Tumour marker tests

Tumour markers – laboratory testing for cancer

Tumour markers are substances (usually proteins) produced by cancer cells, or whose production changes in the body when a tumour is present.
They can be detected in blood, urine or, less often, other body fluids, so they can be measured with a laboratory test.

Tumour marker tests aim to help with detecting cancer, monitoring how well treatment is working and spotting any recurrence early.

It is important to know, however, that tumour markers alone do not diagnose cancer!
Their values are always assessed by the doctor together with symptoms, imaging and other laboratory results.
Even so, done in time and regularly, tumour marker testing can save lives thanks to early detection.

What do tumour markers show?

The level of tumour markers in the blood can rise when a cancerous process starts in the body, or when an existing disease becomes active.
Changes in the values also show how treatment is working – for example after chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.

Based on the results, your doctor can:

• detect the presence or recurrence of a tumour,
• monitor the course of the disease and how well treatment is working,
• estimate the chance of recovery,
• and respond in time to changes in the body.

The most commonly tested tumour markers

The markers below help to detect and monitor different cancers:

1. CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)

It mainly rises in cancers of the digestive system – for example colon, rectal, stomach and pancreatic cancer.
It can also be higher with smoking, inflammatory bowel disease or liver damage, so it must always be assessed as part of the whole picture.

1. AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)

It most often rises in liver cancers and germ cell tumours (e.g. testicular or ovarian tumours).
It is also naturally higher during pregnancy, because it is produced by the baby.

1. CA 125

One of the most important markers of ovarian cancer, but it can also rise in other gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease.
So on its own it is not a diagnosis, but together with a gynaecological examination it is a key marker.

Adding an HE4 tumour marker test, and the ROMA score calculated from the two results, gives an even more accurate estimate of the risk of ovarian cancer.

1. CA 15-3

A marker used mainly for breast cancer, which helps with monitoring the disease and assessing how well treatment is working.
It can also rise in other cancers (e.g. lung, ovary, pancreas) or in benign changes.

1. CA 19-9

It mainly rises in pancreatic and bile duct cancers.
A moderate rise can also be caused by other digestive problems, such as bile duct inflammation or liver disease.

1. PSA (prostate-specific antigen)

A protein produced by the prostate gland in men; testing it is key to the early detection of prostate cancer.
A small rise can also be caused by benign prostate enlargement (BPH) or inflammation, so it should be assessed with regular check-ups.

1. CA 72-4, CYFRA 21-1, NSE, SCC

These markers can be abnormally high in, among others, stomach, lung, head and neck, and bladder cancers.
Testing them together helps with a more accurate diagnostic assessment.

When is a tumour marker test recommended?

Your doctor may recommend tumour marker tests:

• as preventive screening, if there is a family history of cancer,
• for already diagnosed cancer, to follow treatment,
• after surgery or treatment, to detect recurrence early,
• unusual symptoms (e.g. unexplained weight loss, tiredness, pain, bleeding),
• or as part of an annual check-up, especially over the age of 40.

With cancer, early detection determines the chance of recovery – so regular laboratory checks can even save lives.

Sample collection and what happens during the test

A tumour marker test is done from a venous blood sample, using a specialised laboratory measurement.
Before the blood test, usually:

• 8–12 hours of fasting is recommended,
• you should avoid fatty foods, alcohol and caffeine,
• on the day before the test it is best to rest and avoid physical exertion.

For some markers, the timing of the blood test can matter, so your doctor will always set the exact conditions for the test.

Evaluating the results

Tumour marker values are always interpreted by your doctor in the light of the clinical picture and other tests (imaging, histology).
A single raised value does not automatically mean a tumour is present, but it is a warning sign that should not be ignored.

Tracking tumour markers during treatment helps to:

• assess whether treatment is working,
• spot a return of the disease in time,
• and decide on further treatment strategy.

The role of tumour marker tests in staying healthy

The aim of tumour marker tests is not to cause fear but to create safety and awareness.
A simple blood test can give information that can save lives – because changes found early have a good chance of being cured.

At Sabjanics Medical Center we place great importance on prevention and regular screening.
Our experienced specialists take samples discreetly, with empathy and professional thoroughness, so you always feel safe.