Syöpämerkkiaineet

Syöpämerkkiaineet, or tumor markers, are substances found in the blood, urine, or other body tissues of some people with cancer. These markers can be proteins, hormones, or other molecules produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. The presence or abnormal levels of these markers can sometimes indicate the presence of cancer.

It is important to understand that tumor markers are not definitive diagnostic tools on their own. Elevated levels can occur in individuals without cancer due to other benign conditions, and conversely, some cancers may not produce detectable levels of any known tumor marker. Therefore, tumor markers are typically used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, such as imaging scans and biopsies, to help diagnose cancer, monitor its progression, and assess the effectiveness of treatment.

Several types of tumor markers exist, each associated with specific cancer types. For example, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is often used in the screening and management of prostate cancer, while carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA-125) is sometimes used for ovarian cancer. Other markers include carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Research into new and more accurate tumor markers is ongoing, with the aim of improving early detection and personalized treatment strategies for various cancers.