CA 15-3 ELISA

CA-15-3, is an abbreviation for cancer antige 15-3.
CA 15-3 levels are most useful in following the course
of treatment in women diagnosed with breast cancer,
especially advanced breast cancer. CA 15-3 levels
are rarely elevated in women with early stage breast
cancer.
Cancers of the ovary, lung, and prostate may also
raise CA 15-3 levels. Elevated levels of CA 15-3 may
be associated with non-cancerous conditions, such as
benign breast or ovarian disease, endometriosis,
pelvic inflammatory disease, and hepatitis. Pregnancy
and lactation can also cause CA 15-3 levels to rise.
CA 15-3 is most useful for monitoring patients post- operatively for recurrence, particularly metastatic
diseases. 96% of patients with local and systemic
recurrence have elevated CA 15-3, which can be
used to predict recurrence earlier than radiological
and clinical criteria. A 25% increase in the serum CA
15-3 is associated with progression of carcinoma. A
50% decrease in serum CA 15-3 is associated with
response to treatment. CA 15-3 is more sensitive than
CEA in early detection of breast cancer recurrence.
In combination with CA-125, CA 15-3 has been
shown to be useful in early detection of relapse of
ovarian cancer. CA 15-3 levels are also increased in
colon, lung and hepatic tumours.