Questions and Answers
What substances can be considered tumor markers?
What is the primary sample required for tumor marker testing?
Blood
Which cancer is associated with elevated levels of hCG?
The normal range for hCG levels in non-pregnant individuals is typically less than ____ mIU/mL.
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What does CA125 indicate?
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What is the normal range for CA125?
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Elevated CA19-9 levels are indicative of pancreatic cancer.
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What is the significance of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)?
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Match the following tumor markers with their associated cancers:
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What is the normal range for Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in healthy adults?
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What could indicate significantly elevated levels of AFP?
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Study Notes
Tumor Markers Overview
- Tumor markers are substances like proteins, enzymes, and hormones produced by tumor cells or in response to them.
- Increased levels of these markers in the blood help diagnose and monitor cancer.
- Samples for tumor marker analysis can be taken from blood, urine, stool, bone marrow, and other body fluids (CSF, pleural fluid).
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
- hCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy, also secreted by specific tumors.
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Cancers Associated with Elevated hCG Levels:
- Germ Cell Tumors (e.g., Testicular Cancer, Ovarian Cancer)
- Lung Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Cancers
- Normal Range: Typically less than 5 mIU/mL in non-pregnant individuals.
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Elevated Levels Indicate:
- Pregnancy: Peaks at 8-11 weeks.
- Germ Cell Tumors: Elevated in testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors.
- Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases: Very high levels suggest conditions like choriocarcinoma.
Cancer Antigens (CAs)
- CAs are proteins produced in higher quantities by cancer cells.
- Common CA Markers Include:
- CA125
- CA19-9
- CA15-3 and CA27.29
- CA72-4
CA125
- Protein associated with ovarian cancer, also found in lower levels in non-cancerous individuals.
- Clinical Use: Diagnosis, monitoring, and recurrence tracking.
- Normal Range: 0 to 35 U/mL. Elevated levels may indicate ovarian cancer or other conditions.
CA19-9
- A marker primarily for pancreatic cancer.
- Normal Range: 0 to 37 U/mL. Elevated indicates pancreatic, bile duct, or gallbladder cancers.
CA15-3 and CA27.29
- Markers used for breast cancer detection.
- Normal Ranges: CA15-3: 0 to 30 U/mL, CA27.29: 0 to 38 U/mL. Elevated levels suggest breast cancer or benign conditions.
CA72-4
- Indicator for gastric and ovarian cancers.
- Normal Range: 0 to 6 U/mL. Elevated levels suggest gastric or ovarian cancer.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
- PSA is produced by prostate cells and is key in evaluating prostate cancer.
- Measured in blood and helps in assessing cancer risk.
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Age-specific Normal Ranges:
- 40-49 years: 0-2.5 ng/mL
- 50-59 years: 0-3.5 ng/mL
- 60-69 years: 0-4.5 ng/mL
- 70-79 years: 0-6.5 ng/mL
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
- AFP is a protein produced by fetal liver, yolk sac, and gastrointestinal tract.
- Normal Levels: Usually below 10 ng/mL; levels above 500 ng/mL require investigation.
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Elevated Levels:
- Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
- Germ Cell Tumors (testicular and ovarian).
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
- CEA is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, produced during fetal development.
- Normal Range: 0 to 2.5 ng/mL.
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Elevated Levels:
- Mild (2.5 - 10 ng/mL): Benign or early-stage cancer.
- Moderate to High (> 10 ng/mL): Associated with various cancers, particularly advanced stages in context.
Diagnosis Techniques
- Various methods to detect tumor markers include:
- ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)
- CLIA (Chemiluminescent immunoassay)
- RIA (Radioimmunoassay)
- Mass spectrometry
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC).
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Description
This quiz covers the essentials of tumor markers, including their role in cancer diagnosis and monitoring. It specifically explores Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), its association with certain cancers, and normal and elevated levels indicative of various conditions. Perfect for those studying oncology or related fields.
