Tumor markers

Question 1

1. Which of the following best describes appropriate use for
   most serum tumor marker measurements?

a. Diagnosing or excluding a diagnosis of malignancy
b. Providing definitive information about likely prognosis in individual patients
c. Monitoring treatment effectiveness and the course of
disease
d. Identifying the primary cancer by testing panels of
serum tumor markers
e. Testing that is essential in the follow-up of all cancer
patients

Answer 1

c. Monitoring treatment effectiveness and the course of
disease

Question 2

2. For which of the following has measurement of a serum
   tumor marker been unequivocally demonstrated to be
   essential for early detection of disease in the appropriate
   screening population?

a. Breast cancer
b. Prostate cancer
c. Ovarian cancer
d. Malignant melanoma
e. Gestational trophoblastic disease

Answer 2

e. Gestational trophoblastic disease

Question 3

3. Which of the following are mandatory for the clinical
   management of the majority of breast cancer patients?

a. ERs
b. CA 15-3
c. CEA
d. uPA
e. Gene profiling

Answer 3

a. ERs

Question 4

4. Age-related reference intervals for most tumor markers
   are either not relevant and/or are not universally applied
   for most clinical applications, but are mandatory for which
   of the following age groups?

a. AFP in men older than 30 years
b. AFP in neonates and infants younger than 12 months
c. hCG in men older than 30 years
d. hCG in neonates and infants younger than 12 months
e. CEA in men older than 30 years

Answer 4

b. AFP in neonates and infants younger than 12 months

Question 5

5. In women with suspected ovarian cancer the RMI is used
   primarily for which of the following?

a. To exclude the need for pelvic ultrasound
b. To identify whether a colorectal surgeon should be
present at the time of operation
c. To identify women with stage I disease where clear cell
and endometrioid histologies predominate
d. To assist in triaging women with ovarian cysts
e. To determine menopausal status

Answer 5

d. To assist in triaging women with ovarian cysts

Question 6

6. Which of the following statements best describes the contribution of IS and reference reagents to tumor marker
   measurements?

a. They ensure that results are reported worldwide in the
same units of measurement
b. They can be used as kit standards by manufacturers
c. Their introduction guarantees improved betweenmethod agreement
d. They enable accurate calibration of all the most widely
used serum tumor markers
e. They provide a benchmark against which the accuracy
of calibration can be assessed

Answer 6

e. They provide a benchmark against which the accuracy
of calibration can be assessed