title: Elevated levels of preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA serum levels have independently poor prognostic significance in breast cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative tumor markers, cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), in breast cancers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels of 1681 patients were measured. The association of both tumor markers levels with clinicopathological parameters and outcomes was investigated by univariate and multivariate analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 1681 patients, elevated preoperative CA15-3 and CEA levels were identified in 176 and 131 patients, respectively. Higher preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels were significantly associated with a larger tumor size, axillary node metastases, and advanced stage. Patients with elevated CA 15-3 and CEA levels showed worse survival, even in stage-matched analysis. Patients with normal levels of both CA15-3 and CEA showed better survival than those with one or both markers levels elevated. In multivariate analysis, elevated preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels were independent prognostic factors. The statistical significance of elevated preoperative tumor markers levels on survival was solidified with longer follow-up and larger study population.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elevated preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels are associated with tumor burden and showed independent prognostic significance. Therefore, new treatment strategies are necessary for patients with elevated preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA levels in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: S I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: B-W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018396:Mucin-1 / Q000097:blood*; D057234:Preoperative Period; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen; D018396:Mucin-1