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?
4 doctor answers • 12 doctors weighed in
Dr. Soroosh Armandianswered
Anti-Aging Medicine 18 years experience
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!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Richard Orranswered
Surgical Oncology 46 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ritesh Rathoreanswered
Hematology and Oncology 32 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Devon Websteranswered
Medical Oncology 24 years experience
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!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 4, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
