Tumor markers: what they show, where to donate blood for tumor markers for free

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— Oncology — Checking blood for tumor markers
Oncological diseases take second place after cardiovascular pathologies among the causes of death of patients in Russia. Negative statistics are associated with late detection of pathology. According to experts, with the help of early diagnosis, the survival rate of cancer patients can be doubled. There are plenty of methods for this.

Among the most common methods of early diagnosis of cancer is a blood test for specific chemical compounds - tumor markers. Based on its results, it is impossible to accurately determine whether a person has cancer or not. The diagnostic value of the study is the ability to suspect the initial stage of the disease by continuing the study using clinical methods.

What are tumor markers

Tumor markers are specific biomolecules produced by pathologically altered cancer cells. More often they are protein compounds, but can have a different nature: enzymatic, hormonal or receptor. Most of these markers are also synthesized by healthy cells of the body, but in much smaller quantities.

The term “tumor marker” was first introduced in the 60s of the last century by domestic scientists Harry Abelev and Lev Zilber. While conducting research, they discovered that an increase in the AFP protein produced by the placenta during pregnancy is characteristic of malignant liver tumors. This marker was the first to be included in clinical practice in tumor research.

Today, more than two hundred types of specific compounds have been identified, but only about twenty are subject to analysis.

Markers are found in various biofluids at the initial stages of the formation of malignant cells, in the preclinical (asymptomatic) stage of tumor formation. Connections are divided into two types. Markers of high specificity are highly likely to identify a specific disease, while markers of low specificity are characteristic of a number of different pathologies.

Based on the probable location of the tumor, experts identify tumor markers:

• mammary gland;
• testes;
• Bladder;
• pancreas;
• liver;
• esophagus;
• stomach;
• thyroid gland;
• lungs;
• skin;
• prostate gland;
• ovaries;
• uterus;
• intestines.

Doctors are ambivalent about this classification. This is due to the fact that no ideal marker has been identified to date. None of them has 100% specificity, allowing one to unambiguously identify cancer of a specific organ.

References

1. TUMOR MARKERS IN BREAST CANCER V.F. Semiglazov, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor V.V. Semiglazov, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor G. Dashyan, Candidate of Medical Sciences A. Bessonov, R. Paltuev, Candidate of Medical Sciences, T. Semiglazova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, I. Grechukhina, K. Penkov, A. Vasiliev, A. Manikhas - Candidate of Medical Sciences, Research Institute of Oncology named after. N.N.Petrova, St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova, City Clinical Oncology Dispensary St. Petersburg.
2. Baselga J., Tripathy D., Mendelsohn J. et al. Phase II study of weekly intravenous recombinant humanized anti-p185HER2 monoclonal antibody in patients with HER2/neu-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer // J. Clin. Oncol. – 1996; 14: 737–744.
3. CobleighM., Vogel C., Tripathy D. et al. Multinational study of the efficacy and safety of humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody in women who have HER2 -overexpressing metastatic breast cancer that has progressed after chemotherapy for metastatic disease // J. Clin. Oncol. – 1999; 17:2639–2648

Why do blood tests for tumor markers?

Analysis for tumor markers is often used as an evaluative test to determine positive (or negative) dynamics in cancer therapy. Based on its results, relapse can be prevented.

Markers allow you to:

• confirm or refute the assumptions of preliminary diagnostics;
• notice the formation of metastases in the absence of other symptoms;
• evaluate the effectiveness of the prescribed therapeutic course.

The study is not recommended as an independent diagnosis due to the large number of false positive (false negative) results. But, in combination with other methods, it helps to identify cancer at an early stage.

What does deviation from the norm indicate?

In oncology, the stage of the disease is diagnosed based on the number of specific proteins, and the probable location of the tumor is determined based on their type.

In addition to cancer, compounds are detected in the presence of cysts, infections, inflammatory processes, and other benign pathologies in the body.

Attention: tumor markers are present in small amounts in the blood of healthy people.

We will provide data on the normal content of such substances in the body and the expected problems if deviations from it are detected.

Separately, the AFP marker should be noted. In gynecology, it is used to assess the state of pregnancy. In oncology, it signals the possible development of cancer of the liver, ovaries, breast, bronchi and lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.

For pregnant women, the AFP norm by week is as follows:

• up to 12 - less than 15 U/ml;
• 13-15 - from 15 to 60 U/ml;
• 15-19 - from 15 to 95 U/ml;
• 20-24 - from 27 to 125 U/ml;
• 25-27 - from 52 to 140 U/ml;
• 28-30 - from 67 to 150 U/ml;
• 31-32 - from 100 to 250 U/ml.

Attention: exceeding these indicators may indicate pathologies in the development of the fetus.

In addition, elevated AFP is a sign of hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Based on the data presented in the table, we can conclude that deviations in the indicators of one or another tumor marker indicate the likelihood of developing a number of different diseases. It is not possible to make a diagnosis based only on the content of specific proteins in the blood. To confirm (or deny) the presence of a cancerous tumor in the body, additional diagnostic procedures will be required.

Can an endometrioid ovarian cyst resolve?

An endometrioid ovarian cyst is a benign formation characterized by an abnormal growth on the surface of the ovary. This cyst consists of fluid (residual clots from menstruation). The tumor is surrounded by growths of the endometrium and can reach significant sizes (up to 12 cm).

In modern gynecology and everyday life, you can often hear the question: can an endometrioid cyst on the ovary resolve? Alas, therapy for endometrioid ovarian cysts involves the use of complex treatment, a course of hormonal therapy aimed at regressing the inflammatory process with subsequent removal of the formation.

Degree of reliability of markers in oncology

Analysis of the content of these substances is very informative for assessing the prescribed therapeutic course for cancer. In primary diagnosis, none of them is used independently. This is due to the lack of specificity of the markers.

The reliability of the readings of specific proteins can be considered using the example of the most common of them. These include the PSA test. This tumor marker should be tested in men for timely detection of prostate cancer. In case of malignant tumors of the gland, this indicator actually exceeds the norm. But it also increases if a benign neoplasm forms in the prostate. As medical practice shows, prostate cancer was not confirmed in most men with elevated PSA levels.

Attention: there are cases when unscrupulous doctors in dubious clinics prescribe unnecessary therapeutic procedures. They not only require serious financial investments, but can also provoke serious complications!

Another indicative marker is CA-125. It grows in the blood of women who have ovarian cancer, but can increase in a large number of other pathologies not related to oncology.

Medicine knows of cases when, in the late stages of the formation of malignant neoplasms in the ovaries, a blood test did not show deviations in the results of any of the 28 protein compounds specific to this disease.

CA-125 is not recommended for testing in the initial stages of the disease in the absence of characteristic symptoms. To analyze the course of the diagnosed pathology, it is considered together with other proteins, as well as ultrasound results.

As part of a comprehensive examination, women with poor heredity or gene mutations need to take tumor markers every six months.

In general, the question of how much one can trust tumor markers remains open today. When interpreting research results, you should pay attention to a number of factors that can distort the data:

• the level of protein content is affected by inflammatory diseases in acute or chronic form;
• CA-125 increases during menstruation;
• smokers are characterized by a twofold increase in the CEA index;
• A normal test result does not guarantee the absence of a tumor.

These are the most common nuances, but there may be other “subtleties”. Only a qualified doctor who can correctly decipher the results can understand them.

Possible consequences of the operation

After removal of an ovarian cyst, patients at the Yusupov Hospital spend about five days in the inpatient department of the oncology clinic, where the level of comfort corresponds to European standards. During this period, women undergo rehabilitation under the supervision of experienced specialists

After removal of the cystic formation, the biological material is sent for histological examination. Experienced morphologists at the hospital determine the nature of the neoplasm. During histological examination, specialists study the structure of the tissues of the cyst wall.

Histology makes it possible to distinguish an ovarian cyst from a borderline form of tumor and cancer. In order to prevent complications in the late postoperative period, hospital doctors monitor patients after removal of an ovarian cyst until final recovery. In the future, gynecologists regularly conduct preventive examinations.

Indications for tumor marker analysis

During the period of active growth, cancer tissue absorbs nutrients and releases breakdown products, many of which are toxic. These processes affect human health, causing characteristic symptoms.

Any history taking begins with interviewing the patient. Doctors may be alert to the following changes in your health:

• a sharp decrease in body weight for no apparent reason;
• increased fatigue;
• refusal of food;
• constant or recurrent pain;
• frequent weakness;
• low-grade body temperature (from 37.1 to 38.0 °C for a long time).

Oncological pathology is also reflected in the results of standard blood tests. A general analysis can reveal an increase in ESR, a decrease in leukocytes or hemoglobin. Negative changes are also noted in the “biochemistry” of the blood.

Malignant neoplasms are characterized by a decrease in protein content, acceleration of blood clotting, and an increase in ESR.

Such research results in themselves do not indicate the growth of pathologically altered cells, but are a reason for additional examination. Including testing for tumor markers.

Exceptions are people from risk groups who are recommended to undergo this procedure regularly.

These include patients:

• with a hereditary predisposition (if cancer was diagnosed in relatives up to the second generation);
• upon returning from places of man-made disasters;
• survivors of significant intoxication;
• in the presence of benign tumors;
• living in settlements with poor ecology.

For men over 50 years of age, it is advisable to do a PSA test annually to timely detect changes in the activity of the prostate gland. The analysis is also indicated for those who have already been diagnosed with cancer. Studies are prescribed not only to patients undergoing treatment, but also to those who have been successfully cured. This allows you to stop possible relapses of the disease. Preliminary preparation of a person for analysis increases the likelihood of obtaining an accurate result.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts in women

Based on the reasons for the formation of an ovarian cyst in a woman, the symptoms of the disease also depend. Dull pain in the lower abdomen, a feeling of fullness and pressure are the first symptoms indicating neoplasms in the pelvic cavity. Most often, women come to a gynecologist for consultation with complaints of irregular, painful periods. In rare cases, an increase in size or bloating indicates the presence of a cyst in the ovaries. There are other clinical manifestations of ovarian cysts:

• Acute pain in the lower abdomen during sexual intercourse or intense physical exertion;
• Frequent urination;
• Weakness, nausea, vomiting;
• Increase in body temperature to 38-39 C;
• Tension of the anterior abdominal wall;
• Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat);
• Increase in body weight.

According to statistics, ovarian cysts are diagnosed in 40% of women with a regular menstrual cycle and in 60% with an irregular cycle. After menopause, the incidence of neoplasms decreases to 6%.

How to donate blood for tumor markers

The attending physician should give specific recommendations on restrictions before blood collection. They depend on which specific protein will be studied.

The general rules are as follows:

• donate blood at least 8 hours after your last meal;
• try not to be nervous during the procedure;
• interrupt serious training for a week;
• stop drinking alcohol three days before;
• It is advisable not to smoke immediately before collecting biomaterial;
• If in the next week the patient underwent x-rays or other examinations, the doctor must be informed about this.

Other requirements may need to be met. Thus, if you suspect a prostate tumor, it is advisable to abstain from sexual intercourse for 7 days; it is better not to test blood for tumor markers of the female reproductive system during menstruation.

Where can I get tested for tumor markers?

You can get tested for tumor markers free of charge (with compulsory medical insurance and a referral from a therapist or oncologist) at the clinic. The result is usually ready within a day. However, not all medical institutions have the necessary equipment.

You can undergo examination in diagnostic centers or private clinics, but you should not decide on your own whether it is necessary. You should donate blood only as prescribed by your doctor. The specialist will give an adequate assessment of the patient’s condition and select the most specific compounds for a particular case. Research on all groups of tumor markers is meaningless. Plus it's not cheap. Prices range from 300 to 2000 rubles for each substance, depending on the region and clinic.

Tumor markers are effective indicators of tracking tumor response to patient therapy. As a method of initial detection of oncological pathologies, they do not guarantee an accurate result. By analyzing specific proteins, one can suspect the presence of cancer cells and other dangerous diseases. An oncologist should decipher the received data. Self-diagnosis often leads to erroneous conclusions, incorrect treatment and serious health consequences.

Where to go for treatment for cysts in the ovary

Delayed diagnosis and refusal to treat ovarian cysts can lead to serious consequences for the female body. Thus, with a paraovarian cyst, there is a tendency to grow, which affects the functioning of neighboring organs. Most often the uterus, bladder and intestines are affected. Patients report pain, increased urination and constipation.

The protracted course of the pathological process leads to a gradual decrease in the volume of ovarian tissue, which normally participates in the synthesis of hormones. Therefore, one of the likely long-term consequences of untreated ovarian cysts is infertility.

The Yusupov Hospital uses a careful individual approach to each patient. You will always be helped in resolving any issues thanks to high standards of service. Sensitive and attentive medical staff will quickly fulfill any wishes. If you want to get more information about the treatment of ovarian cysts in women and the causes of their occurrence, make an appointment with a specialist at the Yusupov Hospital.