They may also be used to help choose the right cancer treatment.
Your healthcare provider will then look at the measurement to see if it falls in the normal range.
Limitations
There are a number of limitations in using tumor markers to monitor cancer.
National Cancer Institute
The following graph lists some tumor markers followed by a brief discussion of common protein and genetic biomarkers.
They can also include genomic markers, such as changes in tumor DNA or gene mutations.
They are used to better understand the treatment options and assess prognosis.
Some tumor markers are associated with one cancer while others are associated with multiple cancers.
Examples ofblood tumor markersinclude:
Tissue biomarkersinclude:
Examples ofgenetic biomarkersinclude:
National Cancer Institute.Tumor Markers.
Pathology & Oncology Research.
2017;24(2):283-287. doi:10.1007/s12253-017-0239-x
Canadian Cancer Society.Tumour markers.
Canadian Cancer Society.Cancer antigen 125 (CA125).
MedlinePlus.Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Tumor Marker Test.
MedlinePlus.Beta 2 Microglobulin (B2M) Tumor Marker Test.
2019 Jan-Apr;23(1):108-113. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_271_18.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Lactate Dehyrogenase (LDH) Test.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories.Test ID: NSE.
Moyer V.Screening for Prostate Cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.Annals of Internal Medicine.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.PDL1 (Immunotherapy) Tests.
2015;33(24):2695-2704. doi:10.1200/JCO.2015.61.1459
National Cancer Institute.Philadelphia chromosome.
NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms.
American Society of Clinical Oncology.Biomarkers to Guide Treatment for Early-Stage Breast Cancer.
National Cancer Institute.Tumor Modules.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.5-HIAA urine test.
