Aa
markers drop with metastasis?
Has anyone heard of any correlation between CEA and CA-125 markers dropping to normal levels when the cancer has metastasized to other areas?
Well at least with the CA-125's, the blood laboratories seem to keep changing which lab
assay they are using. So with the CA-125's first check that the same assay was used
both times. Some of the assays are MEIA, chemluminescence DPC, chemluminescence EIA, etc. The numbers and ranges vary a little, which makes comparison difficult AND tends to freak the patients out when they may mistakenly think they have a doubling when it is only a lab change.
The reverse could be true too. If they went from MEIA or chemluminescence EIA to
chemluminescence DPC there might be a mild drop in the results. Of course, treatment could drop the results too. But, as they say check with the doctor OR repeat the lab test.
assay they are using. So with the CA-125's first check that the same assay was used
both times. Some of the assays are MEIA, chemluminescence DPC, chemluminescence EIA, etc. The numbers and ranges vary a little, which makes comparison difficult AND tends to freak the patients out when they may mistakenly think they have a doubling when it is only a lab change.
The reverse could be true too. If they went from MEIA or chemluminescence EIA to
chemluminescence DPC there might be a mild drop in the results. Of course, treatment could drop the results too. But, as they say check with the doctor OR repeat the lab test.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
This is indeed unusual, as tumor markers are usually corelated to the tumor burden, ie as the tumor grows and spreads, the levels rise in tandem.
Maybe the tests should be repeated, preferably using the same method and laboratory that performed the first set of tests.
This is indeed unusual, as tumor markers are usually corelated to the tumor burden, ie as the tumor grows and spreads, the levels rise in tandem.
Maybe the tests should be repeated, preferably using the same method and laboratory that performed the first set of tests.
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