Tumor marker 15-3 or PET scan is more reliable?

danzk

If there is difference between the two what should be considered as more reliable?

PET/CT scan shows shrinkage, but tumor marker CA 15-3 is rising.

Thanks for your inputs.

edwards750

I never had tumor markers tested but I know several ladies who did. My doctor didn’t believe in them because she said they show too many false positives. So while tumor markers are not always reliable the rise in numbers can be due to a number of factors not necessarily that the cancer has spread. When that happened to a friend of mine the Oncologist retested in a couple of weeks. Then she had a scan. Doctors monitor a rise in numbers. If the numbers continue to rise then they look for a cause.

I would consult my doctor but I personally would think the scan is more reliable.

Diane

Anonymous

All I can say is I ditto Edwards750, above. Same with my MO: she doesn't use CTCs nor does she test them; she also claims they are unreliable. She does blood work and looks for different markers. I had one PET scan before I began chemo.

Claire in AZ

Ycats277

I had my double mastectomy and chemo 3 years ago . Stage 2 Er positive. Since my oncologist runs CA 15-3 and CEA blood tests every 6 months . This last one was elevated to 53 . The results have always been around 18 . My CEA was always 2.3 now 2.7 . Has anyone had this happen ? Does this mean my cancer that I had spread ? So scared

edwards750

Ycats - I have not had those tests but I do know women who have. From what I understand there can be multiple causes for the rise in numbers. A friend had high numbers but her oncologist said they would retest in 2 weeks. If the numbers are still high it would mean further testing to see if the cancer has spread or if it’s something else entirely. So one test with high numbers isn’t reason for panic but if the next one is as well it’s time to find the cause.

Good luck!

Diane

JoE777

my oncologist said markers are one tool. You can have high numbers and no increase in cancer. You can have low numbers and an increase in cancer. The pet/Ct scan can diagnose or measure changes significantly.

illimae

As far as I know, tumor markers tests are an indication that something is going on but it can't differentiate between live or dead cancer cells, so TM's could rise if cancer is active but they could also rise if treatments are working and dead cells are being shed. This is a big reason scans are needed to confirm. TM's are the clue but scans tell the story.

Ycats277

thanks , just scary , I am retesting 3 weeks. 53 is my result on CA15-3 and 2.7 on CEA , I hope they come down :

Ycats277

You seem so knowledgeable and nice . Thanks for taking time to explain what you know . I hope you are feeling well

Ycats277

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thanks , in 3 weeks I am retesting and will go from there . Thanks again for your reply .

illimae

I’ve heard that increased TM’s can be caused by inflammation as well, perhaps there’s a very normal, non-cancery cause.

Ycats277

i had stage 2 IDC , grade 3 and a high oncotype result. Had chemo and have been on anastrozole now since surgery and chemo . I just feel doom since receiving these results . I have read your bio and I think you are one of the strongest ladies I’ve met . For you to come on here and help others when you are going through so much yourself is such an act of kindness.

Ycats277

thank you very much .

illimae

Ycats227, if you were thanking me, you are very welcome! Please let us know how things go, sending good vibes your way 😀

Ycats277

I am going for pet scan my results were 56 on Ca 15-3 . I’m so scared 😟 I’m not brave or strong . Waiting for the pet to get the appointment. I just feel either sores or new cancer . My head goes to hospice and leaving my mother alone . I can’t think about anything else . You seem so brave and nice . I wish you could tell me some of tmtoyr secrets . Hugs to you for replying to me . So open hearted .

illimae

Ycats227, your CA 15-3 numbers are still pretty low and without the results, I think it’s too soon to worry about hospice but I know you can’t help it. The PET might be good. If not, it is still possible to live well for many years with Metastatic breast cancer. I’ll be thinking of you today, good luck 😀

Ycats277

how are you doing ? We are always focusing on me . I’m a scared woman who is normally the strong one . Are you ok ? Seems you are and have been going through so much . Do you have people /family around you to help with the ups and downs ? I have my 80 year young mother living with me and I hear her crying sometimes . Well waiting on Them to set up the Pet scan and move forward from that . I will do all I can to stay alive , losing my hair again is also not great to think about . Chemo was hard and tiring . I gave up my business and retired at 55. Wish I was still working and in the real world without a care in the world . I look around and feel envious , can’t help it . I am Jewish , never married and have no children . I live in Florida . Tell me your story please . :

JoE777

just had my tumor markers test this morning in advance of my monthly onc visit and zometo infusion. My first tumor marker was 66 at diagnosis of metastasis. I was in serous condition. With treatment, my 3 month tests showed decrease to 53 then 22. My onc was very pleased but has done follow up with pet/Ct scan. I have to admit that an increase in the score will be disturbing but my scan in a couple of weeks will be my standard. I cringe when I see some of the women's markers in the 100s

illimae

I’m pretty good considering all things. I’ve been happily married for 18 years (not terribly common here) and we’re big animal lovers, no human kids. We had to put out 14 year old bulldog down recently, then I got sick but otherwise ok. Recent bone scans were stable and everything looks good in my brain. I did leave a high stress job with the state transportation dept. due to memory and concentration issues and I do miss it but home is better for now. I have a 5k run/walk this weekend, should be challenging but fun.

I never expected cancer so young but I’ve had a pretty good life so far, so if it’s cut a bit short, so be it. I realize that’s kinda of a strange thing to say but I’ve learned to make the most of how good I feel now and we’ll see what happens down the road 🙂

Ycats277

my tumor markers came back at 56 the CA 15-3 after being steady at 18 for 3 years . I am going for Pet Scan . I am expecting some very bad news . I’m very scared . Hearing that your was 66 with bone Mets seems I probably have that now too .

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WC3

My cancer became palpable two years ago and was misdiagnosed. By the time I was properly diagnosed it was 2.5cm and 3cm by the time I started chemo, but my tumor markers were only very slighty elevated. Like 2 or 3 points above normal. The tumor lit up on the PET/CT though.

Ycats277

so glad to hear your life seems very good and you seem loved which is awesome 👏🏼. I am hoping your life is not cut a bit short . You have much more to do , I can tell because I found you and now I want to here if you get a new dog and stuff like that .

Ycats277

so glad they caught it and figured it all out for you . My numbers went up for the first time since surgery and chemo . For 3 years it stayed steady at 18 the Ca 15-3 test . Now the tumor maker jumped up to 56 in the last 6 months . I’m so scared going for pet scan .