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Also known as: CA 153, CA-Breast, Cancer Antigen 15-3, Cancer Antigen-Breast

Ca 15-3

Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a protein that is produced by normal breast cells. In many people with cancerous breast tumors, there is an increased production of CA 15-3 and the related cancer antigen 27.29. CA 15-3 does not cause cancer; rather, it is shed by the tumor cells and enters the bloodstream, making it useful as a tumor marker to follow the course of the cancer. CA 15-3 is elevated in only about 10% of women with early localized breast cancer but is elevated in about 80% of those with metastatic breast cancer. CA 15-3 may also be elevated in healthy people and in individuals with other cancers (e.g., colon, lung, pancreas, ovary, or prostate malignancies) or certain conditions (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis, and benign breast disease).
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The CA 15-3 test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Brief Description: The CA 15-3 test is a laboratory test that measures the levels of a specific protein called cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) in the blood. It is primarily used as a tumor marker in the management of breast cancer.

Also Known As: Cancer Antigen 15-3 Test, CA-Breast Test, Cancer Antigen-Breast Test, CA153 Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is a CA 15-3 test ordered?

A CA 15-3 test may be ordered in the following situations:

  1. Breast Cancer Diagnosis: The test may be ordered if breast cancer is suspected based on symptoms, physical examination, or imaging findings. Elevated levels of CA 15-3 can be an indication of breast cancer, especially in certain subtypes such as hormone receptor-positive and metastatic breast cancer.

  2. Monitoring Breast Cancer Treatment: The test is commonly used to monitor the progress of breast cancer treatment. It helps assess the effectiveness of therapy, detect recurrence or metastasis, and guide treatment decisions.

  3. Assessment of Treatment Response: The CA 15-3 test is valuable in evaluating the response to specific breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies. Changes in CA 15-3 levels over time can provide insight into the response of the tumor to treatment.

What does a CA 15-3 blood test check for?

Normal breast cells produce cancer antigen 15-3, which is a protein. The production of CA 15-3 and the related cancer antigen 27.29 is enhanced in many persons with malignant breast tumors. CA 15-3 does not induce cancer; instead, tumor cells dump it into the bloodstream. CA 15-3 is measured in the blood in this test.

CA 15-3 is a tumor marker that may be tested in the blood and used to track the progression of cancer. CA 15-3 is high in fewer than half of women with early-stage breast cancer or a small tumor, whereas it is elevated in nearly 80% of women with advanced breast cancer. The test isn't always useful because not all women with invasive breast cancer have increased CA 15-3.

Because it is non-specific, CA 15-3 is not recommended as a screening test for breast cancer in women. It can also be increased in healthy persons and people who have tumors of the colon, lungs, pancreatic, ovary, or prostate, as well as certain illnesses like cirrhosis, hepatitis, and benign breast disease.

Lab tests often ordered with a CA 15-3 test:

When a CA 15-3 test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of breast cancer status and monitoring. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

  1. CA 27.29:

    • Purpose: Another marker used to monitor breast cancer.
    • Why Is It Ordered: CA 27.29 is similar to CA 15-3 and is often used in conjunction to provide a more comprehensive assessment of disease status and treatment response.

  2. Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA):

    • Purpose: A tumor marker that can be elevated in various types of cancer, including breast cancer.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To provide additional information about the cancer's behavior and response to treatment, especially in metastatic disease.

  3. Liver Function Test:

    • Purpose: To assess liver health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Metastatic breast cancer can spread to the liver, affecting liver function.

  4. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

    • Purpose: Provides a broad picture of overall blood health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To monitor for side effects of cancer treatment, such as anemia, infection risk, and thrombocytopenia.

These tests, when ordered alongside a CA 15-3 test, provide a comprehensive view of a patient’s breast cancer status and are essential in the ongoing monitoring and management of the disease. They help in assessing the effectiveness of treatment, monitoring for disease progression or recurrence, and guiding future therapeutic decisions. The specific combination of tests will depend on the type of breast cancer, the stage of the disease, the treatment being received, and the patient’s overall health.

Conditions where a CA 15-3 test is recommended:

A CA 15-3 test is primarily used in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of breast cancer. It may be ordered in the following situations:

  1. Breast Cancer: The test is most commonly used in the evaluation and management of breast cancer. It helps in the initial diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of the disease.

  2. Metastatic Breast Cancer: The CA 15-3 test is particularly useful in monitoring the progression and treatment response of metastatic breast cancer, where the disease has spread to other parts of the body.

How does my health care provider use a 15-3 test?

Healthcare providers use the results of a CA 15-3 test in the following ways:

  1. Diagnosis: Elevated levels of CA 15-3, in combination with other diagnostic tests and clinical findings, may support a diagnosis of breast cancer.

  2. Monitoring Treatment: The test is used to monitor the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment. A decrease in CA 15-3 levels over time may indicate a positive response to therapy, while increasing levels may suggest disease progression or treatment resistance.

  3. Detecting Recurrence: Rising CA 15-3 levels during follow-up visits after initial treatment may be an early indication of cancer recurrence, prompting further evaluation and adjustments to the treatment plan.

  4. Prognostic Information: CA 15-3 levels may provide additional prognostic information, helping healthcare providers assess the likelihood of disease progression and guide treatment decisions.

It is important to note that CA 15-3 levels can be influenced by factors other than breast cancer, such as benign breast conditions, liver disease, or other cancers. Therefore, the interpretation of CA 15-3 test results should be done in conjunction with other clinical information and imaging studies.

What do my CA 15-3 test results mean?

The greater the CA 15-3 level, the further advanced the breast cancer is and the more cancer is found in general. CA 15-3 levels tend to rise as the cancer progresses. When metastatic breast cancer has progressed to the bones and/or liver, the highest levels of CA 15-3 are frequently detected.

CA 15-3 levels that rise over time may suggest that a patient is not responding to treatment or that the cancer has returned.

Normal CA 15-3 levels do not rule out the possibility of metastatic or localized breast cancer. It could be too early in the disease process to identify elevated CA 15-3 levels, or the person could be one of the roughly 20% to 25% of advanced breast cancer patients whose tumors do not shed CA 15-3.

CA 15-3 levels are mild to moderate in a number of illnesses, including lung, pancreas, ovary, prostate, and colon cancer, as well as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and benign breast abnormalities, and in a small percentage of seemingly healthy people. CA 15-3 levels in non-cancerous circumstances are generally constant over time.

Most Common Questions About the CA 15-3 test:

Understanding the CA 15-3 Test

What is the CA 15-3 test?

The Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) test is a blood test that measures the level of CA 15-3 proteins, which are produced by certain cells in the breast. Elevated levels of CA 15-3 can be associated with breast cancer.

Why is the CA 15-3 test done?

The CA 15-3 test is primarily used to monitor treatment in individuals with breast cancer, particularly advanced breast cancer. It can help to assess how well the body is responding to treatment.

What does a 'high' result mean in the CA 15-3 test?

A high level of CA 15-3 is generally seen in women with breast cancer, especially those with advanced cancer. However, it's important to note that elevated levels of CA 15-3 can also be seen in other cancers and certain non-cancerous conditions.

Interpreting the CA 15-3 Test Results

How are results of the CA 15-3 test interpreted?

Results of the CA 15-3 test are given in units per milliliter (U/mL). The reference range can vary, but generally, a level less than 32 U/mL is considered normal. Elevated levels may indicate the presence of breast cancer or other conditions.

Can the CA 15-3 test diagnose breast cancer?

No, the CA 15-3 test is not used to diagnose breast cancer. While it can be elevated in individuals with breast cancer, it can also be elevated in other conditions. Furthermore, not all individuals with breast cancer will have elevated CA 15-3 levels.

How useful is the CA 15-3 test in monitoring breast cancer?

The CA 15-3 test can be a useful tool in monitoring treatment response and disease progression in individuals with breast cancer, especially advanced breast cancer. However, it is just one of several tools that healthcare providers use.

CA 15-3 Test and Specific Conditions

Can the CA 15-3 test be used in individuals with conditions other than breast cancer?

Yes, elevated levels of CA 15-3 can also be seen in individuals with other types of cancer, such as lung and prostate cancer, as well as in non-cancerous conditions like liver disease.

Can the CA 15-3 test be used in men?

Yes, the CA 15-3 test can be used in men, although it's more commonly used in women. Elevated levels of CA 15-3 in men could indicate a condition like prostate or lung cancer.

How does the CA 15-3 test relate to other cancer markers like CA 27.29 or CEA?

CA 15-3, CA 27.29, and CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) are all types of tumor markers that can be used in the management of certain types of cancers. CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 are often used in breast cancer, while CEA is used for a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer.

General Questions About the Test

What factors might affect the results of the CA 15-3 test?

Factors like liver disease, inflammation, and certain other cancers can cause elevated CA 15-3 levels. It's also important to note that not all individuals with breast cancer will have elevated CA 15-3 levels.

Is the CA 15-3 test recommended for routine screening of breast cancer?

No, the CA 15-3 test is not recommended for routine screening of breast cancer. Mammograms and other imaging tests are typically used for screening.

Can the CA 15-3 test be used to determine the stage of breast cancer?

While CA 15-3 levels can be higher in advanced breast cancer, the test is not used to determine the stage of breast cancer. Staging is typically done through imaging tests and biopsies.

Understanding Cancer Markers and Monitoring

How can I lower my CA 15-3 levels?

CA 15-3 is a tumor marker, so levels typically decrease when effective treatment, like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, reduces the size of the tumor.

Can the CA 15-3 test detect a recurrence of breast cancer?

Elevated CA 15-3 levels may suggest a recurrence of breast cancer, but other tests and examinations would be necessary to confirm a recurrence.

How does CA 15-3 contribute to a comprehensive cancer treatment plan?

As a tumor marker, CA 15-3 can help monitor how well treatment is working and whether the cancer is progressing. However, it's just one part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan that may also include imaging tests, physical examinations, and other lab tests.

Can the CA 15-3 test be used to monitor the progress of treatment for other types of cancer?

While the CA 15-3 test is most commonly used in the management of breast cancer, elevated levels can occur in other cancers. Therefore, it may be used in the monitoring of other types of cancer, but this is less common.

How does the CA 15-3 test fit into a broader cancer treatment and monitoring strategy?

The CA 15-3 test is one tool that can provide valuable information about how well a treatment is working or whether the disease is progressing. It's used in combination with other tests, physical examinations, and imaging studies to monitor the disease over time.

If my CA 15-3 levels are not decreasing during treatment, what does that mean?

If CA 15-3 levels are not decreasing during treatment, it could suggest that the treatment is not working as expected. However, interpretation of results should be made in context with other clinical findings and tests.

Can the CA 15-3 test be used to assess the risk of developing breast cancer?

No, the CA 15-3 test is not used to assess the risk of developing breast cancer. It's primarily used to monitor treatment in individuals already diagnosed with breast cancer.

Are there any limitations to the CA 15-3 test?

Yes, not all individuals with breast cancer will have elevated CA 15-3 levels, and elevated levels can also be seen in other conditions. As a result, it's not useful for diagnosing breast cancer or screening for the disease in asymptomatic individuals.

Can the CA 15-3 test be used alongside genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2?

While both can be part of a comprehensive strategy for managing breast cancer, they serve different purposes. The CA 15-3 test is used to monitor treatment, while BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing is used to identify individuals at high genetic risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer.

What are the next steps if my CA 15-3 levels are elevated?

Elevated levels of CA 15-3 could indicate that the cancer is not responding to treatment or that it has returned. However, your doctor will consider these results along with other information, such as results of imaging studies, physical exam findings, and other lab tests, to determine the best course of action.

Can a person with no symptoms still test high in the CA 15-3 test?

Yes, it's possible to have elevated CA 15-3 levels without any symptoms, especially in people with early-stage breast cancer. However, the CA 15-3 test is not recommended for routine screening of asymptomatic individuals due to its limitations.

How often should I repeat the CA 15-3 test?

The frequency of testing will depend on many factors, including the stage of your cancer, how well you're responding to treatment, and your overall health. Your healthcare provider will give you specific recommendations based on your individual situation.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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