Significance of CA 27.29 (MUC 1 glycoprotein) levels in patients with breast cancer

e11579 Background: ASCO guidelines do not support the use of CA 15–3 and CA 27.29 for monitoring patients for recurrence after primary breast cancer therapy. However, several well-designed studies have shown that an increase in CA 15–3 or CA 27.29 after primary and/or adjuvant therapy can predict recurrence an average of 5 to 6 months before other symptoms or tests. We wanted to assess the significance of measuring the tumor marker (CA 27.29 levels) to monitor the clinical progress of breast cancer. Methods: After IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective chart review of 392 patients with breast cancer who had regular monitoring of CA 27.29 levels following the diagnosis of breast cancer. A total of 2671 values of CA 27.29 were evaluated from our institution over the past 5 years (2003–2008). Patient CA 27.29 levels were correlated with clinical progression of the disease (diagnostic imaging and history and physical examinations). Results: Out of 330 patients with Stage I, II, and III after treatment wit...