This document discusses tumor markers, which are biochemical indicators of the presence of tumors. Tumor markers can help diagnose or predict the prognosis of cancers, and can be used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment or detect relapse. The document provides examples of several common tumor markers including CEA, AFP, HCG, PSA, and various isoenzymes and glycoproteins; and describes the specific cancers each marker may indicate.

1. NEOPLASIA
Tumor markers
Dr. Roopam Jain
Professor & Head, Pathology

2. Tumor markers
 Tumor markers sometimes diagnostic or prognostic
 Can be helpful in monitoring effectiveness of
therapy or in detecting relapses/recurrences

3. Tumor Markers
 Tumor markers are biochemical indicators of
the presence of a tumor
 Tumor markers include: cell surface antigens,
cytoplasmic proteins, enzymes and hormones
 Example: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is
found in carcinomas of colon, pancreas, lung,
stomach and breast

4. Tumor Markers
 CEA assays lack both specificity and the sensitivity
required for the detection of early cancers, but good to
know relapse or as follow up procedure..
 Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is associated with liver cell
cancer & nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the
testis
 AFP can be seen in non-neoplastic conditions such as
cirrhosis and hepatitis

5. TUMOR MARKERS
(Hormones)
MARKERS
Human chorionic
gonadotropin
Calcitonin
CANCERS
Trophoblastic tumors; Non-
seminomatous testicular
tumors
Medullary carcinoma of
thyroid

6. TUMOR MARKERS
(Hormones)
MARKERS
Catecholamine and metabolites
Ectopic hormones production
CANCERS
Neuroblastoma,
Pheochromocytoma and
related tumors
Tumors of the Paraneoplastic
Syndrome

7. TUMOR MARKERS
(Oncofetal Antigens)
MARKERS
Alpha-fetoprotein
Carcinoembryonic antigen
CANCERS
Liver cell cancer; Non-
Seminomatous germ cell
tumors of testis
Carcinomas of colon, pancreas,
lung, stomach & breast

8. TUMOR MARKERS
(Isoenzymes)
MARKERS
Prostatic acid phosphatase
(PAP)
Neuron-specific antigen (NSE)
CANCERS
Prostate cancer
Small cell cancer of lung,
Neuroblastoma

9. TUMOR MARKERS
(Isoenzymes)
MARKERS
Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH)
CANCERS
Lymphoma, Ewings sarcoma

10. TUMOR MARKERS
(Specific Proteins)
MARKERS
Immunoglobulins
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
CANCERS
Multiple myeloma and other
Gammopathies
Prostate cancer

11. TUMOR MARKERS
(Mucins & Other Glycoproteins)
MARKERS
CA-125
CA-19-9
CA-15-3
CANCERS
Ovarian cancer
Colon, pancreatic cancer
Breast cancer

12. Summary
The prognosis of a patient with any type of neoplasm
depends on a number of factors including:
 the rate of growth of the tumor,
 the size of the tumor,
 the tumor site,
 the cell type and
 degree of differentiation,
 the presence of metastasis,
 responsiveness to therapy,
 and the general health of the patient.