Cancer markers 15-3 and 19-9 elevated endometrial cancer

I was tested for ca19/9 when there was a possibility that I had pancreatic cancer. I hope this is not the case for you though.

@cookercooker My understanding is that these tests are tumor markers like CA-125 but test for different proteins for different types of cancers. Did your oncologist explain why these two tests (CA 19-9 and CA 15-3) were ordered? And have you talked with your oncologist about the numbers associated with CA19-9 and CA 15-3 and why these would be elevvated with the CA-125 is in the normal range? One other question. Have you had any imaging recently such as a PET scan?

@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.

@jenelleseaman No mention of pancreatic cancer. But I had asked the oncologist if I had it because of the elevated marker. He scoffed at that.

That’s good then! Keep the chin up and soldier on! I’m sorry that he’s not explaining things to you. Keep asking!

@cookercooker It's puzzling to me why your first oncologist ordered these blood tests and then did not explain the results to you. I read a report on these type of blood tests in a clinical pathology journal that my husband receives (he is a pathologist, retired) from USCAP (US and Canadian Academy of Pathology).

USCAP:

-- https://uscap.org/

The take-home answer on these is that some of these blood tests are not very reliable. For instance, the reliability (sensitivity) for the CA-15-3 is around 75%. That doesn't instill much confidence. The blood tests that are used most often are ones that you are familiar with - PSA (for prostate) and CA-125 for gynecological cancers and often administered for ovarian cancers. The article I read detailed the variance in lab procedures in processing these blood tests (liquid biopsies). Even when the numbers are elevated there can be reasons other than cancer for the elevation. So, with that, these blood tests (liquid biopsies) can be screening tools but are elevated numbers must be followed up with other testing protocols such as imaging. If you would like the resource for the article I read please let me know and I will dig it up.

Since you are getting CT scans regularly (every 6 weeks) and that imaging shows the tumors are shrinking then this is very good news.

Can you ask your current oncologist why the CA19-9 and CA15-3 would be ordered? And why your current oncologist doesn't put much emphasis on these screening blood tests?

@naturegirl5 Hi there,
Thank you for looking this up for me. I've read similar articles which say basically the same thing. I will ask the oncologist why the tests are being ordered, if she doesn't put much emphasis on them.

@jenelleseaman Thanks for that. And will do!

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.

@cookercooker
I don't like the scoffing. That's arrogant and rude. Maybe find another oncologist that treats you with respect?