Common Tumor Markers

Question 1

What is a-Fetoprotein (AFP) a tumor marker for?

Answer 1

Liver

Question 2

What are CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 tumor markers for?

Answer 2

Breast

Question 3

What is CA 19-9 a tumor marker for?

Answer 3

Pancreatic

Question 4

What is CA 125 a tumor marker for?

Answer 4

Ovarian

Question 5

What is CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) a tumor marker for?

Answer 5

Colorectal

Question 6

What is hCG a tumor marker for?

Answer 6

Ovarian & Testicular

(also gestational trophoblastic diseases)

Question 7

What is PSA a tumor marker for?

Answer 7

Prostate

Question 8

What is Thyroglobulin a tumor marker for?

Answer 8

Thyroid

Question 9

What are the clinical uses of AFP?

Answer 9

1. Aid in Diagnosis
2. Monitor therapy
3. Detect recurrence

Question 10

Where is AFP produced?

Answer 10

Fetal liver

Question 11

In which conditions can AFP be increased?

Answer 11

Hepatitis and Pregnancy (as well as liver cancer)

Question 12

What are the clinical uses of CA 15-3 and CA 27.29?

Answer 12

1. Stage disease
2. Monitor therapy
3. Detect recurrence

Question 13

In which conditions can CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 be increased?

Answer 13

Breast cancer but also:
- Other cancers and non-cancerous conditions

Question 14

In which conditions can CEA be increased?

Answer 14

Colorectal cancer but also:
- Other cancers, noncancerous conditions
- Smokers