Tumor Markers Lecture Flashcards

VOCABULARY flashcards based on the lecture transcript regarding Tumor Markers, cancer staging, specific diagnostic antigens, and laboratory methodologies.

Tumor Markers

Substances frequently used by either benign or malignant cells in response to the process of malignancy, aiding in the diagnosis and characterization of cancer.

Cancer

A condition characterized by the spreading of abnormal destructive cells and the uncontrolled growth of cells that often forms a solid mass or tumor (neoplasm).

Metastasize

The process by which cancer spreads from its original site to other areas of the body.

Malignant

Invasive and destructive tumors associated with poor prognosis, high mortality, and characterization by the ability to metastasize.

Benign Neoplasm

Tumors that may grow large but do not metastasize to other sites in the body.

Adenomas

Benign tumors located in organs, glands, and fibroids.

Fibroids

Non-cancerous tumors most commonly found in the uterus, such as myoma.

Lipoma

The most common type of benign tumor, which is composed of an accumulation of fats.

Tumorigensis

The formation of a tumor.

MMP (Matrix Metalloproteinase)

An enzyme released by tumors that degrades the extracellular membrane of blood vessels, allowing cancer cells to enter and travel through the blood stream.

Cancer Stage 1

A stage where the tumor is localized only in a certain area of the body.

Cancer Stage 2

A stage characterized by the invasion of the primary tumor towards epithelial cells and the breaking of the extracellular membrane.

Cancer Stage 3

A stage where cancer cells from the tumor have migrated to the regional lymph nodes.

Cancer Stage 4

A stage where cancer cells have migrated to distant tissues far from the original tumor area.

Oncofetal Antigens

A class of tumor markers, including AFP and CEA, that are normally expressed during fetal development but not typically in adult tissues.

AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein)

An abundant serum protein synthesized by the fetal liver; in adults, levels above $15\,ng/mL$ indicate malignancy such as hepatocellular carcinoma ($HCC$) or germ cell tumors.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)

The most widely used tumor marker for colorectal cancer; it is normally produced by gastrointestinal tissue during fetal development and has an upper normal range of $2.5$ to $5\,ng/mL$.

CA-125

A serological marker for ovarian cancer with an upper normal limit of $35\,U/mL$; it is useful for distinguishing benign masses from malignant ones and monitoring treatment.

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

The only tumor marker used for screening (specifically for prostate cancer), it regulates seminal fluid viscosity and has an upper normal value of $<4\,ng/mL$.

CA 15-3 and CA 27-29

Cancer antigens primarily used to determine response to therapy and detect recurrence in metastatic breast cancer.

CA 19-9

A tumor marker used for monitoring pancreatic cancer and gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma.

Hook Effect (Antigen Excess)

A phenomenon where excessively high tumor marker concentrations result in falsely low measurements in an immunoassay due to reagent saturation.

HAMA (Human anti-mouse Antibodies)

A subset of heterophile antibodies encountered in patients exposed to mice or mouse monoclonal antibodies that can cause both false positive and false negative results.

Neuroblastoma

A common malignant tumor in children under $15$ years old, diagnosed by increased levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Pheochromocytoma

A rare tumor associated with hypertension and diagnosed by increased metanephrines in the urine.

Carcinoid Tumor

Serotonin-secreting tumors arising from the small intestine, appendix, or rectum, diagnosed using $5-HIAA$.

$HCG$ (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

A marker elevated in trophoblastic tumors, choriocarcinoma, and germ cell tumors of the ovary and testes; levels in gestational trophoblastic diseases ($GTDs$) can exceed $100,000\,mIU/mL$.

$\beta_2$-microglobulin

A serum protein used as a prognostic marker for lymphoproliferative disorders and hematologic malignancies.

ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)

An enzyme marker used for the determination of liver and bone involvement in cases such as metastatic carcinoma of the bone or hepatocellular carcinoma.

NSE (Neuron-specific enolase)

A marker used as a prognostic indicator and for monitoring disease progression in neuroendocrine tumors.