What are the common tumor markers in cancer diagnosis?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Common Tumor Markers in Cancer Diagnosis
   1. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
   2. Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA)
   3. Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
   4. Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125)
   5. Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9)
3. Company Solutions
4. Conclusion
5. References

Introduction

Tumor markers are substances, often proteins, found at higher levels in the blood, urine, or tissues of some patients with cancer. They are used in oncology to help diagnose the presence of cancer, guide treatment decisions, and predict or monitor the response to therapy. This article provides an overview of the most common tumor markers used in cancer diagnosis and the technological solutions companies have developed to utilize these markers effectively.

Common Tumor Markers in Cancer Diagnosis

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

Tumor Association: Liver cancer and germ cell tumors.
Normal Range: Less than 10 ng/mL.
Levels above 500 ng/mL may suggest hepatocellular carcinoma in adults or metastatic cancer in the liver.

Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA)

Tumor Association: Prostate cancer.
Normal Range: Less than 4 ng/mL.
Levels between 4 to 10 ng/mL indicate a 25% risk of prostate cancer, whereas levels above 10 ng/mL indicate greater risk.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

Tumor Association: Colorectal cancer, and other cancers such as breast, lung, and thyroid carcinomas.
Normal Range: Less than 3 ng/mL in non-smokers and less than 5 ng/mL in smokers.
Levels above these ranges can indicate malignancy, especially if the levels are significantly above baseline or are increasing over time.

Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125)

Tumor Association: Ovarian cancer.
Normal Range: Less than 35 U/mL.
Elevated levels are primarily used to monitor patients undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer.

Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9)

Tumor Association: Pancreatic, gastric, and hepatobiliary cancers.
Normal Range: Less than 37 U/mL.
Levels above 100 U/mL could suggest pancreatic cancer, but are also elevated in other gastrointestinal conditions.

Company Solutions

Several companies have developed innovative technologies for the use of tumor markers in cancer diagnosis:

• Roche Diagnostics: Provides a comprehensive range of tumor marker tests, applying chemiluminescence immunoassay technology for high sensitivity and specificity.
• Abbott Laboratories: Offers ARCHITECT assays for tumor markers, employing immunoassay analysis for reliable detection.
• Siemens Healthineers: Develops IMMULITE systems, which enhance diagnostic confidence with advanced creepy wash technology.
• Bio-Rad Laboratories: Specializes in various cancer biomarker assays to assess treatment efficacy and disease prognosis, using a combination of fluid-phase and solid-phase immunoassays.

Conclusion

Tumor markers play an integral role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of various cancers. Their effective use depends on both the nature of the marker and the technology employed for precise measurement. Continuous advancements in laboratory technologies by key companies enhance the application of these markers, aiding in the timely detection and treatment of cancers.

References

1. Tietz, N.W. (2006). Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, 4th Edition.
2. American Cancer Society. (2023). Tumor Markers. Available at: www.cancer.org
3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023). Tumor markers: What they are and how they are used. Available at: www.mayoclinic.org