Predictive value of CEA and CA 15-3 in the follow up of invasive breast cancer

Citation
M. Sutterlin et al., Predictive value of CEA and CA 15-3 in the follow up of invasive breast cancer, ANTICANC R, 19(4A), 1999, pp. 2567-2570
Citations number
11
Categorie Soggetti
Onconogenesis & Cancer Research
Journal title
ANTICANCER RESEARCH
ISSN journal
02507005 → ACNP
Volume
19
Issue
4A
Year of publication
1999
Pages
2567 - 2570
Database
ISI
SICI code
0250-7005(199907/08)19:4A<2567:PVOCAC>2.0.ZU;2-C
Abstract
Background: The clinical usefulness of tumor markers in the follow-up care of invasive breast cancer is controversial. Methods: In 1228 serum samples of 664 women with history of breast cancer, the diagnostic accuracy and pre dictive power of CEA and CA 15-3 for the detection of disease relapse was d etermined prospectively by analyzing the clinical course for at least 6 mon ths after the measurement of the tumor markers in 1994. Results: A total of 76 patients relapsed during the period of study. The diagnostic accuracy w as 83% for CEA and 88% for CA 15-3. CEA and CA 15-3 had a positive predicit ive value of 27% and 47% as well as a negative prediction of 91% and 93%, r espectively. Conclusions: The low positive predictive value and sensitivity of these tumor markers clearly limit their clinical utility. Therefore, th e effectiveness of routine determinations during the follow-up seems questi onable.