Elevated CA125 levels in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma
1990

CA125 Levels in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Sample size: 40 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): L. Perey, D.F. Hayes, C. Tondini, G. van Melle, J. Bauer, T. Lemarchand, M. Reymond, J.P. Mach, S. Leyvraz

Primary Institution: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV)

Hypothesis

What is the correlation of CA125 levels with disease course in metastatic breast carcinoma?

Conclusion

CA125 is more commonly elevated in metastatic breast cancer patients than previously recognized and can serve as a marker to monitor disease course if CA15-3 is not elevated.

Supporting Evidence

  • CA125 was elevated in 40% of patients with metastatic breast cancer.
  • CA125 levels correlated with disease course in 42.5% of patients.
  • Combining CA125 and CA15-3 increased the correlation rate to 72.5%.

Takeaway

CA125 is a blood test that can help doctors see how breast cancer is doing, especially when another test called CA15-3 isn't working.

Methodology

The study collected at least three serial serum samples from 40 consecutive patients with breast carcinoma and monitored their CA125, CA15-3, and CEA levels.

Limitations

The study may not represent all patients with metastatic breast cancer as it focused on a specific group.

Participant Demographics

Patients with metastatic breast carcinoma, including those newly diagnosed and those previously treated.

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