BREAKING THE MOLD: CA 27.29'S IMPACT ON EARLY BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu*, Getrude Uzoma Obeagu and Chukwuma J. Okafor

ABSTRACT

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, emphasizing the importance of early and accurate diagnosis for improved patient outcomes. CA 27.29, a serum-based biomarker derived from the MUC1 glycoprotein, has emerged as a promising tool for breast cancer detection, particularly for disease monitoring and recurrence. Its high specificity for breast cancer makes it a valuable complement to conventional diagnostic methods like mammography and histopathology. However, its limited sensitivity in early-stage disease highlights the need for integration with other biomarkers and imaging techniques to enhance diagnostic accuracy. The clinical utility of CA 27.29 lies in its ability to detect tumor progression and guide treatment strategies through non-invasive serial monitoring. Recent studies suggest that combining CA 27.29 with other serum markers and imaging tools significantly improves its predictive performance, particularly in ambiguous cases. Moreover, advancements in liquid biopsy and artificial intelligence-driven data analysis are positioning CA 27.29 as a key component in personalized cancer care, offering tailored surveillance strategies and therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: CA 27.29, Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Early Detection, Biomarker, Diagnostic Paradigm Shift, Innovative Technologies.