Tumour Marker Test: What You Need To Know

What are tumour markers?

Tumour markers, also known as cancer markers, are substances produced by cancer cells or by other cells of the body in response to cancer or certain benign (noncancerous) conditions. Cancer markers can also be made by healthy cells in response to the tumour's presence. 

Tumour markers can be found in blood, urine, or tissue samples and may include proteins, antigens, hormones, enzymes, or genetic material to indicate the presence of various cancer types. 

These markers are essential tools in providing insights into your cancer diagnosis by evaluating how aggressive the cancer is, whether it can be treated, and the effectiveness of cancer treatments.  However, it is important to note that not all cancers may have identifiable markers.

What is a tumour marker test?

A tumour marker test is a medical procedure that looks for these specific substances (tumour markers) in your tissues and bodily fluids like blood or urine after you have already received a cancer diagnosis to gather more information about the type of cancer you may have.

Different types of tumour marker tests include a blood test, urine test, and a biopsy.

Tumour marker tests are not a diagnostic test, but they help in the detection of cancer when used with a combination of other diagnostic tools like biopsies, imaging tests, and other clinical evaluations.

Moreover, it is important to note that there are several other medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, endometriosis, and kidney diseases, that can cause high levels of tumour markers.

What are tumour marker tests used for?

Tumour markers serve several important functions in cancer care, as they help your doctors learn more about the type of cancer by:

• Monitoring malignancy: 

  • They help track the state of the tumour and its response to cancer treatment.

• Reflecting cancer stage: 

  • Marker levels can indicate the extent of the disease, meaning the current stage of cancer, and aid in prognosis and discussing the type of treatment best for the patient.

• Screening for cancers: 

  • In some cases, markers like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) serve as an important cancer marker used for cancer screening, particularly for prostate cancer.

• Supporting diagnosis: 

  • While not definitive on their own, markers can contribute to the diagnostic process when paired with other types of tests, such as imaging tests, to indicate the presence of cancer.

• Detecting recurring cancers: 

  • They can help identify cancer recurrence in patients with a history of cancer after completing their initial cancer treatment.

Why do I need a tumour marker test?

You may need a tumour marker test if you:

• Are currently undergoing cancer treatment

• Have completed cancer treatment

• Have a high risk of developing certain types of cancer due to family history or other risk factors

If you are undergoing or have undergone treatment for a tumour or cancer, a tumour marker test may be required periodically to monitor treatment efficacy or to check if the tumour has recurred. 

A sample of your bodily fluid will be taken periodically and sent for laboratory testing to track the levels of relevant circulating tumour markers in your body. Your doctor will then use the long-term data to assess whether the treatment is successful in regressing the tumour or if you are completely recovered without any signs of tumour recurrence.

Results from several tests for different tumour markers will be considered along with imaging tests, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and other tests, to make a reliable and comprehensive assessment of your tumour or cancer. At the end of the day, the specific type of test you will have will depend on your current health, health history, cancer diagnosis (if applicable), and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Some common tumour markers include:

Have a family history of a specific type of cancer and want to screen for any potential tumour markers above? Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today and discuss with our specialists what tumour markers you should screen for.

How can I prepare for the test?

Preparation for a tumour marker test is typically minimal, and it depends on the type of test you will be taking.

• For a blood or urine test, you usually do not need to do any special preparations.

• For a biopsy, you may need to fast for around 8 to 12 hours before the procedure. When fasting, it is also advisable to avoid coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, milk, carbonated drinks, and fruit juices before the blood test, as these can affect test results.

• Generally, you can continue taking your regular medications unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. However, remember to inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you're taking.

To be ready for your cancer marker test, consult your doctor about any necessary preparations based on your situation and type of test.

What happens during the test?

The procedure for a tumour marker test is generally straightforward. If you are undergoing a tumour marker test as part of your health screening, you will first discuss your family's medical history to deduce if you have any hereditary risk for any type of cancer. 

Afterwards, they will obtain a sample of your bodily fluids – either a blood sample or a urine sample – and send it to the laboratory to test for various diagnostic markers.

• For blood tests: 

  • A small blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm using a needle. This process usually takes about five minutes and may cause slight discomfort.

• For urine tests: 

  • You'll be provided with a sterile container to collect a urine sample.

If you have a tumour, your doctor might request a tumour biopsy to determine whether it's cancerous, its severity, and the disease prognosis.

• For biopsies: 

  • A medical professional will remove a small piece of tissue, either by cutting or scraping the area.

Learn more about cancer screening options at Thomson Medical.

Does taking a tumour marker test pose any risk?

Tumour marker tests are generally safe and pose minimal risks. Blood tests may cause slight bruising or discomfort where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms go away. Urine tests carry no risks. Biopsies may involve more significant risks, such as minor bruising and bleeding at the biopsy site and discomfort for 1 to 2 days.

Are there any limitations to a tumour marker test?

While cancer markers are powerful tools, they do have limitations. It is important to remember that cancer markers are not foolproof and should always be interpreted within the broader context of a patient's overall health and clinical presentation.

Some limitations to consider:

• Age: 

  • Some cancer markers, such as PSA, naturally increase with age.

• Treatments: 

  • Certain treatments — like chemotherapy — can affect cancer marker levels.

• Other medical conditions: 

  • Some non-cancerous conditions, such as inflammation and benign growths, can also cause elevated cancer marker levels.

What do my results mean?

Interpreting tumour marker results requires careful consideration of various factors, including your medical history, current health status, and any ongoing medical treatments you may have. A rise in levels may suggest disease progression or recurrence, while a fall may indicate a positive response to treatment.

Your healthcare provider will review the results of your tumour marker test along with other information about your condition, and they typically look for trends in tumour marker levels over time rather than focusing on a single result. It is best to discuss how your results affect your diagnosis, treatment, and schedule for future testing.

Thus, while tumour marker tests are valuable tools in cancer care, they are most effective when used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods and interpreted by experienced healthcare professionals. As research continues, the role and accuracy of tumour markers in cancer management are likely to expand and improve.

FAQ

What are the different types of tumour markers?

Tumour markers can be proteins, carbohydrates, receptors, and gene products. Common examples include PSA for prostate cancer, CA-125 for ovarian cancer, and CEA for various gastrointestinal cancers.

Are tumour markers accurate?

While useful, tumour markers are not 100% accurate. They can be elevated in non-cancerous conditions and may not be elevated in all cases of cancer.

What causes tumour markers to rise?

Tumour markers can rise due to cancer growth, certain benign conditions, or sometimes for reasons unrelated to disease.

What are the three most common cancer markers?

While this can vary depending on the types of cancer being considered, some commonly used markers include PSA, CEA, and CA-125.

Which blood test shows cancer markers?

Various blood tests can detect different tumour markers. The specific test depends on the type of cancer being investigated.

What are normal cancer marker levels?

Normal levels vary depending on the specific marker and the individual. Your healthcare provider can interpret your results based on established reference ranges.

Is CA 125 a tumour marker?

Yes, CA-125 is a tumour marker primarily associated with ovarian cancer, although it can be elevated in other conditions as well.

How can I lower my CA-125 naturally?

CA-125 levels are not typically influenced by lifestyle factors. If you're concerned about elevated CA-125 levels, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.