Path-Serum Tumor Markers

Question 1

Describe how serum tumor markers should be used (vs. how they should not be used)

Answer 1

Tumor markers may be used to monitor recurrence and response to therapy, BUT definitive dx is made via biopsy
-Tumor markers should NOT be used as the primary tool for cancer dx or screening

Question 2

Alkaline phosphatase is associated with what cancers?

Answer 2

ALP is associated with:

• Metastases to bone or liver
• Paget disease of bone
• Seminoma (placental ALP)

Question 3

Alpha-fetoprotein is associated with what types of cancer?

Answer 3

AFP is associated with:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Hepatoblastoma
• Yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumor
• Mixed germ cell tumor

Question 4

B-hCG is associated with what types of cancer?

Answer 4

B-hCG is associated with:

• Hydatidiform moles and choriocarcinomas (Gestational trophoblastic disease)
• Testicular cancer
• Mixed germ cell tumor

Question 5

CA 15-3/CA 27-29 is associated with what type of cancer?

Answer 5

Breast cancer

Question 6

CA 19-9 is associated with what type of cancer?

Answer 6

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Question 7

CA-125 is associated with what type of cancer?

Answer 7

Ovarian cancer

Question 8

Calcitonin is associated with what type of cancer?

Answer 8

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (alone and in MEN2A/2B)

Question 9

CEA is associated with what types of cancer (very nonspecific)
-Major and minor associations?

Answer 9

CEA

• Major associations: Colorectal and pancreatic cancers
• Minor associations: Gastric, breast, and medullary thyroid carcinomas

Question 10

Chromogranin is associated with what general type of cancer?

Answer 10

Neuroendocrine

Question 11

PSA is associated with what type of cancer?

Answer 11

Prostate cancer