Tumour markers - serum
Last updated: Friday, 07, April, 2006
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 5 mL blood in plain tube. |
| Method | Immunoassay. |
| Reference Interval | Depends on marker and method. |
| Application | The tests should not be used as either screening or diagnostic tests for malignancy. They may be used to monitor effectiveness of therapy in patients with a malignancy that has been shown to produce the marker. CA 125 is a marker for serous carcinoma, especially carcinoma of the ovary, but elevations are also seen in peritoneal disease of any cause. CA 19.9 is a marker for gastrointestinal malignancy, especially carcinoma of the pancreas. Other tumour markers are available but generally have only limited utility in monitoring disease. See also: Carcinoembryonic antigen, |
| Interpretation | Persistence of an increased level after treatment indicates a significant amount of residual tumour. Decrease to a normal level after treatment may mean eradication of the tumour or persistence of only small amounts of tumour; subsequent elevation indicates regrowth of the tumour. Lesser elevations may be found in some non-malignant conditions. |
| Reference | Perkins GL et al. Am Fam Physician 2003; 68(6): 1075-1082. Duffy MJ et al. Eur J Cancer 2003; 39(6): 718-727. |