Overview and Clinical Significance
CA 549 is a tumor marker primarily associated with breast cancer, aiding in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment response assessment. It is a high molecular weight acidic glycoprotein found in the serum of breast cancer patients.
Clinical Significance
- Breast Cancer Detection & Monitoring: CA 549 levels correlate with disease progression, helping track tumor recurrence and treatment response.
- Comparison with Other Tumor Markers: Studies suggest CA 549 may be more specific than carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in detecting active breast cancer.
- Other Malignancies & Non-Cancerous Conditions: Elevated CA 549 levels can also be seen in benign breast conditions, liver disease, and certain non-breast cancers.
- Prognostic Value & Sensitivity: Research indicates CA 549 has a moderate sensitivity (56%) for breast cancer detection, compared to CA 15-3 and CA 27.29.
CA 549 is a key biomarker for breast cancer management, influencing diagnostic accuracy, treatment monitoring, and prognostic evaluations.
