Telomerase is an enzyme whose determination is suitable as a tumor marker. Tumor markers are endogenous substances produced by tumors and detectable in the blood. They can provide an indication of a malignant neoplasm and are used as a follow-up test in cancer aftercare. Telomerase is an enzyme of the cell nucleus. After each cell division, a piece of the telomeres (end piece of the chromosomes) is missing. By restoring the telomeres, telomerase prevents the chromosomes from becoming shorter with each cell division. In normal cells, telomerase shows no activity. Cells with telomerase activity include germline cells, embryonic cells, and tumor cells.
The process
Material needed
- Urine
Preparation of the patient
- Not known
Disruptive factors
- Not known
Normal value
| Positive | Not available |
Indications
- Suspected urinary bladder carcinoma (bladder cancer).
- Progress and therapy control in the above-mentioned carcinoma.
Interpretation
Interpretation of increased values
- Urinary bladder carcinoma (bladder cancer; detectable in up to 94% of cases; depending on stage of disease).
Interpretation of decreased values
- Unknown
Further notes
- The determination of telomerase as a tumor marker is in the trial phase, thus no general statements are currently possible.
- The test is also not yet generally available.
