Cancer marker tests are done in laboratories. These are specialized tests that search for specific substances in the body that can mean there is a presence of cancer. These “cancer markers” or “tumor markers” can be proteins, hormones, or other molecules. They can be found in bodily fluids, most especially in the blood and urine, sometimes also in tissue samples from a biopsy.
These markers have respective crucial purposes in cancer care, such as:
- Cancer detection: While a single test result is not enough for a diagnosis, an elevated marker level can raise a red flag. Your doctor may need to further investigate your health.
- Treatment assessment: By tracking marker levels over the course of a cancer patient’s treatment, doctors can see if cancer cells are shrinking or stop growing. A decrease in marker levels often indicates a positive response to therapy.
- Recurrence detection: After treatment, regular monitoring is still important to help catch a recurrence early, even before symptoms start appearing again.
However, a high marker level doesn’t always mean cancer. Many factors can influence these levels, including non-cancerous conditions, infections, and lifestyle choices such as smoking.
In this overview, we will delve deeper into specific cancer marker tests. Understanding these tests can empower you to have more informed conversations with your healthcare team. Search for a ‘cbc test near me’ to have your cancer marker test with a reliable sendout lab.
Alpha Feto Protein (AFP)
Alpha Feto Protein (AFP) is a cancer marker for liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Normally, AFP is produced in large amounts by a developing fetus. Then, it drops to very low levels after birth. In adults, elevated levels of AFP can be a strong indicator of liver cancer.
Cancer Antigen (CA) 125
Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) is a protein found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells. While a high marker in women with ovarian cancer is an indication, it’s important to understand that the CA-125 is not a single diagnostic test on its own. There can be other causes as to why you get raised levels of cancer markers, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, even menstruation. Because of this, CA-125 is generally not recommended for routine screening in the general population.
Cancer Antigen (CA) 15-3
Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a tumor marker used in the management of breast cancer. Levels of CA 15-3 in the blood can increase as the cancer grows or spreads. Unlike screening tests like mammograms, CA 15-3 is generally not used for initial diagnosis. Its role is most significant in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the breast). It’s important to know that CA 15-3 levels are just one part of the puzzle. Results are always interpreted with imaging studies, clinic symptoms, and other diagnostic information.
Cancer Antigen (CA) 19-9
Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a tumor marker primarily used in the monitoring of recurrence or progression of pancreatic cancer. CA 19-9 is a carbohydrate antigen found on the surface of some cancer cells. Elevated levels can mean pancreatic cancer, but it’s not a perfect test and can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as pancreatitis, gallstones, liver disease, or obstructions in the bile duct. Because of this, CA 19-9 cannot be used as a standalone screening test for pancreatic cancer.
Cancer Antigen (CA) 72-4
Cancer Antigen 72-4 (CA 72-4) is a tumor marker used in screening gastric cancer. It’s a glycoprotein found on the surface of certain cancer cells, and its levels can be elevated in the blood of patients with gastric cancer. While CA 72-4 can be a helpful indicator, it’s not used as a sole diagnostic tool for gastric cancer.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a commonly used tumor marker, particularly associated with colorectal cancer. It’s a protein found in the blood and is typically present at low levels in healthy adults. While it is relevant for colorectal cancer, elevated levels can also be present with other cancers, such as those of the lung, breast, stomach, and pancreas. Take note that CEA is not used for screening the general population or for making an initial diagnosis. Its primary role is mainly to monitor established or progressing colorectal cancer.
CYFRA 21-1
CYFRA 21-1 is a tumor marker that measures fragments of cytokeratin 19. It’s a protein found in the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells, including those lining the lungs. While elevated levels are most commonly associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), they can also be found in other cancers, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sometimes, it can also be in certain benign conditions like pneumonia or kidney failure. CYFRA 21-1 can be used for diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis for lung cancer. But it has to be paired with imaging studies to assess the extent of the disease and predict prognosis.
Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4)
Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) is a relatively new tumor marker used in assessing and managing ovarian cancer. It’s a tool often used with CA-125. But unlike CA-125, HE4 is generally less affected by benign gynecological conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids, making it potentially a more specific test for ovarian cancer. However, take note that HE4 cannot be used for screening due to its limitations. An HE4 test is not able to detect all types of ovarian cancer, and it can pose potential elevations in non-cancerous conditions like kidney disease. Its primary use is to monitor treatment response for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
pro-Gastrin-Releasing Peptide (pro-GRP)
pro-Gastrin-Releasing Peptide (pro-GRP) is an important tumor marker associated with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Elevated pro-GRP levels can help in the initial diagnosis of SCLC, especially when combined with imaging and biopsy results. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of SCLC treatment, because a decrease in levels can signal a positive response to therapy. While this test is highly relevant for SCLC, it’s still not advisable to use this for general lung cancer screening, as other conditions can sometimes cause mild elevations.
Total Prostatic Specific Antigen (Total PSA)
Total Prostatic Specific Antigen (Total PSA) is a blood test used primarily for screening and monitoring prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. Elevated levels can mean signs of prostate cancer, but they can also be due to non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. So, a high PSA alone cannot confirm cancer. In the same way, low levels do not automatically rule out prostate cancer. This should be used in conjunction with other tests, such as a digital rectal exam (DRE) and sometimes a prostate biopsy, to properly diagnose.
Beta HCG
Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (Beta-hCG) is a crucial tumor marker for testicular cancer. It is vital for diagnosing testicular cancer, assessing the stage of the disease, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Low levels usually indicate successful treatment, while high levels can signal red flags like recurrence.
PIVKA II
PIVKA-II (Protein Induced by Vitamin K Absence or Antagonist-II) is a tumor marker used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is a type of liver cancer. This test identifies when there’s a defect in vitamin K metabolism, which can also help monitor treatment response and detect recurrence. It’s often combined with AFP and imaging studies to get a more comprehensive assessment of liver cancer.
Get Your Regular Screening at Medi Linx Laboratory
Don’t wait to prioritize your health! Get a cancer marker test at Medi Linx Laboratory in Quezon City. We also offer other laboratory services such as TSH, FBS, and an executive check-up package cost. Contact us now and take charge of your well-being today!
