Sensitivity of CA 15-3, CEA and serum HER2 in the early detection of recurrence of breast cancer.

Background: The aim of this project was to investigate the sensitivity of CA 15-3, CEA and HER2 in the early diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: Serial serum values of CA 15-3, CEA and HER2 were determined in 107 patients with recurrence after breast cancer. Fifteen of the patients had primary disseminated disease, nine patients only developed local recurrence during the follow-up period and the remaining 83 developed distant metastases.