Monitor of illness in patients with breast cancer by use of serum tumor markers CEA and CA15.3

Objective To established invalidated index for monitoring illness in patients with Breast Cancer, to discuss the mechanisms influencing the serum concentrations of CEA and/or CA15 3. Methods CA15 3 and CEA were determined by IRMA and ELISA in 200 untreated patients with Locoregional Breast Cancer. Results Abnormal CA15 3 and CEA serum levels were found in 14% and 20% of patients. Both tumor markers were correlated with tumor size and nodal involvement, with significantly higher concentrations in patients with larger tumors or to the histological type. Univariate prognostic evaluation showed that tumor size, nodal involvement, histological grade, CA15 3 and CEA were prognostic factors in disease-free survival. Conclusion Tumor markers are useful tools in the prognostic evaluation of patients with breast cancer.