CA 27.29 is a protein whose concentration increases in certain situations, mainly during breast cancer recurrence, so it is considered a tumor marker.
This marker has virtually the same characteristics as the CA 15.3 marker, but is more advantageous for early diagnosis of recurrence and lack of response to breast cancer treatment.
- CA 27-29 is usually requested by the doctor to monitor patients who have already been diagnosed with stage II and III breast cancer and who have already started treatment.
- Therefore.
- This tumor marker is necessary to identify early recurrence of breast cancer and response to treatment.
- With a specificity of 98% and a sensitivity of 58%.
Despite its good specificity and sensitivity in the identification of relapses, this marker is not very specific to the diagnosis of breast cancer, and should be used in conjunction with other tests, such as CA 15-3 marker measurement, AFP and CEA and mammography.See what tests detect breast cancer.
Ca 27-29 is obtained by taking a small blood sample from a suitable facility, and the sample should be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The reference value depends on the analysis methodology, which may vary by laboratory, with the normal reference value being less than 38 U/mL.
Results greater than 38 U/mL generally indicate a recurrence of breast cancer or the possibility of metastasis, in addition, this may indicate resistance to treatment, requiring the doctor to re-evaluate the patient to establish an alternative therapeutic approach.
Values may also be changed in other cancers, such as ovarian, cervical, kidney, liver, and lung cancer, as well as other benign conditions, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, benign breast disease, kidney stones, and liver disease.Therefore, to make breast cancer a diagnosis possible, your doctor usually requests additional tests, such as a mammogram and CA 15.3 marker measurement.Learn more about THE CA 15.3 exam.