Understanding Tumor Markers
Tumor markers are substances that are produced by cancer or by other cells of the body in response to cancer.
Tumor markers are used to help detect, diagnose, and manage some types of cancer. Although an elevated level of a tumor marker may suggest the presence of cancer, this alone is not enough to diagnose cancer.
There are some limitations to the use of tumor markers.
- Sometimes noncancerous conditions can cause the levels of certain tumor markers to increase.
- Not everyone with a particular type of cancer will have a higher level of a tumor marker associated with that cancer.
Utilizing Tumor Markers for Cancer Assessment and Monitoring
Measurements of tumor markers are usually combined with other tests, such as biopsies, to diagnose cancer.
Before treatment. tumor marker levels may be measured before treatment to help doctors plan the appropriate therapy.
During treatment. Tumor markers may also be measured periodically during cancer therapy. A decrease in the level of a tumor marker or a return to the marker’s normal level may indicate that the cancer is responding to treatment.
After treatment. Tumor markers may also be measured after treatment has ended to check for recurrence (the return of cancer).
It’s important to note that tumor markers have not been identified for every type of cancer.
