CA 15-3 Test
About CA 15-3 test
The CA 15-3 test measures the cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) levels in the blood. CA 15-3 antigen, a protein, is released into the bloodstream by various cells, particularly breast cancer cells.
The early recurrence of breast cancer in women is predicted using the CA 15-3 test. This test is particularly helpful for people who have had stage II or stage III breast cancer in the past but are currently clinically disease-free.
SCA 15-3 can be used as a tumour marker to monitor the progression of cancer. Fewer than 50% of women with early-stage localized breast cancer or those with a small tumour have elevated CA 15-3; however, the levels are elevated in 80% of women with metastatic (spread) breast cancer. As some cancer cells don't overproduce the antigen, not all types of breast cancer will result in an increase in CA 15-3 levels.
Thus, getting your CA 15-3 test done is recommended to monitor the progression of breast cancer as well as the response to breast cancer treatment.
This test is also known as
Cancer Antigen-Breast, CA-Breast
Risk factors for breast cancer
Increased age
Female gender
Pre-existing benign breast disease
Family history of breast / ovarian cancer
Exposure to radiation
Obesity
Increased alcohol intake
Long-term hormone replacement therapy
Symptoms of recurrent breast cancer
Local breast cancer recurrence: A local recurrence is when cancer recurs in the same region as your original cancer. Signs and symptoms of local breast cancer recurrence include:
Breast lump
Nipple changes
Inflammation and changes to the skin of your breast
Regional breast cancer recurrence: A regional recurrence is when cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the surrounding area. Signs and symptoms of regional breast cancer recurrence include:
Lump or swelling in the lymph nodes located under your arm, near your collarbone, and on neck
Distant breast cancer recurrence: A distant (metastatic) recurrence means that cancer has spread to distant organs, usually the liver, bones, and lungs. Signs and symptoms of distant breast cancer recurrence include:
Persistent chest, back or hip pain
Persistent cough
Difficulty in breathing
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Severe headaches
Preparation for the test
No special preparation is required for this test. At the time of sample collection, make sure to provide a brief clinical history and the doctor's prescription.
Interpretation of results
|
Parameters |
CA 15-3 assay reference values |
|
Males |
<30 U/mL |
|
Females |
<30 U/mL |
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories and some labs use different measurements.
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
· The progression and regression of the breast cancer disease are correlated with increasing and decreasing CA 15-3 assay values.
· In patients at risk for breast cancer recurrence after primary therapy, increasing CA 15-3 assay values may signal recurrent disease before it can be clinically detected.
· Generally, the higher the CA 15-3 level, the more advanced the breast cancer is, and as cancer progresses, CA 15-3 levels typically rise.
· The highest levels of CA 15-3 are frequently found in cases of metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the bones and/or liver.
· Increasing CA 15-3 levels could be a sign that a patient is not benefiting from treatment or that their cancer is returning.
· Mild to moderate elevations of CA 15-3 are seen in lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and benign breast disorders.
FAQs
What happens during a CA 15-3 test?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes.
What are the risks associated with CA 15-3 test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight pain or tenderness around the site where the needle went in. Rarely, the site can become infected.
When is CA 15-3 test ordered?
When advanced breast cancer is initially diagnosed, CA 15-3 may be requested in addition to other tests to identify cancer characteristics and potential treatments. It may be requested on a recurring basis if the cancer antigen is above the normal range to check the effectiveness of the treatment and help detect recurrence. Since in most early cancers, levels are typically not elevated, CA 15-3 is usually not ordered when breast cancer is discovered early.
Can I use CA 15-3 test for screening/diagnosing breast cancer?
It is not advisable to use CA 15-3 as a screening tool. Early breast cancer cannot be detected using the CA 15-3 test, as it is not specific or sensitive enough. A normal CA 15-3 assay value does not guarantee that you do not have cancer, and elevated levels of CA 15-3 may be caused by other factors too. This test should typically be used only after a breast cancer diagnosis.
What are the limitations of CA 15-3 test?
Patients who receive mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy may have false negative or positive CA 15-3 assay results as circulating anti-mouse antibodies interfere with the assay reagents and produce unreliable results. Sometimes, breast cancer patients may show normal CA 15-3 levels before treatment. Therefore, regardless of the level, this assay should not be taken as definitive evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease, and the assay result should be used in combination with other diagnostic tests.
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics