Tumor Markers Quiz

Biochemical substances synthesized and released by cancer cells or produced in response to cancerous substances.

1. Present in or produced by the tumor itself. 2. Not present in healthy tissues. 3. Plasma level at a minimum in healthy subjects and benign conditions. 4. Specific for a tissue. 5. Plasma level in proportion to tumor size and activity. 6. Half life not very long. 7. Present in plasma at a detectable level even with a very small tumor size. 8. Useful for predicting the presence and recurrence of the tumor.

Tumor markers can be classified based on the type of molecule they are composed of.

<p>To ensure that the tumor marker is specific to the tissue it is associated with, and to avoid cross-reactivity with other tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tumor markers may be present in blood circulation, body cavity fluids, cell membranes, cell cytoplasm, and DNA.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It indicates the potential use of the tumor marker for monitoring tumor growth and activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Enzymes, hormones, oncofetal antigens, carbohydrate epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies, receptors, genetic changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Most tumor markers are present in normal, benign, and cancer tissues and are not specific enough to be used for screening cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Some tumor markers have a plasma level in proportion to the size of the tumor, while others have a plasma level in proportion to the activity of the tumor. The clinical staging of cancer is aided by quantitation of the marker.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The level of the marker at the time of diagnosis may be used as a prognostic indicator for disease progression and patient survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>After successful initial treatment, such as surgery, the marker value should decrease. The rate of the decrease can be predicted by using the half-life of the marker.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The magnitude of marker reduction may reflect the degree of success of the treatment, and most tumor marker values correlate with the effectiveness of treatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In the case of recurrence of cancer, the marker increases again.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is associated with primary or secondary liver cancer, and Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP) is used for staging prostate cancer and for monitoring therapy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>PSA is much more specific for screening or for the early detection of cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Placental ALP elevates in various malignancies, including ovarian, lung, gastrointestinal cancers, and Hodgkin’s disease.</p> Signup and view all the answers