CA 27-29

Les - inflammation can drive your result higher, and this happened to me during chemo as well. I was within the normal range prior to surgery and chemo, but 65 at the end of chemo. It took about 8 weeks, but as the after effects of chemo wore off the number returned to normal. Try not to worry

Les - no problem, also wanted to say that last year I had an increase in my CA27/29, up into the 40's, so above the top end of normal. My number had remained firmly in the normal range, with some fluctuation, over the previous 4 years. I had a PET done at the same time, not necessarily due to the elevated number, but rather due to the result of the BCI test that helps determine whether to stay on hormonal therapy beyond five years. My result indicated that I fall into the 10% of patients who have a high recurrence risk, and a low drug benefit. My MO and I agreed that a PET was in order to check on things generally since it had been a few years since I had one, and because I was potentially not receiving a normal benefit from the AI drugs I was on. My PET lit up bilaterally across the chest, which combined with the elevated CA27/29 was disconcerting. Turned out to be a bunch of inflammatory stuff, a large (3cm) suture granuloma nodule at the site of my previous cancer, and other post-surgical inflammatory process. Once all of that was removed the CA27/29 numbers returned to the normal range. I am a person who is sensitive to this test when I have inflammation beyond the norm, you may have the same situation.

Chemo and radiation can raise tumour markers up to 3 months after treatment in some people. I have fluctuating markers, they go up every time I have bursitis (of the shoulder or hip). So any inflammation can do this for some. I think once it's within normal parameters then no need to be concerned.

Hmmm, I have taken Aromasin for 2 months. My CA27.29 actually went up to 9.1 from 5.7 a month ago. I just completed 33 sessions of radiation last week. Not sure if it was the radiation raised it up. Should I be concerned about it? Thanks!

my levels were greater than 9000! I can’t believe I’m still here! They are down to 1400, awful but at least chemo is working!

I keep seeing folks say inflammation can elevate the CA 27-29 tumor marker test results, which leads me to believe any inflammation causing autoimmune disorder could elevate it.

Anyone know if this correct? Because lots of folks say inflammation can, but cannot find a single study to back it up... I would desperately like to know as I have inflammation causing Autoimmune disorders and elevate markers. This elevation (38-42) has effected treatments for me costing thousands over the years. Anyone have any studies to point me to?

Thank you!

SpecialK. I just had my CA15-3 go up to 32.1 and my lab range is 0-25. I am so concerned. MO office makes it hard to get in touch until my appointment on Wednesday. They have never gone over the 25 range so I am so worried. Where can I get information on how inflammation can effect test results. I have had a terrible bout of arthritis in my foot and I am hoping against hope that it is that and not something else. I am 11 years out from my DX with stage 11a IDC. I have been so fortunate so far, now this..