5 Questions
Which of the following is a property of a good tumor marker?
Its plasma level should be in proportion to the size of the tumor
Which type of molecule can be classified as a tumor marker?
Carbohydrates
What is the role of genetic changes in tumor markers?
They lead to mutations in some oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
In relation to tumor markers, what is the significance of a long half life?
It should not be very long
What should the plasma level of a good tumor marker be in relation to healthy subjects and benign conditions?
At a minimum level
Study Notes
Tumor Markers
Properties of Good Tumor Markers
- A good tumor marker should have high sensitivity and specificity to detect cancer
- A good tumor marker should have a high positive predictive value to accurately diagnose cancer and avoid false positives
Types of Tumor Markers
- Proteins, such as enzymes, hormones, and receptors, can be classified as tumor markers
- Genetic material, such as DNA and RNA, can also be classified as tumor markers
Genetic Changes in Tumor Markers
- Genetic changes, such as mutations and overexpression, can contribute to the development of tumor markers
- Genetic changes can cause altered gene expression, leading to changes in protein production or function
Significance of Half-Life
- A long half-life allows for consistent and reliable detection of tumor markers in the blood
- A long half-life enables monitoring of tumor marker levels over time to track treatment response or disease progression
Ideal Plasma Levels
- The plasma level of a good tumor marker should be low or undetectable in healthy subjects and benign conditions
- The plasma level of a good tumor marker should be significantly elevated in cancer patients
Test your knowledge about tumor markers, the molecules associated with abnormal production in cancer and measured in plasma. Learn about the properties of a good tumor marker and its relevance in cancer diagnosis.
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