Serum CA 15.3, CEA and ESR Patterns in Breast Cancer

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Abstract
Serum CA 15.3, CEA and ESR were longitudinally determined in 298 patients with breast cancer during postsurgical follow-up and/or therapy. Observation lasted until the death of the patient or at least for three years. With regard to longitudinal serum markers and ESR curves, four different patterns have been identified: pattern I: the markers and ESR stayed at normal levels; pattern II: the markers and ESR decreased from a peak level; pattern III: the markers and ESR fluctuated widely; pattern IV: the markers and ESR increased steadily. We have looked at overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) versus longitudinal CA 15.3, CEA and ESR patterns. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that OS and RFS were significantly associated with all four patterns.