Definitions for "Tumor markers"
Keywords:  marker, diagnose, cea, cancer, regimen
Substances such as proteins or enzymes produced by tumor cells or by the body in response to tumor cells. When tumor cells multiply, tumor markers increase and enter the bloodstream. Theoretically, tumor marker levels in the blood may help to evaluate whether treatment is working or if the disease is progressing.
Proteins (either amounts or unique variants) made by altered genes in cancer cells that are involved in the progression of the disease.
Chemicals in the blood that are associated with particular kinds of cancer. These chemicals can be measured to help doctors diagnose cancer and evaluate the effectiveness of a cancer treatment. A rise in the level of a marker could mean the cancer is growing; a drop in the level could indicate the treatment regimen is effective.