Biochemistry · Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine

Tumour markers

1 min read

Quick Orientation

Section

Definition

Objective
Understand the core idea
Keywords
Tumour markers, serum (or plasma)

Significance and Limitations

Objective
Learn the main facts and relationships
Keywords
clinically useful, screening the general population

Clinical Correlation

Objective
Connect the mechanism to clinical findings
Keywords
diagnosis of cancers, response to therapy, early detection of recurrence

Definition

Tumour markers are biochemical indicators used to detect the presence of cancers, measured in serum (or plasma).

  • They are abnormally produced molecules of tumour cells: surface antigens, cytoplasmic proteins, enzymes, and hormones.