Evaluation of Serum Cancer Antigens (CA15-3 and CA27.29) and Circulating Immune Complexes as Important Tools in the Management of Breast Cancer in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background Increasing reports suggest a world-wide increase in the incidence of breast cancer. Breast cancer can be affected by racial/ethnic, environmental, and other variables. Serum bio-markers, such as cancer antigens (CA 15-3 and CA 27.29) and circulating immune complexes (CIC), are recognized as important tools in the evaluation and management of breast cancer, although conflicting reports and opinions exist regarding the clinical utility of these markers. In our locality, there is paucity of information in this regard, despite increasing incidence of the disease. We, therefore, saw the need for this study. Methodology A total of 42 treatment naïve females with clinically and pathologically confirmed breast tumour were recruited, along with control subjects. Patients with malignant tumours were further grouped into early stage and advanced stage. Serum from patients and controls were investigated for CA 15-3, CA 27.29, and CIC. The patients were subsequently subjected to standard treatment modalities. Follow-up investigations for the markers were carried out at intervals after treatment. Assays for serum tumour markers were by immunoenzymatic methods. Results Tumour of all forms recorded significantly higher pre-treatment mean values for CA 15-3 and CA 27.29, compared with the control group (P<0.05). Therapeutic interventions significantly reduced the values for CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 (P< 0.05) but had no consistent effect on the level of CIC. Conclusion Tumour markers CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 showed promising diagnostic and prognostic potentials, while CIC appears to be of limited utility in the management of breast cancer in our environment.