Tumor Markers

Tumor Markers

Tumor markers are relatively inexpensive blood tests that can be used to identify and possibly quantify the tumor cells present, as well as be used for follow up to see if a treatment is effective or ineffective. It can be used in conjunction with other studies to follow tumor response, and also help identify recurrence.

Key Tumor Markers and Associated Cancers

  • Nagalase — assesses tumor burden and aggressiveness, monitors response to treatment. Non-specific for most solid and blood tumors.
  • AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) — hepatocellular carcinoma, non-seminomatous germ cell tumor, ovarian, gastric, and pancreato-biliary cancers.
  • CA 19-9 — pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, biliary tree, gastric, liver, colorectal, lung, thyroid.
  • CA 15-3 — breast (advanced stages), lung, ovarian.
  • CA-125 — ovarian, endometrial, breast, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, liver, lung.
  • CA 27.29 — breast (recurrence/metastasis), colon, pancreatic.
  • CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen) — colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, lung, bladder.
  • PSA — prostate cancer.
  • LDH — lymphoma, melanoma, leukemia.
  • HER2 — breast, gastric/esophageal cancer.

Tumor Markers by Cancer Type

BREAST CANCER: CA 27.29, CA 15-3, CEA, CA 19-9

PANCREATIC CANCER: CA 19-9, CEA, CA 125

COLORECTAL CANCER: CEA, CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 242

GLIOBLASTOMA: No tumor markers currently available (blood-brain barrier intact).

PET Scan

Identifies tumors/metastases via glucose-avid tracer. Measures FDG uptake (metabolic activity). SUV (standard uptake value) indicates activity. Cost (Houston, TX): $1400.

Prenuvo Whole Body Scan

Assesses tumors, metabolic disorders, spinal degeneration. Cost: $2499.

Liquid Blood Biopsies

Monitors circulating tumor cells (CTCs), DNA (ctDNA), and cancer stem cells.

  • Signatera: Personalized MRD assay for recurrence monitoring (covered by Medicare for colon/breast/bladder).
  • Galleri: Detects 50+ cancers via cfDNA signals.
  • CellSearch: CTCs for metastatic breast/prostate/colon cancer.
  • Guardant360 CDx: ctDNA for treatment selection.
  • FoundationOne Liquid CDx: Genomic analysis for treatment guidance.
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