Tumor Markers Flashcards
Tumor Marker Makeup
Proteins produced in response to cancer growth or from cancerous tissue
Can be specific or seen in multiple cancer types
Tumor Risk Factors
Genetic mutations
IVDMIA
IVDMIA
(in vitro Diagnostic Multivariate Index Assay)
Tests available to detect mutations and offer “risk index”
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death, self-destruction
Angiogenesis
New blood vessel formation, typically embedded within a tumor, allows tumor cells entry into circulation
Benign
Tumor at the primary site, small risk
Cancer
Abnormal cell growth, proliferation and/or differentiation
Hyperplasia
Multiplication of cells within an organ or tissue, may be controlled by stimuli as a normal response
Malignant
Tumor aggressive progress, infiltration, high risk
Metastasis
Uncontrolled proliferation involving numerous tumor cells and host cells interactions. Penetration into adjacent tissue of primary site, circulatory system, and spread to distant organs.
Neoplasia
Normal cells under cancerous proliferation due to hyperplasia, which is unregulated.
Tumor Marker Utilization
- Screening
- Diagnosis
- Staging
- Determine prognosis
- Guidance of Treatment
- Monitor Treatment
- Determine recurrence
Tumor Marker Utilization: Screening
Useful for patients with a strong family history of a particular cancer. Example: PSA prostate cancer
Tumor Marker Utilization: Diagnosis
In patients with specific clinical symptoms, tumor markers can help identify the source of the cancer and differentiate from other conditions
Examples: CA-125, BRCA1 and BRCA 2
Tumor Marker Utilization: Staging
If a patient does have cancer, tumor marker elevations can be used to help determine how far the cancer has spread into other tissues and organs.
Tumor Marker Utilization: Determine prognosis
Some tumor markers can be used to help doctors determine how aggressive a cancer is likely to be.