CA 27.29

This test is a blood test used to measure the level of cancer antigen 27.29 (CA 27.29), a protein associated with breast cancer. It is primarily used to monitor patients already diagnosed with breast cancer and to assess how well treatment is working.

The purpose of this test is to:

• Measure CA 27.29 levels in the blood
• Monitor breast cancer treatment and progression
• Detect recurrence of breast cancer
• Evaluate response to therapy
• Support clinical assessment alongside other tests

CA 27.29 Test Purpose

The CA 27.29 (Cancer Antigen 27.29) Test measures the level of CA 27.29, a protein released into the bloodstream by certain breast cancer cells. It is primarily used as a tumor marker to monitor breast cancer, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, detect cancer recurrence, and assess disease progression.

Healthcare providers commonly recommend the CA 27.29 Test for individuals who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.

Furthermore, the CA 27.29 Test is not recommended as a screening test for breast cancer in healthy individuals because early-stage breast cancer may not produce elevated CA 27.29 levels. Additionally, increased CA 27.29 levels may occur in other cancers, including cancers of the ovary, lung, liver, pancreas, colon, and uterus, as well as in non-cancerous conditions such as benign breast disease, liver disease, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, kidney disorders, and pregnancy.

The CA 27.29 Test is often performed alongside CA 15-3, CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen), mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, PET-CT, and other imaging or laboratory investigations to provide a comprehensive evaluation of breast cancer.

This Test is Recommended for Individuals:

• Patients diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Individuals undergoing treatment for advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
• Patients requiring monitoring of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.
• Individuals being evaluated for breast cancer recurrence.
• Patients undergoing long-term follow-up after breast cancer treatment.
• Individuals advised by their oncologist to undergo tumor marker testing.
• Patients requiring ongoing assessment of breast cancer progression.

FAQs

1. What is the CA 27.29 Test used for?

This Test measures the level of Cancer Antigen 27.29 in the blood. It is primarily used to monitor breast cancer treatment, evaluate disease progression, and detect recurrence, especially in patients with advanced breast cancer.

2. Do I need to fast before the CA 27.29 Test?

No. Fasting is generally not required for this blood test. However, always follow any preparation instructions provided by your healthcare provider before sample collection.

3. Does a high CA 27.29 level always mean breast cancer?

No. An elevated CA 27.29 level does not always indicate breast cancer. It may also occur in other cancers and non-cancerous conditions, including liver disease, benign breast disorders, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, kidney disease, and pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results together with your symptoms, imaging findings, medical history, and additional laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause.