A blood test for cancer markers is a type of test used to diagnose cancer. Tumor markers are proteins (enzymes, hormones), peptides, or carbohydrates. In the presence of cancers, the level of these biomarkers may increase, but there are other reasons for their growth.
There are many different cancer markers that can indicate a specific type of cancer. They can be produced directly by the tumor or by ordinary body cells in response to the presence of cancer. The price of a blood test for cancer markers varies and depends on the laboratory conditions.
Although X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans, and tumor marker tests help in making a diagnosis and finding the best treatment, they are not definitive diagnostic tests. The diagnosis is confirmed only by the results of a biopsy.
The purpose of a blood test for cancer markers
Abroad, a blood test for cancer markers is used for various purposes.
- Screening of specific types of cancer. For example, an increased concentration of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) may indicate prostate cancer.
- Monitoring of the patient's condition after treatment, detection of recurrent diseases. For example, an increased level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in a child previously treated for teratoma suggests a recurrence of the tumor.
- Diagnosis of specific types of tumors (especially in some brain tumors) when a biopsy is not possible.
- Confirmation of the diagnosis and characteristics, such as the size and aggressiveness of the tumor, which allows you to determine the appropriate treatment schedule.
- Some tumor markers help determine the location of the tumor.
- To test the effectiveness of treatment, so that in case of cancer resistance to prescribed drugs, the therapy program can be changed.
Methods of blood analysis for cancer markers
The level of markers is assessed by the composition of blood serum, urine, or other fluids. The number of cancer markers in the blood is often determined by immunoassay (counting a substance contained in a low concentration). But sometimes an assessment of enzyme activity is used.
You can make an appointment for a blood test for cancer markers to perform several tests sequentially. Many laboratories abroad provide special observation reports that link research results and other patient data. The cost of such a blood test for cancer markers can be found by contacting a specific clinic abroad via the Internet or by phone.
Combinations of cancer marker tests for different types of cancer
If a certain type of cancer is suspected, the doctor may recommend checking the following combinations of cancer markers:
- Intestinal cancer – M2-PK, if this metabolic cancer marker is unavailable, CEA, CA19-9 and CA125 can be tested.;
- breast cancer – CEA, CA15-3, Cyfra21-1;
- Ovarian cancer – CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125, AFP, BHCG;
- uterine cancer – CA125, SCC-Ag, CA 27-29, CEA, β HCG;
- prostate tumor – PSA, FPSA and their relationship;
- testicular tumor – AFP, BHCG;
- pancreatic and gastric cancer – CEA, CA 19-9, CA 72-4;
- liver oncology – CEA, AFP;
- esophageal cancer – CEA, Cyfra21-1;
- thyroid cancer – CEA, NSE;
- lung cancer – CEA, CA19-9, CA125, NSE, Cyfra21-1;
- bladder oncology – CEA, Cyfra21-1, TPA.
