Tumor markers are biological substances found in cells, blood or other body fluids, and tumor tissue of cancer patients. Accordingly, the detection of these substances in the body is a serious indication that cancer is present or progressing. On the other hand, their absence does not mean that cancer is not present, because not all cancers produce tumor markers.
Tumor markers for monitoring the progress of cancer therapy.
From this perspective, the detection of a tumor marker is only one tool among several when it comes to detecting a tumor. Often, the concentration of tumor markers allows conclusions to be drawn about the development and growth of the tumor. In addition, the substances can also give an indication of which organ is affected. However, tumor markers play a very special role in monitoring cancer therapy: during chemotherapy, surgery or radiation, for example, the concentration of a special tumor marker is monitored. With its help, the success of the therapy can be read or a revival or metastasis can be detected.
Overview: tumor markers in cancer
Tumor markers exist for some cancers and are enumerated in the following overview:
- CEA (especially for colorectal cancer)
- NSE
- CA 125 (especially for ovarian cancer)
- AFP (especially for hepatocellular carcinoma)
- CA 19-9 (especially for gastric cancer)
- PSA (especially for prostate cancer).
- CA 15-3 (especially for breast cancer)
- CA 72-4
- HCG (especially for chorionic carcinoma).
- SCC
