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.
Substances circulating in the blood which are produced by tumors. The level of the tumor marker may reflect the activity or extent of the tumor.
Chemicals in the blood that are produced by certain cancers. Measuring the markers is useful for diagnosis, but especially useful for following the course of treatment.
Substances found in abnormal amounts in the blood, in other body fluids, or in tumor tissue of some patients with certain types of cancer.
Indicates the existence of cancer. An abnormality specific for a particular type of cancer is measured in the blood and makes it possible to track the progress or remission of cancer.
A substance in the body that may be associated with the presence of cancer.
substance produced by cancer cells and sometimes normal cells. They are not very useful for cancer screening because other body tissues not related to a cancer can produce the substance. But tumor markers may be very useful in monitoring for response to treatment when a cancer is diagnosed or for a recurrence. Tumor markers include CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CEA (GI tract cancers), and PSA (prostate cancer).