Tumor Markers

Question 1

Use of Tumor Markers

Answer 1

-Screening populations and high risk groups
-Aid in diagnosis
-Staging/confirming histopathology
-Monitor drug response
-Check for recurrence

Question 2

AFP (alpha fetoprotein)

Answer 2

Increased in non-sem testicular cancer, hepatocellular, germ-cell tumors of yolk-sac

Question 3

CA 19-9

Answer 3

Increased in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Question 4

CA 125

Answer 4

Increased in ep ovarian cancer

Question 5

CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)

Answer 5

Increased mainly in colorectal cancer
-also in CA of pancreas, breast, cervix, uterus, lung, bladder, ovary

Question 6

ER and PR (est/progest)

Answer 6

Identifying hormone-dependent tumors
-ER and PR both positive = better response to tx
-ER positive = longer disease free interval / survival

Question 7

hCG

Answer 7

Increased in pregnancy, trophoblastic (choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform)

*hCG and AFP are increased in non- seminomatous germ-cell tumors of the testes

Question 8

PAP (prostatic acid phosphatase)

Answer 8

Increased in prostate cancer
-low sensitivity test

Question 8

PSA (prostate specific antigen)

Answer 8

Increased in BPH and prostatic cancer

-Proportion of free PSA to total PSA is significantly lower in patients with untreated prostate cancer than in patients with BPH

Question 9

Her2/neu

Answer 9

Predict response of breast tumors in chemo
-Herceptin (Trastuzumab) = Her2 POSITIVE

Question 10

Thyroglobulin

Answer 10

For differentiated thyroid carcinoma
-can have false negatives