Does a normal tumour marker result mean there is no tumour? I’m confused

[Nat1990]

Hi ladies I was just wondering what does a normal tumour marker mean? Is this good? Xxx

[Julie2233]

Hi, my tumour markers have always been within normal range but the scans show I still have widespread bone mets.

My oncologist looks for increases in markers as one of the tools which indicate new developments in the disease in the same way that he looks at other results such as calcium levels. He places more importance on scan results.

[Nat1990]

Thank you for your reply.. this whole things just so confusing. It’s my mum who has breast cancer er+ although there was some eveidence of her2+ but only treating for er+ and her2- yet another thing I don’t understand if there is evidence there then why not treat it for that also? Unless there’s not enough her2 to treat.. she has 1 small bone met on her spine.. had Masectomy last November and started treatment in January currently on Ibrance and letrozole xxxx

[Julie2233 in reply to Nat1990]

It is confusing. Treatment is not always straight cut and sometimes it's just a best educated guess as to which treatment will be most effective. Treatment will be tried and the effects carefully monitored, if there is progression then another combination will be prescribed. The monthly blood tests are a starting point, if markers start to rise, it may not mean anything or might be an early warning which leads to an earlier scan.

And don’t forget these are very strong drugs, they have a big impact on the immune system. Giving too many different drugs at the same time could be catastrophic for the patient so the doctors will select the ones which will give the best anticipated results even if they are not suited to every feature of the disease.

Try not too worry too much (easier said than done) but this won't be the first time that her doctors have seen someone in your mother's situation, it's more common than you would think. Ibrance and letrozole are an effective combination for many women.

Jxx

[Nat1990 in reply to Julie2233]

Thank you so much xxxx