Tumor markers(TM) are substances reflecting presence and growth of tumor, synthesized and secreted by gene expression of tumor cells or abnormally generated (increased) by the body's response to tumors.
Traditionally, these markers include proteins secreted by cancer cells. The increased concentration can be detected in cancer patients' blood, urine, feces, tumor tissue, other tissues and body fluid. Meanwhile, gene expression characteristics and DNA changes(e.g. mutation and other changes) can be also used as tumor markers. Significantly, detection results of tumor markers are not individually diagnosed as cancer. Other diagnostic methods like clinical symptoms and imaging examination are also required to provide important information to cancer diagnosis, disease surveillance and treatment decision.
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For individuals with specific family history of cancer but without obvious symptoms, cancer screening is the important method for prevention and early detection. Detecting tumor marker belongs to the scope but can't be the only diagnosis basis for cancer. Other detection methods like biopsy or imaging examination should be also used.
During cancer treatment, periodic testing level of tumor markers can help medical staffs know the curative effect. The decrease of concentration of tumor markers may be the signal of effective treatment. In contrast, the increased level may indicate the poor curative effect or progressive disease.
If the specific tumor marker of the treated cancer increases, this may be the warning of cancer recurrence. It's important for taking further medical measures in time.
Tumor markers can also help medical staffs judge different stages of cancer development. This is important for making the personalized treatment strategy.
By monitoring the change tendency of tumor markers, some evaluations for patients' prognosis can be conducted. Thus, make better treatment plans and estimate long-term therapeutic effects.