CA 15-3 Test for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Follow-Up
Author Information
Author(s): O-P. Kallioniemi, H. Oksa, R-K. Aaran, T. Hietanen, M. Lehtinen, T. Koivula
Primary Institution: Tampere University Central Hospital
Hypothesis
Can serum CA 15-3 levels be used effectively in the diagnosis and follow-up of breast cancer?
Conclusion
Serum CA 15-3 levels have prognostic value in breast cancer and can indicate the extent of disease and the presence of metastases.
Supporting Evidence
- 7% of stage I breast cancer patients had elevated CA 15-3 levels.
- 67% of stage IV breast cancer patients had elevated CA 15-3 levels.
- Patients with elevated CA 15-3 levels had a 27% cumulative 3-year survival rate.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a blood test called CA 15-3 to help find out how serious breast cancer is and if it is getting worse.
Methodology
Serum samples were collected from patients with primary breast cancer and non-malignant breast disease, and CA 15-3 levels were measured using an immunoradiometric assay.
Limitations
The study had a small number of patients with elevated CA 15-3 levels and a short follow-up time.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 177 with primary breast cancer and 41 with non-malignant breast disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website