of breast cancer may be negative for this test

• Patients with lumps in the breast or any suspected signs of breast cancer.
• Patients already undergoing treatment for cancer.
• Patients who have completed the treatment to know the disease status.
• Familial history of breast, ovarian or uterine cancers.
• Presence of high risk factors for breast cancer.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

None.

CEA test

A gross increase of CEA in a patient with compatible symptoms are suggestive of the presence of cancer. The results of this test when done over an interval help monitor condition of the patient and his response to treatment.

CEA levels fall after successful treatment to normal levels in 1-4 months

Levels may increase in certain non-cancerous conditions like smoking, hepatic disease, trauma, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, cirrhosis, COPD, Crohn's disease and hypothyroidism.

Patients should do a follow-up testing preferably through the same laboratory as different assays can give different result values on the same sample

CA 15.3

Increased levels are also noted in few cases of carcinomas of ovary, colon, pancreas, lung and certain non-malignant conditions as well.

Levels of CA 15.3 correlate with disease progression

Increase in values in patients treated for breast cancer are indicative of recurrent disease and indicate additional tests or procedures for work-up

Patients should do a follow-up testing preferably through the same laboratory as different assays can give different result values on the same sample.

• CEA test
• CA 15.3 test

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein and its concentration in blood increases in certain tumours i.e., colorectal cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma, breast, gastrointestinal tract, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic and prostatic cancers.

It is often used for monitoring colorectal & gastrointestinal cancer patients and their response to treatment.

CA 15-3 is a glycoprotein levels of which may be elevated in patients with breast cancer and few cases of carcinomas of ovary, colon, pancreas, lung and non-malignant conditions. This test is done to monitor patients of breast cancer, to know treatment effectiveness in patients undergoing cancer treatment and to monitor the relapse or metastasis status. 

This test is not an effective tool for screening as patients with early stages of breast cancer may be negative for this test.