It is known to mankind that, only 25% of the early stage colon cancers usually have a higher (than the actual CEA. Hence, specific to colon cancers, being one of the markers - CEA would not always help detect your colon cancer in the early stages, when the cure rates can be rated to be the best.
The Tumor markers are the substances which are usually found in the bloodstream. The patient’s tumor marker levels are higher when cancer is present in one’s body.
Note: These changes usually correspond to mutations, or changes in the patterns of the tumor's DNA. The Tumor markers are referred to as biomarkers (Other Name).
In general, the healthcare professionals might use these tumor marker tests to learn if the individual suffers from cancer.
Key Facts on Tumor Markers
- 3 most important distinctiveness of an ideal cancer marker are (a) It must be highly specific to any particular tumor type, (b) It must have a lead-time over your clinical diagnosis and (c) It must be a highly sensitive test to further avoid any false positive results.
- Radiologists should know the limitations of tumor markers. Moreover, the diagnosis must not be used solely, but it must be interpreted in conjunction with other imaging, with clinical history and then with physical examination would optimize multidisciplinary care & management of the oncologic patients.
What are Tumor Markers?
The tumor marker is produced by the cancer cells or further cells of your body in response to your cancer of either in certain benign (noncancerous) conditions or malignant conditions. This tells you the following information:
- How and what is this Cancer
- How Aggressive it can be
- What type of Treatment can it respond to
- If there is any Response to the Treatment.
Noncancerous Condition
Many-a-times, non-cancerous conditions could cause an elevation of tumor markers, and then it would be higher than normal.
Besides, it has also been seen that not every cancer patient would have raised level of your tumor marker.
Use of this information: There is an increasing awareness for cancer and these related tumor markers provide some great opportunities for the improvement and management of the cancer. This is done by the following ways:
- Enhancing efficiency of its detection
- Increasing the efficacy of the treatment
Why are Tumor Markers Tests Important and Used?
In some tests and cases, your tumor marker tests would aid diagnose cancer and this can help recommend you the treatment roadmap and plan for the patient.
The utility of these tumor marker tests vary from one person to another. In rare circumstances, this can help screen for a specific type of cancer in individuals with high risk of any disease even before they could have any signs and symptoms. But the healthcare professionals mainly use the tumor marker for the following purpose.
1. Circulating Tumor Markers
- It helps in estimating the prognosis of the disease.
- It will aid in determining the Stage Of Cancer
- Any relapse in the Cancer and in Residual Disease
- Assessment of the Treatment working
- Monitor Treatment Process
2. Tumor Tissue (Or Cell) Markers
The examples of the tumor tissue markers include the biomarkers for its cancer treatment is as follows:
- Estrogen Receptor
- Progesterone Receptor
Person with breast cancer can get the treatment with the following:
- Hormone Therapy
- FGFR3 Gene Mutation Analysis
This enables the treatment for any patients with your bladder cancer; and the PD-L1, to check whether people with cancer types can be the candidates for treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor.
How can Tumor Markers be used in Cancer Screening?
For example, let’s take the case of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test which could be used routinely in past for screening the men for the prostate cancer.
Note: There are limitations of the Cancer Marker Test (this includes relatively low specificity), there are medical groups allowing for it to be used for routine population screening.
- The Pap SEEK identifies an ovarian along with endometrial cancer.
- In a particular study that had included women already diagnosed with the cancer, an endometrial and the ovarian cancers would be detected at early, and more treatable stages.
- And along with screening tests which will depend on the tumor markers and can lead to over diagnosis, thus should be used with caution.
What is Cancer Antigen or Tumor Antigen?
Tumor antigen is considered to be an antigenic substance that is produced by the tumor cells, i.e., it triggers or stimulates an immune response in your host system.
Your Tumor antigens are considered to be useful tumor markers in identification of tumor cells with your diagnostic tests and potential candidates for the use in the cancer therapy.
These can be either: Tumor-Specific Antigens (TSA), that are only on the tumor cells and Tumor-Associated Antigens (TAA) that are present on specific tumor cells along with some normal cells.
Use: Certain tumor antigens are used as Tumor Markers. More importantly, the tumor antigens that are in cancer therapy, can also be used as Tumor Antigen Vaccines
What is the limitation of a Tumor marker Test?
The Tumor markers are not static in nature, making it difficult to measure it consistently.
- Level of this tumor maker might not increase until the cancer becomes advanced.
- Some Cancers do not have particular Tumor Markers.
- Irrelevant and Wrong Readings
- Presume diagnostic patterns to unique specific cancer states becomes challenging because of its biological variability in any individual patient's particular
- Lack of reliability
- Normal cells as well as cancer cells can produce most tumor markers
- Imperfect Sensitivity and Specificity and may- a times, it yields false negative results.
- High Dose Hook Effect
- This effect shows a delayed recognition of the tumor cells. The hook effect is seen by analyzing solution in a serial manner. The hook effect is absent if the reported quantities of tumor marker in a serial dilution are proportional to the dilution.
Diagnosis and Management
The multiple Tumor Markers are in general detected in your blood stream and through the Urine Tests. These can be detected by the Blood Tests and this determines the staging along with treatment of cancer.
Apart from their characterization based on proteins, hormones and fragment, they are organ specific in nature.
Some of the Cancer Marker (Organ Specific) Listed is as follows:
- Breast: CEA, CA 15–3
- Esophagus: CEA, Cyfra 21-1
- Testicle: AFP, BHCG
- Ovary: CEA, CA 19–9, CA 125 and AFP
- Colorectal: M2-PK
- Bladder: CEA, Cyfra 21–1, TPA
- Uterine: CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125 and SCC
- Pancreas/Stomach: CEA, CA 19–9, CA 72-4
- Liver: CEA, AFP
- Prostate: PSA, FPSA
- Thyroid: CEA, NSE
- Lung: CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125
1. Significance of AFP Level
The Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): The gastrointestinal system, liver, and fetal yolk sac produce alpha-fetoprotein, or AFP. 50-60% percent of patients with non-small germ cell tumors (NSGCTs), including mixed GCTs with yolk sac components, has high levels of this tumor marker.
Less than 20, 20 to 2000, and more than 2000 ng/mL of serum AFP are associated with a fair prognosis, an intermediate prognosis, and a bad prognosis, respectively.
Similarly, a good prognosis is associated with serum β-hCG levels less than 1, more than 1, and larger than 1000 mIU/mL, respectively.
2. Significance of Ca125 Level
The CA-125 is considered to be a biomarker or substance in the blood that presents sign of condition or disease. The high level of either CA-125 could be a sign and an indication of ovarian cancer. The ovaries are a pair of reproductive glands that can store and also release the eggs along with producing your hormones.
Note: It usually cannot completely detect cancer. CA-125 tests are used for the diagnosis, treatment or monitoring of the ovarian cancer in certain people. It can also used for cancer in an individual fallopian tubes or the peritoneum.
Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is an only tumor marker which is recommended for the clinical use in diagnosis and the management of your ovarian cancer.
Reference range of the CA 125 is 0-35 units/mL (0-35 kU/L).
3. Significance of CEA
The Cancer types including colorectal cancer along with some other cancers are diagnosed using this special marker.
Sample: Blood (to be detected)
CEA Antigen Test: To understand and track cancer treatments, check if they working and monitor the relapse of cancer in patients.
Guidelines to follow before, during and after the Tumor Marker Tests
Here are some guidelines an individual can refer to once they have decided to undergo Tumor Marker Test in Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center
The required documents needed for this test includes your valid government ID and an appropriate Doctor’s prescription.
A. Before the test
- Nothing Specific to prepare for Blood Cancer (antigen) Test in advance.
- Usually, Fasting is required for a few hours (8-12 hours) before the fasting tumor marker, test
- Consumption of water is permissible during the fasting period.
B. During the Test
- During the blood test, the doctor would take the blood sample from the vein in your arm, using the small needle.
- Then, a small amount of blood would be drawn and collected into the corresponding test tube or the vial.
- You might feel a little sting when the needle pricks or while it is being removed. This would usually take less than even five minutes.
C. After the Test
There would be slight tenderness at the injection site without any major concern. This patient is expected to get back to their daily life immediately.
Tumor Marker Test Detection in Urine
In case of Urine cytology, this is a lab test in which the sample of your urine would be checked under a microscope for an abnormal (type) cells. Urinary tumor markers are the substances which are found in the urine that are either made by bladder cancer cells or what your body makes in response to the bladder cancer.
For Free Consultation from the Doctor
Contact- Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD in Radiology)
Available: 24*7*365
Phone Number: +919212125996
Why Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre should be your preference to for Tumor Marker Tests?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre has a long history of offering its patients exceptional service and attention. Years' worth of happy patients in thousands!
Since 2001, it has grown to be a recognized and well-established diagnostic facility.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price and Free Home Sample Collection Facility.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
We also provide- Free Home Sample Collection, Free Ambulance Service and Free Consultation from the Doctor itself.
Some of the Tumor Marker Tests Conducted at Ganesh Diagnostic are as follows:
Cost of Tumor Marker Tests in Delhi
The different Hormones Test costs vary by region and facility. So constantly get tested at trustworthy diagnostic centers like Ganesh Diagnostic. It is staffed by trained and experienced professionals to assure patient and visitor safety.
There are multiple tests that are done to monitor your Tumor Marker Tests. So get your tumor marker test at your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do you need tumor markers?
The Tumor marker tests are used for cancer diagnosis. When it is used with (in conjunction with other tests, tumor markers might help.
It helps in finding out whether your cancer metastasizes or spread across the body (cancer stage) monitor growth, chance of potential recovery, relapse
What noncancerous conditions cause tumor markers to rise?
- Anemia
- Ovarian cysts (benign)
- Kidney disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Thyroid disease
- Kidney stones
- Hepatitis.
What is the normal range for tumor markers?
The Normal range of about < 2.5 ng/ml. The Normal range depends on brand of assay being used. The Levels > 10 ng/ml suggest an extensive disease and the levels that are > 20 ng/ml suggest a metastatic disease.
Can stress cause CA-125 to rise?
Yes, scientific studies suggest that stress might cause the body to have increased CA-125.
