Comparative values of several tumour markers: example of untreated breast carcinoma
1990

Comparative Values of Tumour Markers in Breast Cancer

Sample size: 90 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): J.L. Cazin, P. Gosselin, B. Boniface, M.C. Demaille, M. Boniface, A. Demaille

Primary Institution: Laboratoire de Radiopharmacie et Pharmacie Clinique, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France

Hypothesis

The study aims to compare the clinical values of CEA and CA 15.3 in women with breast cancer.

Conclusion

CA 15.3 is a more effective marker than CEA for evaluating breast cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • CA 15.3 showed better sensitivity and similar specificity compared to CEA.
  • The area under the ROC curve for CA 15.3 was significantly higher than for CEA.
  • ROC curve analysis allows for a more objective comparison of diagnostic tests.

Takeaway

This study looked at two blood tests for breast cancer and found that one test is better at finding cancer than the other.

Methodology

Blood samples were taken from 30 healthy women and 60 women with confirmed breast cancer, and the levels of CEA and CA 15.3 were measured and compared using ROC curve analysis.

Limitations

Accurate comparisons were difficult due to lack of information about tumour staging and variability in CEA assays.

Participant Demographics

30 healthy control women and 60 women with histologically confirmed breast carcinoma.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

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