5 Questions
What are tumor markers?
All of the above
Why are tumor markers not diagnostic for cancer?
They may also be elevated in non-cancerous conditions
What is a characteristic of an ideal tumor marker?
High specificity: Tumor marker should not present in healthy persons or present in small quantities
What is one of the applications of tumor markers in clinical oncology?
Screening
Why do some potential tumor markers cause great excitement at first but prove to be no more useful than markers already in use?
All of the above
Study Notes
Tumor Markers
- Tumor markers are substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer
- They can be found in the blood, urine, or tissue of some patients with cancer
Limitations of Tumor Markers
- Tumor markers are not diagnostic for cancer because they can also be elevated in benign conditions or other diseases
- A positive result does not necessarily mean cancer is present
Ideal Tumor Marker Characteristics
- An ideal tumor marker should be specific to cancer, sensitive, and easily measurable
Applications of Tumor Markers in Clinical Oncology
- Tumor markers can be used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment, detect recurrence, and screen for cancer in high-risk individuals
Challenges in Developing New Tumor Markers
- Some potential tumor markers initially show promise but ultimately prove to be no more useful than existing markers due to various limitations, such as low sensitivity or specificity
Test your knowledge about tumor markers, which are proteins produced in response to cancer growth or by cancer tissue itself. Some are specific to certain cancer types, while others are found in multiple types. This quiz covers the characteristics and limitations of tumor markers in cancer diagnosis.
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