CA 15.3 Test

The test measures the levels of the CA-15.3 antigen in the blood.

• Monitoring Breast Cancer Treatment: The test is employed to monitor the response to therapy in individuals undergoing treatment for breast cancer, especially in cases of metastatic breast cancer.
• Detection of Disease Recurrence: Elevated CA-15.3 levels may suggest a recurrence of breast cancer, prompting further investigations to confirm and manage the recurrence.
• Assessment of Treatment Effectiveness: For patients with metastatic breast cancer, the test helps healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of ongoing therapies and make informed decisions about treatment adjustments.
• Management of Advanced Breast Cancer: The CA-15.3 Serum Test is particularly valuable in the management of advanced stages of breast cancer, providing insights into disease progression.

• Patients with a history of breast cancer, especially those with metastatic disease, may undergo regular CA-15.3 testing to monitor treatment response and detect any signs of recurrence.
• Individuals undergoing specific breast cancer therapies, such as hormone therapy or targeted therapy, may have the test ordered as part of their treatment monitoring.
• Patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of breast cancer recurrence, such as unexplained weight loss or bone pain, may undergo the CA-15.3 Serum Test as part of diagnostic investigations.

Elevated CA-15.3 levels do not confirm the presence of breast cancer but may prompt further diagnostic procedures, such as imaging studies or biopsies, to confirm or rule out disease recurrence. Additionally, decreasing CA-15.3 levels over time may indicate a positive response to treatment.

The test involves a blood draw to measure CA-15.3 antigen levels. The procedure is relatively quick and is performed in a clinical setting by a healthcare professional.

No specific preparations are typically necessary for this test. However, healthcare providers may provide specific instructions, and patients should inform the healthcare team about any medications or supplements they are taking.

Additional tests that may be ordered include:

• Breast Biopsy: A tissue sample may be obtained for further analysis if the CA-15.3 levels indicate the possibility of disease recurrence.

• Breast Cancer Antigen 15-3 Test
• CA 15-3 Blood Test
• Tumor Marker Test for Breast Cancer