Tumor markers are substances made in excess in the body when cancer or a benign (harmless) condition is present. Tests done on blood or other body fluids can find tumor markers.
Some tumor markers can help the doctor diagnose certain cancers. And tumor markers often help the doctor track a person's response to treatment. For example, a woman with ovarian cancer may have a high CA 125 level when she is first diagnosed. After treatment, her levels of CA 125 should fall. Then if her tumor marker level goes up in the future, it could mean that the cancer has come back.
Some tumor markers help doctors choose the most effective treatment. For example, a person who has non-small cell lung cancer may have a tumor sample checked for the KRAS gene mutation to see if a certain kind of targeted therapy will work.
Tumor markers include:
Current as of: October 25, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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