Tumor markers are biological substances released by cancer cells or produced by the host body in response to tumors. They can be detected in tumors, circulating tumor cells, lymph nodes, bone marrow, or bodily fluids. Tumor markers have several potential uses including population screening, diagnosis, establishing prognosis and staging, monitoring post-operative treatment response and surveillance for recurrence. There are two main types of tumor antigens: those presented on the surface of tumor cells by MHC molecules, and tumor-specific transplantation antigens that arise from genetic alterations and can cause cytotoxic T cells or NK cells to destroy tumors.

1. Tumor Markers in
Malignancies
Fahareen-Binta-Mosharraf
MNS

2. What are Tumor
Markers ？
Biological substances synthesized and
released by cancer cells or produced by the
host in response to the presence of tumor
Detected in a solid tumor, in circulating
tumor cells in peripheral blood, in lymph
nodes, in bone marrow, or in other body
fluid (urine, stool, ascites)

3. Potential Uses of Tumor
Markers
Population Screening
Diagnosis
Establishing prognosis, staging
Postoperatory evaluation ： access the
radicality of the surgery
Monitor treatment response
Surveillance for recurrence
Targets for therapeutic intervention

4. Tumor antigens
those antigens that are presented by MHC I or MHC
II molecules on the surface of tumor cells.
Tumors originated from
1. Biological origin
2. Genetic alteration
TATA (Tumor Associated Transgenic Antigen) two types
1. T Antigen
2. TSTA (Tumor Specific Transplantation Antigen)
CTL or Nk cells able to destroy the tumor cells before
they proliferate.

5. T Antigen
1. Shared by many tumors
2. Viral Origin
3. Nuclear protein play a major role in
maintaining cancerous state
TSTA
1. Due to alteration of tumor genes or gene
expressions