CA 27-29 in Patients with Breast Cancer with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Cancer antigen (CA) 27-29, which is expressed on most carcinoma cells, is a soluble form of glycoprotein MUC1. It is overexpressed in tumors involving glandular epithelial cells, such as breast tumors. Measurement of CA 27-29 has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for monitoring disease activity in patients with breast cancer. Although serial determination of tumor markers after primary treatment for breast cancer can preclinically detect recurrent/metastatic disease with lead times of approximately 2-9 months, the clinical value of this lead time remains to be determined. False-positive results might be observed in certain patients with no evidence of malignant disease, such as benign breast disease, ovarian cysts, and liver disease. Herein, we report a series of 4 patients with breast cancer (2 patients with interstitial lung fibrosis and 2 patients with nonspecific fibrotic lung changes) who have persistent elevation in CA 27.29 (normal, <38 U/mL).