CA 15-3 is a tumour marker used in monitoring breast cancer. The test detects levels of MUC-1, a mucin protein in the blood. MUC-1 is thought to be important in the invasiveness and metastasisation of cancer cells.
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Physiology
Mucin-1 is a normal epithelial cellular glycoprotein localised to the apical membrane. In the transformed cell MUC-1 is present on both the complete membrane, and cytoplasmically. Abnormal genetic expression also results in changes to the sugar side chains such that various protein antigens are uncovered, increasing the likelihood of antibodies cross-linking MUC-1. The upthrust of these changes is a greater concentration of MUC-1, which is more antigenic, enabling its use as a tumour marker.
Indication
To monitor response of metastatic breast cancer to treatment and recurrence of disease.
Elevated CA 15-3 levels
benign breast disease
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liver disease
History and etymology
CA 15-3 was discovered in 1985 by a Japanese group, and was originally called cancer antigen 15-3 2.
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