Measuring Treatment Response in Breast Cancer with Tumor Markers
Author Information
Author(s): J.F.R. Robertson, D. Pearson, M.R. Price, C. Selby, R.W. Blamey, A. Howell
Primary Institution: City Hospital, Nottingham
Hypothesis
Can a biochemical response index using tumor markers provide an objective assessment of therapeutic response in breast cancer?
Conclusion
The study found that changes in tumor markers can objectively assess response to therapy in breast cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Changes in tumor markers correlated significantly with UICC assessed response.
- At 4 months, the biochemical assessment showed 93% selectivity and 92% sensitivity.
- Biochemical assessments can be performed earlier than structural assessments.
Takeaway
Doctors can use blood tests to see how well breast cancer treatment is working, which helps them make better decisions sooner.
Methodology
The study assessed 65 patients with breast cancer using three tumor markers (CEA, CA15-3, and ESR) at 2, 4, and 6 months to evaluate treatment response.
Limitations
The study excluded patients with a life expectancy of less than 3 months and those with unassessable disease.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 14 premenopausal and 71 postmenopausal women, with a mean age of 60.52 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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