Tumor markers

[Corgi3]

Just finished 4th cycle of Ibrance &Letrozole and 3 of my tumor markers are trending up is this normal at beginning of treatment or does this mean it's not working?

CEA (0.0 - 3.0)

Aug 14.1, Oct 28.1, Nov 40.9

CA 15-3 <30

May 19, Aug 25, Oct. 30 & Nov 35

CA 27.29 (<38.0)

Aug 29.8, Oct 34.5, Nov. 50.0

Re-check these on Dec. 4th & possibly do PET Scan if needed.

[mariootsi]

From what I understand there could be many causes for a rise in markers.

[Corgi3 in reply to mariootsi]

I thought I had heard that, too. Don't remember any of the other causes at the moment, though. I think I have had too much to process in the last 5 months and am on overload.

[TammyCross]

My oncologist said from the beginning that they don't really know what the tumor markers mean; they are not really diagnostic. On the other hand, she seems to think it is good when they go down, but that is not enough alone for a conclusion about whether the meds are working. Mine never went down as much as I see others who post here experienced. They have stayed around the high end of normal, and bobble back and forth between normal and too high. So--- don't know what it means, it has to be interpreted in the context of clinical signs, how you feel, but definitely something to discuss with your oncologist. One would prefer a decline but the numbers are not definitive.

[Corgi3 in reply to TammyCross]

Thanks! I was a bit upset they called to tell me this the day before Thanksgiving. I honestly don't know what to think. I guess hurry up & wait. ❤

[AnnaP668]

They can be elevated if you are shedding more tumor cells.

[Corgi3 in reply to AnnaP668]

Thanks, SO much! That's what I couldn't remember!!! I must of read that before mine were doing anything! Very glad you posted! 🥰

[Beryl71]

Mine started in a totally different place, my CA 15-3 was 435. CA 125 was 42, CEA went up from 7-8 a few months ago but they said that didn't matter. The others have been coming down but slowed recently. Your numbers look low but I would be concerned about a continued rise. I think you need to discuss. We are all different. X

[Corgi3]

Thanks! I agree, so much to learn!