Arrays for common tumour markers

Cancer is the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular disease and will increase in incidence with increased longevity. Approximately three-quarters of all those who die from cancer are 65 or over. Exceptions include testicular cancer, breast cancer and the childhood cancers (leukaemia, lymphoma, brain tumours and Wilm's tumour).

Tumour markers indicate that a malignant process is present. These are mainly present due to alterations in the metabolism of cancerous cells and may be found in a body fluid such as serum or tumour tissue.  Tumour markers may be directly attributable to tumours, for example, metabolic products, acute-phase proteins, enzymes, tumour-associated reaction products, hormones and tumour-associated antigens.  Monoclonal antibodies acting against antigens such as glycolipids, found in the cell membranes of tumour cells, can be located in serum using hybidoma technology. Such technology has led to the development of new specific tumour markers. 

Tumour markers are useful for monitoring the course of a diagnosed malignant tumour, for example, pre-treatment and subsequent serial values are essential for the evaluation of the response to the treatment modality with time. Depending on the malignancy, different tumour markers may be expressed and those elevated at the time of diagnosis are the ones that are usually employed for monitoring.  Serum markers are frequently more sensitive than clinical indicators and can direct subsequent investigation and treatment. Occasionally, the rate of increase in a tumour marker can be of value, for example, a steep increase in CEA levels is often associated with liver or metastasis in the peritoneal cavity or a soft tissue.

Monitoring array
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
?-fetoprotein (AFP)
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)

Screening array
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
Total prostate specific antigen (tPSA)
Free prostate specific antigen (fPSA)