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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

Authors :
Locker Gottfried J
Altorjai Gabriela
Sevelda Ursula
Hussian Dagmar
Pluschnig Ursula
Wenzel Catharina
Bartsch Rupert
Mader Robert
Zielinski Christoph C
Steger Guenther G
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.

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