A comparison of CA-549 with CA 15-3 and MCA in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
CA 15-3, MCA, and CA-549 levels were determined in the serum of 56 patients with metastatic breast cancer, all of whom had visceral and/or bone metastases. CA 15-3 was positive in the serum of 37 patients, MCA in the serum of 38 patients, and CA-549 in the serum of 39 patients. All 3 markers were positive in 36 patients, and all 3 were negative in 16 patients. In the serum of 4 patients only 1 or 2 markers were slightly elevated. Thus, the results were identical in 52 of the 56 patients. It is concluded that CA 15-3, MCA, and CA-549 are sensitive markers for advanced breast cancer, and that no advantage can be expected by combining them.
de Wit
R
R
Division of Medical Oncology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Hoek
F J
FJ
Bakker
P J
PJ
Veenhof
C H
CH
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate / Q000032:analysis*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D015295:Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C057387:mucinous carcinoma-associated antigen