tumor markers Flashcards
tumor marker methodology include all of the following except
- immunoassays
- gas chromatography
- immunohistochemistry
- enzyme analysis
- gas chromatography
which of the following tumor markers is classified as an oncofetal antigen
- CA 19-9
- CEA
- BRCA-1
- hCG
CEA
which tumor marker is associated with neuroblastoma
- CA-15-3
- CEA
- CA125
- HVA
HVA
what percent of males and females will develop invasive cancer?
42% males
38% females
list stages of cancer progression
- proliferation
- transformation
- invasion
- metastasis
- vascularization
describe the cancer staging and progression for tumors
- stage 1: localized primary tumor
- stage 2: invasion of primary tumor into blood vessels
- stage 3: migration into lymph nodes
- stage 4: metastasis and invasion into distant tissue
define tumor marker
biomarker found in the blood or tissue and when elevated is linked to cancer
describe enzyme tumor markers
- enzymes elevated non-specifically
- inc from high metabolic demand of proliferative cells
- monitor the success of therapy
describe serum protein tumor markers
- includes beta macroglobulin and immunoglobulins
- monitor therapy
describe endocrine tumor markers
- found in endocrine malignancies
ex: neuroblastomas (kids), pituitary and adrenal adenomas
ID the characteristics or properties of an ideal tumor marker
- tumor-specific
- absent in healthy patients
- readily detectable in BF
describe oncofetal antigens
- one of the first classes of tumor markers
- expressed transiently during normal development but lower in adults
- increase in tumor formation
ex: CEA and AFP
describe carbohydrate and cancer antigen tumor markers and list examples
- monoclonal antibodies directed towards specific carb or cancer antigens
- monitor treatment of tumors that secrete specific epitopes
ex: CA-125 (ovarian cancer), CA 19-9 (GI and adenocarcinoma), CA15-2 & CA27-29 (metastatic breast cancer)
describe and list receptor tumor markers
- non serological markers
- used to classify tumors for therapy
- helps choose between endocrine and cytotoxic therapy
ex: estrogen receptor
describe immunoassay test method
- common for tumor marker
- unique: assay linearity, hook effect, potential for heterophile antibodies (false pos)
describe how heterophile antibodies affect immunoassays
- heterophile antibodies are antibodies against test reagents
list common concerns w/ tumor marker immunoassay
- icterus
- lipemia
- hemolysis
- heterophile (antibody crossover)
- carry over
describe high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- extraction process
- detects hormones and metabolites secreted by tumors
- used to help diagnose: neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, carcinoid tumors
general neuroblastoma description
common malignant tumor in kids
high lvls of plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine
measured w/ HVA
general description of pheochromocytoma
rare tumor w/ hypertension
elevated plasma metanephrines
diagnosis from HPLC
general description of carcinoid tumors
serotonin-secreting tumors from small intestine
describe immunohistochemistry
solid tissue tumor markers from aspiration
describe enzyme assays
The only enzyme specifically inc for diagnosis is PSA
- non specific assay
in what carcinoma is alpha fetoprotein increased in
HCC and germ cell tumors
