AFP
The alpha1-fetoprotein serves as a tumor marker for liver cell carcinomas and germ cell tumors. It is produced in the foetus from the 4th week in the liver and serves as a transport protein. After birth, the production of alpha1-fetoprotein is almost completely stopped and can then be an indication of a tumor.
In addition to tumor diseases, it can also indicate an occlusive defect in the fetus if the alpha1-fetoprotein level in the amniotic fluid of the pregnant woman is significantly increased. In principle, the alpha1-fetoprotein value is also better suited for monitoring the course of the disease than for early diagnosis. In combination with an elevated HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) value, the AFP value serves as a tumor marker for the control of germ cell tumors, especially in children.
CA 19-9
The tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 19-9 is a glycoprotein that is produced primarily in pancreatic cancer. It has a half-life of 4 to 8 days and is used to monitor the course of pancreatic cancer. Studies have shown that the CA 19-9 concentration is elevated in about 50% of patients with a tumor <3cm, while an elevated value is found in about 90% of patients with a tumor size >3cm. The height of the tumor marker correlates with the size of the tumor. An elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level is also found in about 70% of biliary tract tumors.
CA 72-4
The tumor marker cancer antigen 72-4 is mainly used as a tumor marker for gastric cancer. It is a protein that occurs physiologically on many surface cells. However, cancers of the ovaries (ovarian carcinoma) also show an increased Cancer Antigen 72-4 value. Since this value is also elevated in cases of pneumonia and liver cirrhosis, this value cannot be directly attributed to the presence of a carcinoma either. In very rare cases, Cancer Antigen 72-4 may also be elevated in healthy individuals.Although the CA 72-4 value is particularly sensitive to mucinous ovarian cancer, the value is generally used in the guidelines of the German Cancer Society for the monitoring and treatment of colorectal cancer.
