Is CA 27-29 helpful in surveillance of patients with Stage I-III breast cancer in remission?   

There is not really any data supporting the use of surveillance tumor markers in breast cancer and is discouraged in ASCO guidelines. In known metastatic patients, I will check both CA 15-3 and CA 27-29.

There is no data that routine bloodwork of any kind is useful for early detection of metastases and moreover, that such a practice improves outcomes or survival for women who do indeed develop distant recurrences. Guidelines for routine breast cancer follow-up and treatment after primary treatm...