A member asked:

What are "markers" and what does it mean to a breast cancer patient with stage 4, metastatic cancer, when her markers go from 4, 700 down to 53?

12 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Soroosh Armandi answered

Specializes in Anti-Aging Medicine

Tumor marker: You must be referring to a particular tumor marker! tumor markers are used to track the progress of certain cancers. If your number has gone down to that level it means the modality of treating your brest cancer has been very effective! it does not necessarily mean you are in remission, all it means is that your breast cancer has responded very well to the treatment you have received!

Answered 1/16/2016

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Dr. Richard Orr answered

Specializes in Surgical Oncology

Tumor markers: Tumor markers are molecules that circulate in the blood in some patients with cancer. There are many different markers, so it is hard to give a specific answer. In general, if a tumor marker is markedly elevated and then drops dramatically, it is a sign that the chemotherapy is working and that cancer cells are being destroyed.

Answered 6/4/2018

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Tumor related marker: Tumor markers are detectable blood levels of subsatances that are elevated in patients with advanced cancers. In breast cancer this could reflect markers such as ca 27.29 or cea. A marked decrease as reported by you indicates a response to the treatment being given to the patient.

Answered 6/15/2017

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Dr. Devon Webster answered

Specializes in Medical Oncology

That's GREAT!: Tumor markers refer to proteins made by some cancers that can be measured with a blood test. We use them to see how well metastatic breast cancer is responding to treatment. When tumor markers go from the thousands down to the 50s, oncologists like me jump for joy! that means her treatment is doing what we want it to do--killing lots of cancer cells!

Answered 2/23/2018

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Related Questions

A member asked:

What does metastatic breast cancer really mean?

11 doctors weighed in across 4 answers