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Prognostic value of monitoring tumour markers CA 15-3 and CEA during fulvestrant treatment
Prognostic value of monitoring tumour markers CA 15-3 and CEA during fulvestrant treatment
- Source :
- BMC Cancer, Vol 6, Iss 1, p 81 (2006)
- Publication Year :
- 2006
- Publisher :
- BMC, 2006.
-
Abstract
- Abstract Background At many centres tumour markers are used to detect disease recurrence and to monitor response to therapy in patients with advanced disease, although the real value of serial observation of marker levels remains disputed. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of tumour markers for predicting response (partial response [PR], stable disease [SD] ≥ 6 months), de novo disease progression (PD) and secondary PD in patients receiving fulvestrant ('Faslodex') 250 mg/month for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods Changes in cancer antigen 15–3 (CA 15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were prospectively monitored (monthly) and were also evaluated for the 3 months preceding secondary PD. Data from 67 patients with previously treated MBC participating in a Compassionate Use Programme were analysed. Results In patients with a PR (n = 7 [10.4%]), a non-significant increase in CA 15-3 occurred during the first 6 months of treatment; CEA was significantly reduced (P = 0.0165). In patients with SD ≥ 6 months (n = 28 [41.8%]), both CA 15-3 (P < 0.0001) and CEA (P = 0.0399) levels increased significantly after 6 months treatment. In those experiencing de novo PD (n = 32 [47.8%]), CA 15-3 increased significantly (P < 0.0001) after 4 months; CEA also increased significantly (P = 0.0002) during the same time period. Both CA 15-3 (P < 0.0001) and CEA (P < 0.0001) increased significantly in the 3 months preceding secondary PD. Conclusion CA 15-3 increases in patients progressing on fulvestrant but may also increase in those experiencing clinical benefit; this should not be taken as a sign of PD without verification. Overall, both CA 15-3 and CEA appear to be poor prognostic markers for determining progression in patients receiving fulvestrant.
- Subjects :
- Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens
RC254-282
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14712407
- Volume :
- 6
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- BMC Cancer
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.88ae174012c4490cb9da906821d20112
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-6-81