Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomarkers, Tumor/blood ; Breast Neoplasms/blood* ; Breast Neoplasms/mortality ; Breast Neoplasms/surgery ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen/blood* ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Mucin-1/blood* ; Preoperative Period ; Prognosis ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult
Keywords
breast cancer ; CA 15-3 ; CEA ; prognostic factor ; tumor marker
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.
PATIENTS AND 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.