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The role of tumor markers in treatment: a modern tool in the fight against cancer
Imagine a doctor with «beacons» that signal tumor activity even when it is not yet visible on ultrasound or MRI. These beacons are tumor markers — specific substances in the blood or other body fluids that help track the progress of cancer. They have become an important addition to modern oncology.
What do tumor markers show?
Tumor markers can signal the onset of a tumor process, show the dynamics of the disease, indicate the risk of recurrence, and even help doctors assess the prognosis for the patient.
Dr. David Johnson, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic (USA), explains:
«"Oncomarkers are not a verdict in themselves, but they are very valuable in combination with other methods. This is a kind of "biochemical monitor" that allows you to track the disease in dynamics.".
How they are used in the clinic
Primary diagnosis. Certain markers are elevated in the early stages. For example, PSA is used in men to assess the condition of the prostate gland, and CA 125 can indicate the risk of ovarian cancer.
Choice of therapy. Some markers help determine drug sensitivity. For example, HER2/neu in breast cancer is a guideline for prescribing targeted therapy with trastuzumab.
Treatment monitoring. If the level of markers decreases after surgery or chemotherapy, this is a sign of effectiveness. If it increases, the tactics need to be revised.
Remission control. Regular tests after completion of treatment make it possible to detect relapse at an early stage.
Examples of the most well-known tumor markers
| Tumor marker | Disease | Using |
|---|---|---|
| PSA | Prostate cancer | Screening, treatment control, relapse monitoring |
| CA 125 | Ovarian cancer | Assessment of response to therapy, diagnostics |
| CEA | Colon, lung, stomach cancer | Treatment monitoring and prognosis |
| CA 19-9 | Pancreatic cancer | Monitoring the course, assessing the effectiveness of therapy |
| AFP | Hepatocellular carcinoma, testicular tumors | Early diagnosis and treatment monitoring |
| HER2/neu | Breast cancer | Choosing targeted therapy |
Expert comments
Professor Angela Merrill, an oncologist at the University Hospital Zurich, notes:
«"In the past, we often saw patients with late diagnosis. Today, thanks to tumor markers and modern technologies, we can monitor the tumor process and adjust treatment more quickly. This is a real chance to increase survival.".
The WHO emphasizes in its clinical recommendations:
«"Tumor markers cannot be the only method for detecting cancer, but when combined with biopsy, imaging, and clinical examination, they significantly increase the accuracy of treatment.".
Advantages and challenges
Advantages: tumor markers allow monitoring the effectiveness of therapy without invasive procedures, allow individualizing treatment and preventing relapses. early stages.
At the same time, there are limitations. The level of tumor markers can increase not only in malignant tumors, but also in inflammatory processes. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is always necessary.
Practical advice for patients
Don't draw conclusions based on one analysis — dynamics are important.
Remember that a tumor marker is only part of the diagnostic mosaic.
Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding check-up frequency.
Combine laboratory tests with instrumental methods (ultrasound, MRI, CT).
Dr. Michael Stewart (ESMO) adds:
«"Successful treatment is always a combination of several strategies. Tumor markers give us data, but we make final decisions taking into account the entire range of examinations.".
Role tumor markers in treatment is not only to confirm the diagnosis, but also to create a long-term "control map" for the patient. They help doctors make decisions faster, reduce the risk of late detection of relapse and allow the use of personalized therapy methods. It is thanks to them that modern oncology becomes more precise and progressive.
