Bishop Chapter 32 Circulating Tumor Markers Flashcards
What are the two ways tumor markers are produced?
Either directly by the tumor, or as an effect of the tumor on healthy tissue (host).
What are oncofetal antigens?
Proteins which are typically present only during fetal development but are found in adults with certain kinds of cancer.
What two serum proteins are used to help monitor cancer therapy?
Beta-2-microglobulins and immunoglobulins.
What are examples of oncofetal antigens that are used as tumor markers?
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
Why can’t tumor markers be used to effectively screen asymptomatic populations?
Most of the clinically used tumor markers are found in normal cells and benign conditions in addition to cancer.
What is the most common analytical method for measuring tumor markers?
Immunoassays
