Serum Tumor Markers Flashcards
What is the primary use of tumor markers in cancer management?
To monitor tumor recurrence and response to therapy
Definitive diagnosis is made via biopsy; they should not be used as the primary tool for cancer diagnosis or screening.
Which tumor marker is associated with metastases to bone or liver?
Alkaline phosphatase
Also associated with Paget disease of bone and seminoma (PLAP).
What is the significance of checking LFTs and GGT levels when alkaline phosphatase is elevated?
To exclude hepatic origin
Elevated alkaline phosphatase can indicate liver disease.
Which conditions are associated with α-fetoprotein?
Hepatocellular carcinoma, endodermal sinus tumor, mixed germ cell tumor, ataxia-telangiectasia, neural tube defects
Normally made by the fetus; transiently elevated in pregnancy.
High levels of α-fetoprotein are associated with which types of defects?
Neural tube and abdominal wall defects
Low levels are associated with Down syndrome.
What types of cancer is hCG associated with?
Hydatidiform moles, choriocarcinomas, testicular cancer, mixed germ cell tumor
Produced by syncytiotrophoblasts of the placenta.
What cancers are associated with CA 15-3/CA 27-29?
Breast cancer
These markers are primarily used for monitoring breast cancer.
CA 19-9 is a marker for which type of cancer?
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Elevated levels can indicate pancreatic cancer.
Which tumor marker is associated with epithelial ovarian cancer?
CA 125
Used primarily for monitoring treatment response and recurrence.
Calcitonin is a marker for which type of cancer?
Medullary thyroid carcinoma
Can be elevated in multiple endocrine neoplasia types 2A and 2B.
What does CEA stand for and what is its primary association?
Carcinoembryonic Antigen; colorectal and pancreatic cancers
Minor associations include gastric, breast, and medullary thyroid carcinomas.
What does a high level of Chromogranin indicate?
Neuroendocrine tumors
Used to monitor various neuroendocrine tumors.
LDH is a marker for which cancers?
Testicular germ cell tumors, ovarian dysgerminoma, other cancers
Can be used as an indicator of tumor burden.
Neuron-specific enolase is associated with which tumors?
Neuroendocrine tumors
Examples include small cell lung cancer, carcinoid tumor, neuroblastoma.
What does PSA stand for and what is its significance?
Prostate-Specific Antigen; associated with prostate cancer
Also elevated in BPH and prostatitis; questionable risk/benefit for screening.
True or False: Tumor markers can definitively diagnose cancer.
False
Definitive diagnosis requires biopsy.
