Xeloda increase in cancer markers

[highhopes1]

Would it be normal to have increase in cancer markers when you first start xeloda? Just finished second cycle and markers have increased by 10 each time. Oncologist says don't stress because dealing with alot of hand foot syndrome. Scans in two weeks 🙏

[Iwasborntodothis]

I am just back from my monthly appointment at the cancer center and I feel like I can write a book about tumor markers after a year of treatment. I will say what many here will say - don't sweat it. Mine went up again sky high today even with improving scans and shrinking tumors. Doc says it could be an indicator of something far down the road or a flare from hip radiation but we are sticking with my current meds and the fact that I feel good.

So, not a full answer to your question but tumor markers drive me crazy don't let them rule your world.

[highhopes1 in reply to Iwasborntodothis]

Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I'm so glad you got a good report today! That's always a little relief. I wish you well

[barbarac76]

Hi.

I agree with Iwasborntodothis. I would not rush in drawing any conclusions about tumor marker changes. Mine have never been a reflection of disease progression. Even knowing this, I still get anxious when my markers increase, so I understand your stress.

I wish you well with your scans. Hoping for good results.

Barbara

[highhopes1 in reply to barbarac76]

Thank you. I wish you the best

[8576]

My oncologist never pays any attention to tumour markers at all. Says they aren't reliable.

Cheers, June S.

[Hidden]

Hi highhopes1,

Just a comment here from a tumor marker follower (obsesser? ).

From what i understand they are a reliable indicator for some, not for others. I've had three docs declare mine "reliable", which is why I track them closely.

I read /hear about docs saying they're "not reliable", "I don't look at them", but I think they mean as it relates to that individual patient. E.g. my sister said that her doc said same. I thought, "Huh! Maybe they don't matter?". But then when I went to see her doc he discussed how they are very indicative for me and noted that both the CEA and CA27-29 move in unison, with a slight lag, further indicating meaningfulness...(but for my sister, they are meaningless...hence his comment to her...).

In any event, reliable or not for you, I think 10 points on the CA27-29 (or similar) is nothing to worry about. Markers often rise when you start a new treatment as the dying cancer cells "shed" and show up in the labs. So this could reasonably be viewed as a good thing!

Good luck with the scans...I for one, am feeling optimistic for you!

Lynn

[Iwasborntodothis in reply to Hidden]

Yes - great response Lynn. My doc actually added back in the blood test for the CEA marker for next draw because it was normal and he dropped it last year. He is so perplexed by my CA15 vs scans.

It is such a fine line about we need to or have to worry about when we have no control. We especially have no control over this one - every other blood test number is helped by diet etc. but this one is vexing for sure.

[highhopes1 in reply to Hidden]

Just got results from petscan after 3 cycles of xeloda. Markers continue to climb but scans showed improvement in lesions. Markers have went up by 30 points. Oncologist is hoping this is from cancer dying but he wants to scan again in 2 months. I'm hoping for stabilization and to stay on this treatment for a good while.

[Hidden in reply to highhopes1]

That's great news! Thanks for the update!

[highhopes1]

Thank you so much

[kearnan]

From NY. My cancer center which is rated as one of the best in Brooklyn, NY and is huge they never use tumor markers. They (the oncologists there) said tumor markers can rise and lower and it does not mean anything. Been going there for three years now and I have no idea what my tumor markers are to even begin with.