CA 27-29 numbers rising: Does anyone else have an issue like this?

@jenyu
Your question was not directed to me but, in my case, I was diagnosed with ER/PR+, HER2 low MBC with mets to bones. My 1st line of therapy was a CDK4/6 inhibitor (verzenio) and an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole). After progression on bones, I was given another CDK4/6i (Kisqali) and Faslodex.

I would ask:
1. How big the liver mets are. Can they use local radiotherapy or ablation on them? Surgical removal? Pros/Cons of each.
2. Are you HER2 negative or low?

Here are some resources if you'd like to take a look at:
1. PDF files at the bottom of the page: https://www.mbcalliance.org/new-to-mbc/
2. https://www.breastcancer.org/types/metastatic/liver-metastasis

The best way to detect recurrence is a scan (PET or CT). CA markers and liquid biopsies (aka Signaterra, Foundation, etc.) give valuable information but I have yet to see an oncologist act on them without a progression verified on a scan.

I had a Dr. Order signatera and now new Dr won't order it. I'm very upset. I will try CA 27-29 but if it's not reliable not sure if I should. Trying to find a Dr that will order it.

I was having signatera labs done every 3 months for recurrence. Now my new Dr won't order it. I understand if it's elevated to stress. What would be the best way to find recurrence early and treat.

My CA 27.29 marker was 18 in Jan. , End of radiation beginning hormone therapy. My WBC very low , muscle and bone pain,CA 27.29 is now 74. Not sure, retest blood in 3 weeks and stop hormone therapy Letrazol. And Kisqali, for 1 month.Any answers or advise? I’m aging fast.

I had stage iv with mets to bones and liver 8 months ago. My typo is ++-. My oncologist planned chemotherapy at first, but I am reluctant to take it and showed her other therapies. Then she changed it to Target Therapy. What therapy did you take and are you taking? Looks like your treatment is right for you.

I'd pursue it. I think only a scan (PET or CT) could tell what's actually going on.
For some people CA markers are quiet indicative, for others they are not.
It it is a one time jump, it may not mean much. If it is consistently rising each month, even bit by bit, I'd ask for scans.

I had stage 1B triple positive breast cancer in 2022 with two invasive masses. I had a lumpectomy, chemo with Herceptin, then 25 doses of radiation. Then I had a mastectomy with immediate DIEP FLAP reconstruction. Completed Herceptin infusion. And take tamoxifen. My first CA 27.29 was 28.39 and I joked with my oncologist that it should be lower since I just finished treatment (or so I thought). She explained that it would fluctuate and the inflammation and infection can affect the results. Every 3 months my count went down, little, by little. Until two years later it was 13.28. Then, this time it shot up to 24.68. Mine has never gone up. It has always gone down. I know it’s not over 38, or as high as most of yours, but what the heck? Also, since chemo, I’ve lost 65 lbs, w/o trying to, my lymph nodes are always swollen. Radiology has biopsied two that were benign. I’m trying not to freak out. My oncologist is on maternity leave. I don’t know the doc who is covering for her, so that feels awkward… I did call oncology and the nurse of course said that she would get back to me….that was a week ago. Should I continue to pursue this or wait on them to follow up since it’s not over 38?

I don't have the next appointment until June.
He only briefly mentioned that he was not concerned at the moment, I have blood work before the next visit. It is just hard to see a change and not have a more thorough even if short discussion of the marker, or possible trends (ebbs and flows) and what it all means. I am a science educator at the college level and can easily grasp the topics. Thanks for asking, I am going to get to know this Mayo Clinic Connect a bit. It was an accident I stumbled upon it.

Welcome to connect, I am glad you decided to join us. Feel free to wander around and read or join any discussions you feel are relevant to you.
I remember how scary it was the first year after original diagnosis and treatment. I had fluctuating markers up and then down, my doctor told me that he was watching for trends. If it continued to go up and up, then they would start looking. I remember how much anxiety these markers created in me.
Have you discussed this with your doctor?