Tumor Markers (Exam 2) Flashcards
The study of the relationship between the immune system and cancer cells.
Tumor immunology
Regulatory gene that promotes cell division.
Proto-oncogene
Mutated proto-oncogene; can cause uninhibited cell growth
Oncogene
Slows down cell division or initiates apoptosis
Tumor suppressor gene
Antigen excess can saturate antibodies and the intended “sandwich” configurations cannot form, leading to a false decrease in signal.
The Hook Effect
What are the phases of tumor development?
Induction phase
In situ phase
Invasion phase
Tumors similar to normal tissue
Well-differentiated
Tumors similar to fetal or embryonic tissue
Poorly differentiated/anaplastic
What gives a tumor marker higher specificity?
If the tumor marker is absent from all individuals without the malignancy
What gives a tumor marker higher sensitivity?
Having clinically significant levels while the disease is still treatable
Antigens that are unique to a tumor or shared by tumors of the same type.
Tumor-specific antigens
Antigens that are expressed in normal cells as well as tumor cells.
Tumor-associated antigens
Expresses in many tumors but not in most normal tissues
Shared TSAs
Expressed on immature cells of a particular lineage
Differentiation antigens
Found in higher levels on malignant cells than on normal cells
Overexpressed antigens
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) source
blood
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) type of cancer detected
colorectal cancer (also thyroid, rectum, lung, breast, liver, pancreas, stomach and ovaries)
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) most common use
screen and monitor
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) source
blood
Alpha-fetorprotein (AFP) most common use
diagnose and minitor
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) type of cancer detected
liver, ovarian, and testicular cancer
Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) source
blood, urine, or CSF
Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) type of cancer detected
multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and some lymphomas
Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) most common use
monitor
