19 February 2024

Tumor Marker

It is a substance that can be found in the body as a marker of the presence of tumors or cancer. It can be detected in urine, stool, and other body tissues.

Why Are Tumor Marker Tests Important?

• Detect the type, size, and stage of cancer.
• Determine whether cancer cells have spread to other body tissues.
• Identify the appropriate method of cancer treatment.
• Predict the success rate of the treatment.
• Monitor the progress of cancer treatment outcomes.
• Detect the recurrence of cancer after treatment completion.
• Provide early detection of cancer in individuals at high risk, such as those with a family history of cancer.

Tumor marker tests can be performed using three methods: urine tests, blood tests, and biopsies. Below are the most commonly used tumor markers in cancer screening:

• CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
  A tumor marker used to detect various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, and ovarian cancer. CEA testing also aims to monitor treatment progress and detect cancer recurrence after the completion of cancer therapy.

• AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)
  A tumor marker used to detect liver cancer, ovarian cancer, and testicular cancer.

• B2M (Beta 2-microglobulin)
  A tumor marker used to detect blood cancers, multiple myeloma, and lymphoma. It is useful for monitoring treatment success and predicting recovery rates.

• PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
  A marker used to detect prostate cancer.

• CA 125 (cancer antigen 125)
  A tumor marker used to assess the success of treatment in ovarian cancer patients.

• CA 15-3 and CA 27-29 (cancer antigens 15-3 and 27-29)
  Tumor markers used to monitor treatment outcomes in breast cancer patients.

Reviewed by : dr. Shinta Hidayani Utami

Source : Hellosehat Health Article

Picture : freepik.com