What cancer markers can tell you

Today, the determination of tumor markers is becoming an increasingly everyday test. But many people do not know: what does this laboratory test show? Currently, specialists know about 200 oncomarkers, 11 of which are recommended by WHO and are performed in the OLYMP branches of laboratories. Thanks to this technique it is now possible to diagnose and control such serious cancers as gastrointestinal, ovarian, pancreatic, cervical, prostate, skin (melanoma) and some others.

Oncomarkers are proteins that increase in the blood when a tumor is present in the body. They are either secreted by the tumor itself, or by cells adjacent to the tumor, or are the body's response to the presence of a tumor.

In previous years, oncomarkers were mainly used to monitor treatment. That is, elevated levels after surgical treatment may indicate the development of tumor recurrence or metastasis.

Recently, the view of oncomarkers has changed radically. This is due to the fact that in many cases, elevated levels of oncomarkers occur several months before the first symptoms of tumors, which can be detected by conventional methods of investigation (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI).

One of the peculiarities of oncomarker tests is that they do not have sufficient specificity, i.e. the same indicator may be elevated in tumors of different localisations. In addition, the sensitivity of the indicators may not be the same for different types of tumors of the same organ. Therefore, to strengthen the quality of diagnosis at early stages, the use of a set of different oncomarkers is most effective, because the more data, the more reliable the examination.              

The most prominent oncomarker is PSA, an early precursor to prostate cancer. Every man after the age of 40 should do a PSA blood test once a year.

If the indicator is significantly elevated, the diagnosis of prostate cancer does not require other confirmation (ultrasound, CT scan, biopsy). If it is moderately elevated, a more accurate "free PSA" test should be do, as total PSA is sometimes elevated in benign diseases, such as prostate adenoma, prostatitis and even after prostate massage.

The well-deserved second place goes to hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), alpha-fetoprotein and the oncomarker Ca 125. A simultaneous elevation of the first two is very likely to indicate testicular cancer in men, while an elevation of the second one indicates ovarian cancer in women.

However, it is fair to say that Ca 125 elevation can be detected in benign tumors and even in healthy women.            

The other oncomarkers are not used for screening, but they are very important for doctors. These tests should be taken in a specific situation: for example, when a tumor is suspected as one of the diagnostic steps. In this case, the importance of oncomarkers is really great.

In many cases, a repeated determination of the levels of oncomarkers can help to make a diagnosis. Particularly alarming is the steady increase in oncomarker levels over time.

To properly assess the dynamics of the indicator level, it is recommended to perform the test in the same laboratory, as different reagents may have different sensitivity and reference values.

In many cases, the determination of oncomarkers also makes it possible to correctly prescribe treatment, as it determines the sensitivity or insensitivity of the tumor to certain treatments.

If the patient has a history of tumor disease, it is advisable to have regular screening for  oncomarkers, as this helps to suspect the threat of tumor recurrence in time. 

It should be remembered that the interpretation of the obtained data should be carried out only by a doctor!

If some indicators increase, additional examination may be required (biochemical parameters, hormones, MRI, ultrasound, colonoscopy, gastroscopy, radiography, etc.). The specific examination will be prescribed by your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can oncomarkers be detected in the blood of a healthy person?

Of course they are. They're definitely present. However, they are present in small concentrations, so there are threshold values for each oncomarker. But even if any of the oncomarkers is elevated, it does not necessarily indicate the development of cancer. Sometimes oncomarkers are elevated during the development of cysts, benign tumors, infectious diseases and even after a common cold.

How do I get tested for oncomarkers?

Most often blood is taken from a vein in the morning and on an empty stomach. Sometimes a urine test can determine oncomarkers. It is ready in a few hours.

Can cancer markers be called a panacea for early diagnosis?

The title can be given to PSA. The number of lives that have been saved thanks to this oncomarker is very high. The others are used in the course of examination when indicated.

We remind you that you can undergo a comprehensive examination for all major clinically significant oncomarkers in the OLYMP branches of laboratories.