Comparison of Tumor Markers CA549, CA15.3, and MCA in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): M. Gion, M. Plebani, R. Mione, C. Penzol, S. Meol, A. Burlina
Primary Institution: Center for the Study of Biological Markers of Malignancy, General Hospital, Venice, Italy; Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University of Padua, Italy.
Hypothesis
How do the tumor markers CA549, CA15.3, and MCA compare in their effectiveness for monitoring primary breast cancer?
Conclusion
CA549, CA15.3, and MCA are correlated but not interchangeable, and longitudinal studies are needed to assess their clinical utility.
Supporting Evidence
- CA549 was significantly associated with tumor size and lymph node status.
- Positive/negative concordance rate was very good (93.7%) between CA549 and MCA.
- CA15.3 was positive and CA549 negative in 20.4% of cases.
Takeaway
This study looked at three blood tests used to check for breast cancer, finding that while they are related, they can't always be used in place of one another.
Methodology
Serum samples from 184 healthy women and 237 breast cancer patients were analyzed using immunometric assays for CA549, CA15.3, and MCA.
Limitations
The study did not determine which marker is superior and relied on a limited number of cases for some analyses.
Participant Demographics
Median age of healthy women was 50 years (range 34-78) and for breast cancer patients was 60 years (range 29-88).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0005
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
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