Tumor markers in breast carcinoma: prognostic significance

ABSTRACT

In an attempt to identify biologic markers that might predict prognosis in patients with breast cancer, the serum levels of three tumor- associated antigens CA 15.3, CEA, and 5-N were determined in 51 patients with infiltrating breast carcinoma, 70 patients with benign breast disease, and 50 normal females as controls. The mean values of these markers in breast cancer were significantly higher than those of bengin breast tumor and control groups There was significant correlation between each of CA 153, CEA, and 5-N with rumor size. Also a significant correlation existed between each of CA 153, and CEA with number of lymph nodes involved, while no significant correlation existed between -5-N, and lymph node involvement [r 0.19]. It is suggested that simultaneous determination of CA 15.3, CEA, and -5-N seem to be of value as sensitive indicators for earlier detection of metastases or recurrences and potentially useful for evaluation and monitoring of patients with breast cancer