Tumor Markers
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To detect the presence of cancer within your body, and to monitor your response to therapy, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) use a procedure that analyzes blood-borne substances produced by cancer cells. This test is called a tumor marker panel.
We use a series of such markers at CTCA:
- CA15-3 is a sensitive tumor marker for primary, preoperative and metastatic breast cancer. If you have breast cancer, it will be used in conjunction with other tests to evaluate the need for surgical intervention.
- CA19-9 antigen has been shown to be elevated in the blood of some patients with gastrointestinal tumors. It is helpful during your post-therapeutic monitoring to determine the success of therapy, or can be used serially to ascertain the development of recurrence.
- CA-125 is a highly useful marker for monitoring disease progression in ovarian cancers.
- CEA, or Carcinoembryonic Antigen, is useful in monitoring patients with various types of malignancies. It is used to evaluate your response to therapy, and as a possible indicator of recurrence and prognosis.
