Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 3-4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures CA 27.29, a protein that functions as a tumor marker in your blood. CA 27.29 is used to evaluate the advancement of metastatic breast cancer and to help gauge how well you are responding to therapy or treatment. Higher CA 27.29 values are associated with more progressed disease, while lower values are associated with a positive response to treatment.
CA 27.29 is not intended for screening because it lacks sufficient specificity to determine whether an undiagnosed individual has breast cancer. It is typically used after a breast cancer diagnosis has already been confirmed, to help evaluate whether the cancer has spread and how it is responding to treatment over time.
Benefits
- Helps monitor progression of metastatic breast cancer over time
- Supports evaluation of your response to breast cancer treatment
- Simple blood sample with no special preparation needed
- Provides your healthcare provider with an additional data point for ongoing management
- Results delivered online within a stated turnaround window
Who Is This Test For?
- People already diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer being monitored for disease progression
- People undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer whose response is being evaluated
- People whose healthcare provider wants to track CA 27.29 levels over time
- People who have experienced symptoms associated with breast cancer, such as a breast lump
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures CA 27.29, a protein tumor marker, in a blood sample. It is used to help evaluate the advancement of metastatic breast cancer and to help gauge your response to therapy or treatment. Higher values are associated with more progressed disease, and lower values are associated with a positive response to treatment. This test is not intended for screening, since it lacks sufficient specificity to determine whether an undiagnosed individual has breast cancer. An abnormal result does not confirm cancer, and a normal result does not rule out cancer.
2. Who should consider this test?
This test is generally intended for individuals already diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer whose provider wants to monitor disease progression or treatment response. It may also be considered by individuals experiencing symptoms associated with breast cancer, such as a lump in the breast, bloody nipple discharge, changes in the shape or feel of the breast or nipple, or redness or swollen lymph nodes. It is not intended to screen undiagnosed individuals for breast cancer, and it does not replace clinical evaluation or provide a complete cancer assessment on its own.
3. How does this test differ from other cancer-related tests?
CA 27.29's supported role is monitoring the progression of metastatic breast cancer and evaluating response to treatment, rather than screening or diagnosing undiagnosed individuals. Because it is used differently than markers intended for screening or diagnostic support, it should not be assumed to be interchangeable with other cancer-related tests.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required for this test.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available within 3-4 business days. This may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Interpreting your CA 27.29 result depends on your exact result, your medical history, your clinical context, and other relevant findings. Because CA 27.29 is used to help monitor progression and treatment response, changes in your levels over time may provide useful context for your healthcare provider without guaranteeing a particular clinical conclusion. Results are best interpreted alongside other laboratory findings, imaging, and clinical evaluation.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review abnormal results with a qualified healthcare provider. Additional evaluation may be considered based on your healthcare provider's assessment of your overall clinical picture.
8. How often should I get tested?
How often you are tested should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your individual situation, including how your metastatic breast cancer is being monitored or how your treatment response is being evaluated. Follow your healthcare provider's guidance for repeat testing.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required.
