Tumor Marker:- Part 2 – Markers for Various Organs tumors and Monoclonal markers
- There are specific markers for the diagnosis of tumors from the various organs in the human body.
For thyroid tumors:
- Calcitonin.
For breast tumors:
- CA 15-3.
- CA 549.
- CK-BB.
- BRCA-1
For Testicular tumors:
- HCG.
- AFP.
- Calcitonin.
For Prostatic tumors:
- PSA.
- CA 549.
- PAP.
For Bone tumors:
- Alkaline phosphatase.
For Lung tumors:
- CA 15-3.
- CA 549.
- CK-BB.
For Liver tumors:
- Alkaline phosphatase.
- AFP.
- CA 19-9.
- LDH.
For Gastrointestinal tumors:
- CEA.
- CA 50.
- CA 19-5.
- CA 19-9
- CA 72-4.
For Colorectal tumors:
- CEA.
- CA 15-3
- CA 19-9.
- CA 50.
For Ovarian tumors:
- CA 125.
- CA 15-3
- CA 549.
- CK-BB.
- CA 72-4.
For Pancreatic tumors:
- CEA.
- CA 50.
- CA 19-9.
- CA 15-3.
Monoclonal tumor markers
- The first tumor marker was the Bence-Jones protein for the multiple myeloma.
- α – fetoprotein discovered in 1963.
- CEA discovered in 1965.
- These are defined as the presence of antigens on the tumors which can be identified by monoclonal antibodies.
- These markers are more specific and sensitive.
Monoclonal antibodies | Specific for the tumors |
Free PSA | Prostatic carcinoma |
CA- 15-3 | Breast cancer |
CA- 19-9 | Pancreatic cancer |
CA- 125 | Ovarian cancers |
CA- 72-4 | Gastric cancers |
CA-50 | Colorectal cancer |