Comparison of a novel assay for breast cancer mucin to CA15-3 and carcinoembryonic antigen.

Abstract

Increased sensitivity of IMxBCM, despite a high correlation with CA15-3, suggests that IMxBCM and CA15-3 may recognize distinct epitopes on the same molecule. Although further research is indicated, IMxBCM may provide a promising marker in the clinical management of breast cancer patients.

Potential for cost economies in guiding therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer

“…, as may glycoprotein markers such as CA15-3 (Tondini et al, 1988;Robertson et al, 1990), MCA (Cooper et al, 1989;Laurence et al, 1991) and BCM (Daly et al, 1992 Robertson et al, 1991b). This proportion is at least equivalent to that asable using the UICC criteria (Hayward et al, 1977).…”

CA-15.3 Assay in Effusions

“…DF3 was prepared against a membrane fraction of metastatic breast carcinoma 9 and 115-D8 against antigens of human milk fat globule membranes. 5 CA-15.3 is elevated in serum in 61-91% of patients with advanced breast carcinoma 4,14 and is more sensitive than carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in this setting. 4,12 However, falsely elevated serum levels, above 30 µm/mL, are seen in patients with benign breast diseases.…”

“…5 CA-15.3 is elevated in serum in 61-91% of patients with advanced breast carcinoma 4,14 and is more sensitive than carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in this setting. 4,12 However, falsely elevated serum levels, above 30 µm/mL, are seen in patients with benign breast diseases. 4 CA-15.3 has also been measured in effusion fluid, with varying sensitivity, for the overall detection of malignant effusions 1,2,6,12,18,19 as well as those secondary to breast carcinoma.…”

“…4,12 However, falsely elevated serum levels, above 30 µm/mL, are seen in patients with benign breast diseases. 4 CA-15.3 has also been measured in effusion fluid, with varying sensitivity, for the overall detection of malignant effusions 1,2,6,12,18,19 as well as those secondary to breast carcinoma. 1,2,6,12,18 Some studies have indicated the superior sensitivity of the CEA assay over CA-15.3 content in the detection of malignant effusions.…”

“…However, elevated fluid CEA content did not discriminate malignant effusions secondary to breast carcinoma from those arising in the lung or gastrointestinal tract. 15,16 Although patients with malignant effusions secondary to breast carcinoma have a short median survival (11 months), there is a wide range, up to 102 months, 4 unlike with other carcinomatous effusions. Therefore, confirming the etiology of the malignant effusion as secondary to the breast rather than lung carcinoma may have therapeutic and prognostic significance.…”