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.
From what I understand there could be many causes for a rise in markers.
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.
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. ❤
They can be elevated if you are shedding more tumor cells.
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
Thanks! I agree, so much to learn! 
Xeloda and tumor markers 
Tumor markers trending up
High tumor markers
