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CA 19-9 Levels - What is High Enough to Cause Concern for Prognosis?
Hello,
My husband was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He presented with bad gastritis and quickly became jaundice. He was admitted to the emergency room where several tests revealed a mass at the head of his pancreas. There does not seem to be evidence of spread. The recommendation is for 3 months of chemo (on 3 different drugs) to shrink the tumor, then surgery to remove the tumor followed by 3 more months of chemo. His CA 19-9 level is over 2,000. Should we be concerned about this tumor marker on its own? I have read conflicting things. Has anyone had success at shrinking the tumor so that it can be removed?
Any insight would be so helpful!
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I would not be to worried about the CA-19 numbers different things can make them go up and down. I had a biopsy and then the next day had a CA-19 blood test and it was in the 5000's. Two weeks later they did a CA-19 test and it had went down 3000 points. So inflammation in the body can also make it go up and down. My chemo nurse always told me not to worry until I had a CT scan. I know you're CA-19 number is suppose to be 35 or less to be in the normal range. So I won't really worry about it going up and down. Good luck and keep positive .
I was diagnosed in 2023. My CA19-9 was over 9000. I did three months of chemo and had the tumor removed in January 2024. The pathology report showed everything was clear. My surgeon wanted me to do 3 more months of chemo also. Two months after surgery before I started chemo my CA 19–9 was 1800 which was concerning that soon after the surgery. I did 3 more months of chemo and got my CA 19-9 down to 35. My scans have been clear. My oncologist said I could take a break from chemo and just monitor the CA 19-9. As soon as I got off the chemo it started climbing up again. Four months off the chemo it’s at 4000. My oncologist wants me back on the chemo. I’m confused about the number also. I have never been sick or had any pain from this. I feel really great when off the chemo.
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I had a Whipple operation August 2023. Bud they had to stop the operation because of cancer in the lymph nodes.
Then I had 7 month with Folfirinox. And in februar 2025 I had a successfull Whippleoperation followed by 3 month with Folfirinox.
So I had succes’s scrinking the tumor 😀
I had the whipper procedure six years ago, followed by chemo. The fact that you caught it when you did is very similar to mine and you have a very good chance of success. The CA 19 nine is an accurate reflection of what’s going on. After the surgery, it will go back to normal and the additional chemo is to make sure you get the microscopic remnants that the surgery can’t remove or might miss. God bless you and may you recover fully 🙏🏼💜🌈
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