CA15-3, Polymorphous Epithelial Mucin

Immunology

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Description

The main application of all tumour markers is monitoring for relapse or progression. Use as a diagnostic aid requires care and knowledge of the test limitations. Opportunistic screening is discouraged. Guidelines suggest that CA15-3 should be used for the monitoring of treatment in breast cancer. It is not recommended for screening, diagnosis or staging of breast cancer as the test has low sensitivity in early disease and can be seen in other conditions [1,4] CA15-3 is a high molecular weight (300 to 450 kDa) polymorphic epithelial mucin with repeating carbohydrate and peptide epitopes [3]. Raised CA15-3 may be found in a variety of malignancies including colon, stomach, gall bladder pancreas and eosophageal cancer. The major use of CA15-3 is in the monitoring of breast cancer therapy and detection of recurrent disease. With adequate treatment the level of CA15-3 will fall, rising levels can indicate return of the disease. Raised levels can also be found in chronic liver disease, TB and SLE [3]. CEA can be measured along with CA15-3 to increase the sensitivity of the tests when estimating tumour burden and predicting prognosis [2,3].

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Indications

Monitoring treatment of breast cancer. Can also be present in colon, stomach, gall bladder, pancreas, oesophagus, and liver tumours.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube) or 2mL Heparin (Lithium or Sodium) or 2mL EDTA plasma.
Requests from outside Sheffield: transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Normal range: 0-30 kU/L.

Reference range established by manufacturer and verified in house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 2 days

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Testing Frequency

Daily

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References

Sturgeon CM and Diamandis EP. Use of tumour markers in clinical practice: Quality requirements. The National Acadamy of Clinical Biochemistry. Laboratory medicine practice guidelines. 2009. [Ref 1]
Sturgeon CM, et al. Serum Tumour Markers:How to order and interpret them. British Medical Journal. 2009; 339; 852-858.
Park BW, et al. Preoperative CA 15-3 and CEA serum levels as predictor for breast cancer outcomes. Ann Onc. 2008. 19:675-681. [Ref 2]
PRU handbook of clinical immunochemistry. 9th Edition. 2007. [Ref 3]
Sturgeon C. Practice guidelines for tumour marker use in the clinic. Clin Chem. 2002. 48(8):1151-1159. [Ref 4]
Eibling FG, et al. Serum CEA and CA 15-3 as prognostic factors in primary breast cancer. Br J Canc. 2002. 86:1217-1222.
Duffy M.J. Tumour Markers in Clinical Practice: A review focusing on common solid cancers. Med Princ Pract. 2013. 22: 4-11.

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.