乳癌篩檢 CA-153 (女)
CA 15-3: Breast Cancer Tumor Marker
*CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) is a glycoprotein and one of the most commonly used tumor markers for breast cancer. It is primarily present on the surface of breast cancer cells but can also appear in other types of cancer and non-cancerous conditions. The detection of CA 15-3 is mainly used for monitoring treatment, assessing prognosis, and detecting recurrence in breast cancer patients.
*Normal Range
Normal range: < 31.3 U/mL (The specific range may vary depending on the testing method, laboratory equipment, and testing standards)
*Causes of Elevated CA 15-3 Levels
-Breast Cancer:
CA 15-3 is most commonly associated with breast cancer, particularly in advanced or recurrent stages. An elevated level of CA 15-3 usually suggests active tumor growth, rapid cell division, and possibly cancer progression.
-Other Cancers:
While CA 15-3 is primarily linked to breast cancer, it can also be elevated in other cancers, such as ovarian cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
-Non-Cancerous Conditions:
Benign breast conditions, such as mastitis or benign breast hyperplasia, may cause elevated CA 15-3 levels.
Other non-cancerous conditions, including liver disease, kidney disease, or autoimmune diseases like lupus, may also lead to increased CA 15-3 levels.
Uses of CA 15-3
-Breast Cancer Diagnosis:
CA 15-3 is associated with breast cancer, but it is not a definitive diagnostic marker on its own. It is typically used in conjunction with imaging tests (such as mammography or ultrasound) and other tumor markers (such as CEA) for diagnosis.
-Monitoring Treatment:
CA 15-3 can be used to monitor the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments in breast cancer patients. If treatment is effective, CA 15-3 levels usually decrease.
-Monitoring Recurrence:
After treatment, regular monitoring of CA 15-3 can help detect cancer recurrence at an early stage. A rise in CA 15-3 levels after treatment may suggest that the cancer has returned.
-Prognostic Assessment:
The level of CA 15-3 can provide insights into the tumor's activity and may correlate with prognosis. Higher levels of CA 15-3 are often associated with a higher tumor burden and a poorer prognosis.
*Limitations of CA 15-3
-Non-Specific:
CA 15-3 is not exclusive to breast cancer. Other cancers and non-cancerous conditions can also cause an elevation in CA 15-3 levels.
-Not Effective for Early Detection:
CA 15-3 lacks sufficient sensitivity for early breast cancer detection. Many early-stage breast cancer patients may still have normal CA 15-3 levels, so it should not be used as a sole screening tool.
-Individual Variability:
CA 15-3 levels can vary significantly between patients, and the degree and rate of elevation may differ depending on the disease stage.
*Health Recommendations
-Regular Monitoring:
CA 15-3 can be used as a monitoring tool for breast cancer patients post-treatment. It is recommended for regular testing in high-risk individuals or those with a history of breast cancer.
-Comprehensive Testing:
Due to its non-specific nature, CA 15-3 should be used in combination with other diagnostic methods (such as mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy) for a thorough assessment.
-Early Detection and Treatment:
Regular breast cancer screenings and early diagnosis are crucial for improving outcomes and prognosis.
*Conclusion
CA 15-3 is an important tumor marker for monitoring breast cancer treatment and detecting recurrence. Although it has limited sensitivity for early detection, it plays a valuable role in assessing treatment response, recurrence risk, and prognosis. It should be used alongside other diagnostic tools for comprehensive diagnosis and management.
*CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3) is a glycoprotein and one of the most commonly used tumor markers for breast cancer. It is primarily present on the surface of breast cancer cells but can also appear in other types of cancer and non-cancerous conditions. The detection of CA 15-3 is mainly used for monitoring treatment, assessing prognosis, and detecting recurrence in breast cancer patients.
*Normal Range
Normal range: < 31.3 U/mL (The specific range may vary depending on the testing method, laboratory equipment, and testing standards)
*Causes of Elevated CA 15-3 Levels
-Breast Cancer:
CA 15-3 is most commonly associated with breast cancer, particularly in advanced or recurrent stages. An elevated level of CA 15-3 usually suggests active tumor growth, rapid cell division, and possibly cancer progression.
-Other Cancers:
While CA 15-3 is primarily linked to breast cancer, it can also be elevated in other cancers, such as ovarian cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
-Non-Cancerous Conditions:
Benign breast conditions, such as mastitis or benign breast hyperplasia, may cause elevated CA 15-3 levels.
Other non-cancerous conditions, including liver disease, kidney disease, or autoimmune diseases like lupus, may also lead to increased CA 15-3 levels.
Uses of CA 15-3
-Breast Cancer Diagnosis:
CA 15-3 is associated with breast cancer, but it is not a definitive diagnostic marker on its own. It is typically used in conjunction with imaging tests (such as mammography or ultrasound) and other tumor markers (such as CEA) for diagnosis.
-Monitoring Treatment:
CA 15-3 can be used to monitor the effectiveness of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments in breast cancer patients. If treatment is effective, CA 15-3 levels usually decrease.
-Monitoring Recurrence:
After treatment, regular monitoring of CA 15-3 can help detect cancer recurrence at an early stage. A rise in CA 15-3 levels after treatment may suggest that the cancer has returned.
-Prognostic Assessment:
The level of CA 15-3 can provide insights into the tumor's activity and may correlate with prognosis. Higher levels of CA 15-3 are often associated with a higher tumor burden and a poorer prognosis.
*Limitations of CA 15-3
-Non-Specific:
CA 15-3 is not exclusive to breast cancer. Other cancers and non-cancerous conditions can also cause an elevation in CA 15-3 levels.
-Not Effective for Early Detection:
CA 15-3 lacks sufficient sensitivity for early breast cancer detection. Many early-stage breast cancer patients may still have normal CA 15-3 levels, so it should not be used as a sole screening tool.
-Individual Variability:
CA 15-3 levels can vary significantly between patients, and the degree and rate of elevation may differ depending on the disease stage.
*Health Recommendations
-Regular Monitoring:
CA 15-3 can be used as a monitoring tool for breast cancer patients post-treatment. It is recommended for regular testing in high-risk individuals or those with a history of breast cancer.
-Comprehensive Testing:
Due to its non-specific nature, CA 15-3 should be used in combination with other diagnostic methods (such as mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy) for a thorough assessment.
-Early Detection and Treatment:
Regular breast cancer screenings and early diagnosis are crucial for improving outcomes and prognosis.
*Conclusion
CA 15-3 is an important tumor marker for monitoring breast cancer treatment and detecting recurrence. Although it has limited sensitivity for early detection, it plays a valuable role in assessing treatment response, recurrence risk, and prognosis. It should be used alongside other diagnostic tools for comprehensive diagnosis and management.