Cancer tumor markers (Tumor markers [TMs], Tumor-associated markers)
المؤلف:
Kathleen Deska Pagana, Timothy J. Pagana, Theresa Noel Pagana.
المصدر:
Mosbys diagnostic and laboratory test reference
الجزء والصفحة:
15th edition , p196-198
2025-11-04
60
Type of test Blood
Normal findings
Normal values vary per laboratory
Test explanation and related physiology
Tumor markers are produced by cancer cells or by other cells of the body in response to cancer. Most TMs are made by normal cells as well as by cancer cells; however, they are overproduced by cancers. These substances can be found in the blood, urine, stool, tumor tissue, or other tissues or bodily fluids. Most TMs are proteins. However, changes in tumor cell RNA and DNA are also used as TMs. Many different TMs have been characterized. Some are associated with only one type of cancer, but others are associated with two or more cancer types. Sometimes noncancerous conditions can cause elevated TMs, but they are usually less elevated than in cancer.
Tumor markers are generally not used for cancer screening because they are not sensitive or specific enough. Neither are they used to diagnose cancers. Prostate-specific antigen(PSA), CA-125, and a few other TMs are being used very carefully in screening, but, alone, the cost-effectiveness is questionable.
Tumor marker levels may be measured before treatment to help doctors plan the appropriate therapy. In some types of cancer, the level of a tumor marker reflects the stage of the disease and/or the patient’s prognosis. Pretreatment TM scan be used to establish a baseline level against which posttreatment TMs can be compared in order to determine the effectiveness of therapy. A decrease in the level of a TM or a return to the TM’s normal level may indicate that the cancer is responding to treatment, but no change or an increase may indicate that the cancer is not responding.
Tumor markers may also be measured during cancer follow up evaluations to check for recurrent disease. There are many TMs presently being used in cancer care. Table 1 lists the most commonly used markers.
Table1. Tumor markers and their associated cancers
Interfering factors
• Other benign and malignant diseases associated with elevations
Procedure and patient care
• See inside front cover for Routine Blood Testing.
• Fasting: no
• Blood tube commonly used: varies by test and laboratory
• The blood sample may be sent to a central diagnostic laboratory. The results may not be available for 7 to 10 days.
Abnormal findings
Increased levels
- Cancer
- Metastatic cancer
- Benign disease
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