If a test is highly specific, only a small number of people will test positive for the disease who do not have it—in other words, it will result in very few false-positive results | An analysis of 28 potential markers for ovarian cancer in blood from women who later went on to develop ovarian cancer found that none of these markers performed even as well as CA-125 at detecting the disease in women at average risk |
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How used: To evaluate risk of recurrence• However, more recently, patterns of gene expression and changes to DNA have also begun to be used as tumor markers | Moreover, tumor markers have not been identified for every type of cancer |
Reference ranges The preparation and implementation of SOPs will greatly assist in identifying, monitoring, and minimizing errors that lead to incorrect test results and the waste of resources.
15Although an elevated level of a tumor marker may suggest the presence of cancer, this alone is not enough to diagnose cancer | How used: To check whether colorectal cancer has spread; to look for breast cancer recurrence and assess response to treatment CD20• Tumor markers may also be measured periodically during cancer therapy |
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What tumor markers are currently being used, and for which cancer types? Collection, transport and storage of specimens 3 | If a test is highly sensitive, it will identify most people with the disease—that is, it will result in very few false-negative results |
How used: To monitor progression and response to treatment HE4• Cancer type: Chronic myeloid leukemia• How used: To help diagnose liver cancer and follow response to treatment; to assess stage, prognosis, and response to treatment of germ cell tumors Beta-2-microglobulin B2M• NCI does not have such guidelines.
3How used: To assess stage, prognosis, and response to treatment BCR-ABL fusion gene• Tissue analyzed: Blood and urine• Some are associated with only one type of cancer, whereas others are associated with two or more cancer types | The PACCT strategy group, which includes scientists from academia, industry, and NCI, is developing criteria for assessing which markers are ready for further development |
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Cancer type: Non-small cell lung cancer• For example, the prostate-specific antigen PSA test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood, is often used to screen men for prostate cancer | Cancer type: Germ cell tumors• Criteria of rejection of samples 4 |
How are tumor markers used in cancer care? Tumor markers may also be measured after treatment has ended to check for recurrence the return of cancer.
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