Info
Biomarker (tumor marker)
Diagnosis
What it means
A substance in the blood, urine or tissue that can indicate the presence or progression of a disease. In oncology, biomarkers help doctors monitor the response to treatment and detect a recurrence of the disease. Examples: CA-125, PSA, CEA.
Related terms
The terms below often appear alongside this one. Each definition is right here, so you do not have to look elsewhere.
- Tumor markers
- Substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to the presence of cancer. They are measured in the blood and are useful mainly for monitoring the course of the disease during and after treatment. They are not enough on their own for a diagnosis.
- AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)
- A tumor marker useful especially for liver cancer and certain testicular or ovarian tumors. It is measured in the blood for diagnosis, monitoring treatment and detecting a recurrence.
- ALK-positive
- A gene rearrangement found in a subset of lung cancers, more common in non-smoking or younger patients. ALK-positive tumors often respond very well to specific targeted therapies, different from standard chemotherapy.
Other terms in “Diagnosis”
Glossary definitions are written for patients by the OncoDots team and go through internal medical review. They explain terms; they do not establish a diagnosis and do not recommend a treatment.