Ulta Lab Tests

Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel

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Blood Draw
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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

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).

Also known as: CA 2729, Cancer Ag 27-29

Ca 27.29

Also known as: Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Cea

The CEA test measures the level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the blood. CEA is a protein normally found in the tissue of a developing baby in the womb. The blood level of this protein disappears or becomes very low after birth. In adults, an abnormal level of CEA may be a sign of cancer.
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The Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel panel contains 3 tests with 3 biomarkers .

Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel 

The Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel is a diagnostic tool used to assess tumor markers that may indicate the presence, progression, or recurrence of breast cancer. This panel measures specific proteins that are often elevated in individuals with breast cancer, providing valuable information for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and disease management. While these tumor markers are not definitive for diagnosing breast cancer on their own, they are useful when combined with imaging studies, biopsies, and other clinical evaluations.

When and Why the Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel May Be Ordered

Healthcare providers may order the Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel for individuals with a suspected or confirmed breast cancer diagnosis. It is often used to monitor disease progression, assess treatment effectiveness, and detect potential recurrence. This panel may also be recommended for individuals with a strong family history of breast cancer or those experiencing symptoms such as unexplained lumps, persistent breast pain, nipple discharge, or changes in breast shape or size. Additionally, it can help differentiate between benign and malignant breast conditions when other diagnostic methods are inconclusive.

What the Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel Checks For

This panel evaluates key tumor markers associated with breast cancer. These markers are proteins that may be elevated in the bloodstream due to the presence of cancerous cells. The results help determine the likelihood of disease presence, track treatment response, and detect recurrence.

CA 27.29

CA 27.29 is a tumor marker that is primarily used to monitor breast cancer. It is a protein released by breast cancer cells into the bloodstream. Elevated CA 27.29 levels may indicate the presence of breast cancer or its recurrence, though other conditions, such as benign breast disease and ovarian cysts, can also cause increased levels.

CA 15-3

CA 15-3 is another tumor marker associated with breast cancer. It is often used alongside CA 27.29 to monitor disease progression, particularly in individuals with metastatic breast cancer. High CA 15-3 levels may indicate advanced disease, but like CA 27.29, it is not solely specific to breast cancer and can be elevated in other conditions.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

CEA is a general tumor marker that can be elevated in various cancers, including breast cancer. It is particularly useful in monitoring treatment response and detecting cancer recurrence. Although not specific to breast cancer, an elevated CEA level in conjunction with other markers can provide a more comprehensive assessment of cancer status.

Conditions and Diseases the Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel Can Detect

This test is primarily used to detect and monitor breast cancer. It can also provide supportive diagnostic information for other cancers or benign conditions that may elevate tumor marker levels.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the breast tissue, which can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. The presence of elevated CA 27.29, CA 15-3, and CEA levels may indicate active breast cancer, recurrence, or metastasis. These markers are particularly useful for tracking treatment progress and detecting early signs of disease return.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer cells spread beyond the breast to other organs such as the liver, lungs, bones, or brain. Increased levels of CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 are commonly observed in metastatic cases. Monitoring these markers helps determine how well the cancer is responding to treatment and whether additional interventions are needed.

Other Cancers

Although this panel is primarily used for breast cancer, CEA levels can also be elevated in cancers of the lung, colon, pancreas, and stomach. In cases where breast cancer is not confirmed, additional testing may be required to investigate other potential malignancies.

Benign Breast Conditions

Some non-cancerous conditions, such as fibrocystic breast disease and benign breast tumors, may also cause slight elevations in CA 27.29 and CA 15-3. However, these markers are significantly higher in malignant cases, helping healthcare providers distinguish between benign and cancerous conditions.

How Healthcare Professionals Use the Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel in Treatment and Monitoring

Healthcare providers use this test to track disease progression, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and detect cancer recurrence.

Monitoring Breast Cancer Treatment

If a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy for breast cancer, this panel helps assess whether the treatment is effectively reducing tumor marker levels. A decline in CA 27.29, CA 15-3, and CEA suggests a positive response to treatment, while persistently high or rising levels may indicate resistance to therapy or disease progression.

Detecting Recurrence

After initial breast cancer treatment, routine monitoring of tumor marker levels can help detect early signs of recurrence. If levels begin to rise, further diagnostic testing, such as imaging scans or biopsies, may be conducted to confirm cancer return.

Assessing Metastatic Breast Cancer

For individuals with metastatic breast cancer, tracking CA 27.29 and CA 15-3 levels over time provides valuable information on disease activity. Changes in marker levels help guide treatment adjustments and determine when a different therapeutic approach may be needed.

Conclusion

The Breast Cancer Blood Test Panel is a valuable tool for monitoring breast cancer, assessing treatment effectiveness, and detecting recurrence. By measuring tumor markers such as CA 27.29, CA 15-3, and CEA, healthcare providers gain insights into disease progression and response to therapy. While these markers are not solely diagnostic, they play an essential role in comprehensive breast cancer management. Regular monitoring and early detection improve treatment outcomes and provide patients with better chances of long-term remission and survival.

 

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