Tumor marker increase

[Dogmomtocockers]

What are some reason tumor markings go up. Mine doubled but PET scan did not show any new lesions.

[Barbteeth]

Hi thereMy oncologist doesn’t depend on increases in tumour markers as a definite thing to worry about as many other things can cause them to rise

It’s happened to me but she always checks with a scan...I wouldn’t be too concerned as your scan was fine

Barb xx

[Dogmomtocockers in reply to Barbteeth]

Thanks for responding. Do you know other factors that can cause them to rise?

[Adele_Julia]

Tumour markers are not reliable. They can flucuate based on a multiple of reasons as Barb said below. See this article. Don't freak out ! Mine rose but my Petscan showed no signs of progression. xoxo

cancer.net/about-us/collabo...

[Hazelgreen in reply to Adele_Julia]

Thanks for the reference. I found the following information from the page most helpful:

"A tumor marker is a substance found in your blood, urine, or body tissue. The term "tumor markers" may refer to proteins that are made by both healthy cells and cancer cells in the body. It may also refer to mutations, changes, or patterns in a tumor's DNA." "High tumor marker levels can be a sign of cancer. Along with other tests, tumor marker tests can help doctors diagnose specific types of cancer and plan treatment."

" Tumor marker tests are most commonly used to do the following": (a)" Higher tumor marker levels may indicate a certain type of cancer. A tumor marker test may be used as a part of your initial diagnosis." (b)"Some tumor marker tests tell doctors if they should give chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Others help doctors choose which drugs may work best". (c)" Changes in your tumor marker levels can show how well the treatment is working." (d)"Tumor markers can help doctors predict the cancer's behavior and response to treatment. They can also predict your chance of recovery."

LIMITS OF TUMOR MARKERS:"Tumor marker tests are not perfect. They are often not specific for cancer and may not be sensitive enough to pick up a cancer recurrence. The presence of tumor markers alone is not enough to diagnose cancer. You will probably need other tests to learn more about a possible cancer or recurrence."

- "A condition or disease that is not cancer can raise tumor marker levels."

- "People without cancer can have high tumor marker levels."

- "Tumor marker levels can change over time. The tests may not get the same result every time."

- "Tumor marker levels may not go up until cancer gets worse."

- "Some cancers do not make tumor markers that are found in the blood. And, some types of cancer have no known tumor markers."

[Dogmomtocockers in reply to Hazelgreen]

Thank you

[Hazelgreen in reply to Dogmomtocockers]

You're welcome! Since your PET scan didn't show progression, your tumor markers could be totally unrelated to your cancer, and may go down again on your next bloodwork. I hope that will be the case! My tumor markers have still not reached normal levels after 18 months treatment, but the trend is in the right direction so far.

Cheers, Cindy

[Dogmomtocockers in reply to Hazelgreen]

Thank you

[Pachira]

My tumor markers have been rising gradually every 3 months for over a year. Ca 15-3 is now 121 but my scans are clear. Like you I’m hoping it’s something else that’s causing them to rise. My Onc says he doesn’t worry if the results fluctuate but a steady rise to him his worrying He thinks the cancer is hiding somewhere and I’m having to try and talk myself down from the obsession I have about the number. I feel he thinks I should just take Ibrance or Faslodex in addition to the Arimidex I’m on but I’m having a hard time with that. We have agreed that we’ll wait until I have a bone scan in May but I have to let him know if I have any unusual symptoms. I think it depends how accurate your numbers have been in the past. Sadly I think mine have been accurate but the green smoothies, curcumin and Spirulina might be slowing but not stopping the onward March of this insidious disease. It’s just another tool to help the doctor but I can understand why some docs don’t do them as it does cause a lot of stress.

[Dogmomtocockers in reply to Pachira]

Thank you. It sure is anxiety provoking

[Andibo]

My doctor uses them to just give her an idea in between scans that the treatment is working. She always warns me they can fluctuate month to month but she only will become concerned if there is a significant increase in them.

[Dogmomtocockers in reply to Andibo]

Thank you