ASTANA MEDICAL
UNIVERSITY
TOPIC - Tumor Marker
Submitted by - Aparna Singh Shak
Group - 578
Contents
What is tumor marker
Types of tumor markers
Significance of marker
Limitations and consideration
Screening
Prognosis
Interpretation
Conclusion
What are Tumor Markers?
Definition Types
Tumor markers are substances produced by cancer Tumor markers are proteins, enzymes, or hormones.
cells or by the body in response to cancer. They can be They can be specific to a particular type of cancer or
found in the blood, urine, or other tissues. more general.
Types of Tumor Markers
1 PSA (Prostate- 2 CA-125
Specific Antigen)
For ovarian cancer.
For prostate cancer.
3 AFP (Alpha- 4 CEA
fetoprotein) (Carcinoembryonic
Antigen)
For liver cancer.
For colon cancer.
Significance of Tumor
Markers in Cancer
Diagnosis
Early Detection Diagnosis Confirmation
Tumor markers can help High levels of a specific
detect cancer early, when it tumor marker can help
is more treatable. confirm a cancer diagnosis.
Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness
Tumor marker levels can be used to track the effectiveness of
cancer treatment and monitor for any signs of recurrence.
Limitations and Considerations
Not Always Reliable Limited Specificity Late-Stage Cancer
Tumor markers can be elevated in Some tumor markers are not Tumor markers are often not
people who do not have cancer. specific to a particular type of elevated until cancer is more
Other conditions can also cause cancer. They may be elevated in advanced.
elevated levels. people with other conditions.
Tumor Markers and
Screening
1 Routine Screening
Some tumor markers, such as PSA, are used in routine
screening programs.
2 Targeted Screening
In some cases, tumor markers may be used to screen
individuals with a family history of cancer.
3 High-Risk Groups
Tumor markers can be useful in screening people at
high risk of developing cancer.
Tumor Markers and Prognosis
Stage
Tumor marker levels can help determine the stage of cancer.
Treatment Response
Tumor marker levels can indicate how well the treatment is working and how likely the cancer is to recur.
Survival Rates
In some cases, tumor marker levels can be used to predict a patient's survival rate.
Interpretation of Results
1 2
Clinical Context Follow-Up
Tumor marker levels must be If tumor marker levels are elevated,
interpreted in the context of a further testing is needed to
patient's clinical history, physical determine the cause.
exam, and other diagnostic tests.
3
Multidisciplinary Approach
The interpretation of tumor marker
results often involves a
multidisciplinary team of healthcare
professionals.
Conclusion
Tumor markers are valuable tools in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring, but it's crucial to understand their
limitations and use them in conjunction with other diagnostic and clinical data. By carefully interpreting results and
considering the clinical context, healthcare professionals can effectively utilize tumor markers for personalized
patient care.
THANK
YOU
