CA 15-3, for Cancer Antigen 15-3, is a tumor marker for many types of cancer, most notably breast cancer.http://www.oncolink.org/experts/article.cfm?c=3&s=13&ss=22&id=1911 "CA15-3"
It is derived from MUC1. CA 15-3 and associated CA 27-29 are different epitopes on the same protein antigen product of the breast cancer-associated MUC1 gene.
Elevated CA15-3, in conjunction with alkaline phosphatase (ALP), was found to be associated with an increased chance of early recurrence in breast cancer.CA15-3 and alkaline phosphatase as predictors for breast cancer recurrence: a combined analysis of seven International Breast Cancer Study Group trials - Keshaviah et al. 18 (4): 701 - Annals of Oncology. 2007
Both CA 15-3 and CA 27-29 may be elevated in patients with benign ovarian cysts, benign breast disease, and benign liver disease. Elevations may also be seen in cirrhosis, sarcoidosis and lupus.
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