Why are cancer markers 15-3 and 19-9 rising while CA-125 isn’t?

@naturegirl5 No, my oncologist didn't explain why these markers were ordered or why they continue to order them. I had asked about them and why they were elevated and he didn't answer me (not that I can recall anyway). That was my first oncologist, the one who treated me with carbo/paclit. Then I switched oncologists as I went in for a clinical trial testing Enhertu. I has asked the nurse the significance of the markers and she said they don't really go by the markers. I've been receiving CT scans every 6 weeks on this trial, and the tumors are shrinking, and one has disappeared, for all intents and purposes. Yet 19-9 and 15-3 still show slight elevation. So, I'm still in the dark.

@cookercooker it is appalling that your questions were not answered. In a clinical trial these markers may be used in the data analysis to see if they are useful for monitoring cases like yours. In real clinical use, these markers *may* indicate other cancers in different organ systems, but they would only be raising a flag that would require follow-up, they are not diagnostic in and of themselves. For example, people with high ca 19-9 sometimes have pancreatic cancer or bile duct cancer, but they can also have an inflammation of the pancreas or even gall bladder issues. Do you have a new oncologist besides the clinical trial team, or do they have an oncologist who will answer your questions about the possible need for follow-up?

Good morning this is great grandma and you are the first case that is exactly what I have 3c2. Thank you for posting I hope you continue. I am on the fence for Chemo and radiation that is suggested. I'm 80 years old and they say I am an excellent candidate for this treatment. I had surgery July 9th full hysterectomy and removal of one lymph node as it had a .8 tumor. All evidence of cancer is gone and three CT scans show no cancer. I am told that there could be microscopic particles that the laparoscopic surgery could not see, that's why they ordered the treatments. They call it a cleaning up process. In my case the treatments could damage me as well as my organs and losing my hair is something I'm not looking forward to. I am told I can stop any time, but again at what cost? There are no guarantees either way. My family is divided as they want me to live but don't understand if CT scan says no cancer why get treatments. I am a very active person was doing 15000 steps or more a day but have slowed a little most likely stress about my situation. I have two bad knees and also I was told before this happened to see a Venus Dr. as I have heavy swelling of my legs. I am happy to see someone asking questions as I think I have asked too much, but my quality of life is very very important as I have 9 Great Grandchildren. The oldest is 19 and youngest is 6 months. I haven't told them yet. I kept it from my immediate family until after the surgery. I am thankful for 80 yrs but would like a few more God willing.

What are these markers my scan are good no metastases 125 2.8. I don't recall seeing anything about these for me. Is there a tests I am missing? Thank you for anyone who can answer this for me.

@greatgrandma2025
I am 74 and was diagnosed with serous 4B endometrial and had surgery with no evidence of diease on CT-scan afterwards (january). but apparently these suckers are AGGRESSIVE. I went through the 6 carbo/platin/herceptin infusions and lost hair 3 weeks after first infusion and have had rather messed up gastric/intestinal stuff but no pain or nausea and (using foot coolers), VERY little neuropathy. but if you are active, neuropathy is NOT something you want to have. Am i glad i did it (considering that if you google stage 4b serous endometrial cancer with omentum involment you get 4-7 months!)? - yes. would i do it again if things recur? - probably not. I am very active, never really had any fatigue and have continued to travel extensively internationally (I flew to japan the day after my 3rd infusion (wearing diapers for temporary urinary incontinence primarily due to all the stuff that gets dripped in)). currently am on Herceptin every 3 weeks (only 1 hour infusion) and my hair is back and finally i am getting my gastric/intestinal stuff under control (5 months after end of the BAD chemo).

everyone DOES respond differently to chemo and i think i was lucky. quality of life is important. I never thought that i would do chemo - i mean how stupid is it to try to kill all your actively dividing cells in order to slow the growth of some demon? good luck with whatever your decision - and remember it IS YOUR decision.

What are these markers my scan are good no metastases 125 2.8. I don't recall seeing anything about these for me. Is there a tests I am missing? Thank you for anyone who can answer this for me.

@greatgrandma2025 These are all "liquid biopsies" which refers in this case to blood draws where the blood is then tested for specific

Some physicians order these tests for their patients and some do not. It depends on the type of cancer, and how aggressive the cancer is. The oncologist may order these tests to gauge the effectiveness of the treatment such as chemotherapy.

I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer - endometrioid adenocarcinoma, FIGO Grade 1 Stage 1a. My oncologist told me that this cancer was not aggressive and so this is why these blood tests were not indicated.

As you read through these websites please notice that each of these tests are for cancers in other parts of the body.

Mayo Clinic: CA-125 Test

-- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ca-125-test/about/pac-20393295

Canadian Cancer Society: Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3)

-- https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/cancer-antigen-15-3-ca-15-3

Stanford Medicine: CA 19-9 Tumor Marker

-- https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-tests/t/tumor-markers/types/ca-19-9.html

Have you asked your oncologist about whether any of these tests are indicated for you? If your oncologist says "no" you can then ask what is proposed in your case to scan for the potential of cancer in other places in your body. From what you shared it sounds like imaging scans such as CT is what your oncologist orders for you. Is that correct?

@greatgrandma2025
Are you saying your CA 125 test result was 2.8?