Tumor marker for cancer cells. What are tumor markers and what is their accuracy

Oncological diseases instill fear in the inhabitants of the planet, since medicine is powerless against some types of cancer. But on early stages most diseases are successfully treated. Specific antigens are used as primary diagnostics. Analysis for tumor markers, decoding in adults and the norm in the table used by doctors are intended only for doctors. You cannot independently try to decipher the test results and make a diagnosis. Currently, there is not a single tumor marker that could 100% confirm cancer.

What are cancer markers

V human body contains a huge amount chemical substances. The content of some of them increases significantly during the development of cancer. Tumor markers are complex compounds, usually of a protein nature, and are called specific antigens (SA). Other substances, such as hormones, can also act as specific antigens. The first cancer markers were discovered back in the 1850s. With the development of medicine, diagnostics have improved and today hundreds of CAs are used for research on cancer.

CA in the blood directly depends on the state of human health. An increase in tumor markers is observed when various diseases and pathological conditions, not only cancerous. That's why great importance has a decoding for tumor markers and additional diagnostic procedures.

To assess the oncological marker, such parameters as sensitivity and specificity are used:

• Sensitivity is measured as a percentage and reflects the number of cancer cases that the marker was able to identify in the analysis. The higher the percentage, the more sensitive the marker is considered in relation to a certain type cancer.
• Specificity reflects the accuracy of the results obtained. For example, the concentration of some substances can be significantly increased in perfectly healthy people or in patients with other, non-cancerous diseases. The higher the specificity, the more accurate the analysis result is considered.

The CA rate depends on each specific case. Everything counts possible factors: gender, age, weight, patient's height, the presence of chronic and past diseases, pregnancy, etc. The results for oncomrackers can be ambiguous and deciphering the analysis requires a high qualification of a doctor and a certain experience, so you cannot draw any conclusions on your own.

Purpose of analysis

There are various indicators by which the doctor can determine the presence of a neoplasm. Some of them are always found in the human body and there is a certain norm for them. Others are synthesized only under the influence of cancer cells, which means that healthy person, that is, in the norm, they are not. In this case positive result means the possible development of cancer, and the concentration of the marker reflects the severity. The interpretation of the results obtained is explained personally to the patient and cannot be passed on to third parties. The rates in the table reflect the commonly used marker types.

Type of disease	Specific marker (content for oncological diseases)	Additional marker	Additional diagnostics
Liver cancer	AFP (more than 10 U / ml)	No	Tissue biopsy, abdominal ultrasound.
Pancreas cancer	CA 19-9 (more than 10 U / ml)	PSMA	Ultrasound, Tomography.
Lung tumor	CEA (2.4-9.6 ng / ml) NSE (more than 16.3 ng / ml)	TPA	Fluorography, Biopsy, Tomography.
Intestinal oncology	CA 242 (above 20 U / ml) CEA (2.4-9.6 ng / ml)	HCG	Ultrasound, Biopsy.
Rectal neoplasms	CEA (0.7-2.8 ng / ml) CA 19-9 (more than 10 U / ml)	No	Stool analysis; Instrumental examination of the rectum (colonoscopy, etc.).
Skin diseases	TA 90	No	Biopsy of damaged tissue
Tumor Bladder	BTA	CEA, CA 19-9	Urinalysis, Biopsy.
Breast cancer	CA 15-3 (more up to 26.9 U / ml) CEA (2.05-8.2 ng / ml)	CA 27-29	Mammography, Biopsy.
Ovarian tumor	CA125 (more than 100 U / ml)	AFP, CA 72-4	Ultrasound

The listed indicators are far from full list possible investigated parameters. These are the cancer markers that are statistically used more often than others.

An analysis for tumor markers can be prescribed by any doctor, based on the results of a preliminary examination and patient complaints. The study can be ordered either by a therapist or by a narrowly specialized doctor. Most often, analyzes are carried out in preventive purposes or to track the effectiveness of a prescribed treatment. Deciphering of the research results, if necessary, is carried out with the participation of an oncologist.

Specific antigen 72-4

Also known as gastric cancer marker. This substance has the highest sensitivity and specificity for gastric cancer among other markers.

However, its amount can also increase with oncology of other organs.

The normal concentration of CA 72-4 is up to 6.9 U / ml. there is an increase in the norm in non-oncological diseases:

• Pancreatitis
• Inflammatory process in the lungs or liver
• Non-malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal tract
• Heart disease
• Ovarian inflammation

Alpha-fetoprotein

AFP, or AFP, is a two-component protein that is used by the body to build fetal cells. Its level is very high in pregnant women and newborns; after childbirth, the indicator returns to normal. In oncology, AFP is used as a specific substance for the detection of liver cancer.

The norm for a healthy person is less than 10 IU / ml. The amount of this protein in the body increases slightly when inflammatory diseases liver, cirrhosis, poisoning with toxins, etc. Exceeding the mark of 400 IU / ml means liver damage with cancer or metastases of tumors of other organs.

Cancer-embryonic antigen

CEA or CEA, can also be referred to as ANTIGEN CD66E, a substance that is produced by cells digestive system developing fetus... In an adult, the amount of this substance is minimal. Elevated level CEA is considered a sign of tumor development.

An oncological marker is quantitative and its concentration depends on several factors:

• For healthy non-smokers normal amount antigen does not exceed 2.5 ng / ml
• In smokers, the content of this tumor marker can normally be up to 5 ng / ml.
• An increase in the indicator of an oncological marker up to 10 ng / ml indicates possible development pathological processes pancreas, liver, lungs, etc.
• Exceeding the level of 20 ng / ml means the development of a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract system, liver, thyroid gland, the reproductive system.

Beta-2 microglobulin

A quantitative oncological marker, the value of which increases significantly with the development of cancer. The value of a tumor marker in the range of 0.8-2.2 mg / l indicates that a person is healthy. An increase in the value in the results for tumor markers is possible in pregnant women and in infants in the first months of life.

Despite the prevalence of Beta-2 microglobulin as an oncological marker, the concentration of this substance in the blood increases in various diseases. So, Beta-2 reacts to lymphomas, viral infections, breast tumors, Crohn's disease, HIV, etc. To confirm the diagnosis, additional diagnostic procedures are required.

Calcium Binding Protein S-100

A specific cancer marker is sensitive to malignant tumors of skin cells, better known as melanoma. Also, this substance is produced when the structure of the brain is damaged. A significant excess of the normal concentration (up to 0.105 μg / L) of S-100 in the blood indicates progressive skin cancer.

An increase in the value of an oncological marker is observed after serious physical activity... Therefore, it is impossible to play sports and overload the body before a blood test. S-100 also responds to inflammation. internal organs and Alzheimer's disease.

Prostate specific antigen

As the name suggests, PSA is used to diagnose prostate cancers in men. For the purpose of prevention, a PSA test should be passed annually for everyone. healthy man over 35-40 years old. If you have symptoms inflammatory process the analysis is carried out according to the doctor's prescription. The norm for is less than 4 ng / ml, after 60 years, an increase to 4.5 ng / ml is possible.

The diagnosis is clarified by additional examinations.

This oncological marker can also increase with other diseases of the prostate, therefore, clarifying tests are necessary. Only very overestimated indicators of free and associated PSA... With a slight deviation from the norm, in most cases, prostatitis, hyperplasia or inflammation of the prostate is diagnosed.

Human chorionic gonadotropin

HCG is also known as a pregnancy hormone. Its level rises with the first weeks of pregnancy and continues to rise until the third trimester. This hormone provides normal development the structure of fetal cells. V hCG rate ranges from 0 to 2.5 U / ml in women and men. After menopause, the hormone may rise slightly in women.

A quantitative cancer marker is used to diagnose ovarian cancer in women and testicular neoplasms in men. It is possible to obtain a high degree of hCG content in tumors of the kidneys, uterus and other organs. Also, the content of the oncological marker increases after the use of marijuana.

Carcinoma antigen 15-3

One of the types of complex protein CA 15-3 is used in medicine for the diagnosis of tumors female organs... This oncological marker has the highest degree of specificity for breast cancer.

It is especially noteworthy that this protein can detect the disease at an early stage, when it is asymptomatic.

The normal level of CA 15-3 in the blood is up to 25 U / ml. However, this substance has specificity for other diseases, so it cannot be considered as the only way to diagnose breast cancer. CA 15-3 values ​​are increased in ovarian or bladder tumors, lung cancer, inflammatory liver diseases, tuberculosis, etc.

Carbohydrate antigen 125

Analysis for the specific protein CA 125 is usually prescribed female doctor.. Tumor markers in gynecology are used to diagnose cancer. The substance has a high specificity and sensitivity to ovarian cancer. With a significant excess of the norm (less than 35 U / ml) in 80% of cases, additional tests confirm neoplasms of the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes.

The level of an oncological marker can be increased in cancer of the liver, lungs, stomach and other organs. In this case, the interpretation of the results also has great value... For example, in the 1st trimester of pregnancy or during menopause, CA 125 may increase in some women.

The main enemy of health when it comes to cancer is fear. Often, people are afraid of a blood test for cancer and postpone the visit to the doctor until the situation worsens. However, medical statistics claim that it is in the early stages that cancers are usually successfully treated. In severe cases, the prognosis can be disappointing. It is necessary to take blood tests for tumor markers and decoding in adults on a regular basis. The frequency of examinations is determined by the doctor and depends on the type of disease and the presence of a predisposition.

Tumor markers are organic substances (proteins), the amount of which increases with the development of cancer cells in the human body. What do tumor markers show? The amount of these substances helps to identify the presence of malignant tumors and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Tumor markers make it possible to diagnose cancer on early dates and roughly determine the location of the tumor formation.

What tumor markers show and how to get tested correctly

Analysis for tumor markers allows:

Find out if the patient is at risk;
... roughly identify the affected organ;
... suspect a relapse of oncology;

Upon receipt of the results of the analysis for tumor markers Special attention worth turning:

On increased performance;
... a seemingly elevated tumor marker.

Changes in indicators indicate that there are deviations from the norm in the human body, including progressive cancer cells. The main advantage of the analysis is that tumor markers show the presence of cancer in the early stages, which is very important for the effectiveness of treatment.

Analysis rules:

Blood is taken from a vein on an empty stomach, excluding food intake 8 hours before the procedure;
- the analysis is carried out before 11 o'clock in the morning;
- three days before the test, stop drinking alcohol and junk food, reduce physical activity;
- on the day of the analysis, smoking and taking medications are prohibited;
- passing the analysis for PSA, abstain from sexual intercourse for seven days.

Tumor markers are found in the blood, urine of children, young, adult and elderly patients. In most cases, such an analysis shows the presence of cancer cells six months earlier than other diagnostic methods.

It is important that tumor markers show even the slightest changes and help to solve the following tasks:

1. Tracking the effectiveness of therapy, which allows in some cases to change the treatment regimen or change drugs.
2. Tracking recurrences of neoplasms, tracking the emergence of new metastases. This will help you start on time. re-treatment and watch out for the disease.
3. Analysis will help you decide which therapy is worth using.
4. Tumor marker helps to assess how much the organ is affected by cancer cells, the degree of progression, which contributes to the selection of a more adequate treatment regimen.
5. The analysis helps to assess how the remission is going and to make a prognosis of the patient's life expectancy.

Who needs analysis and when

Screening tests should be performed 1 - 2 times a year for those patients who have a genetic predisposition, benign neoplasms, suspicious papillomas and moles. The rest of the people can be tested no more than once every two years, and also:

After severe nervous strain;
... when living in unfavorable environmental conditions;
... under other circumstances that can cause cancer.

Diagnosed;
... with treated malignant tumor;
... with the initial detection of a neoplasm;
... before and after surgery;
... during the course of therapy.

1. First year - every month.
2. Second year - once every two months.
3. Third year - once every three months.
Subsequent years are tested every six months. Before screening actions, the patient should visit an oncologist, who will find out which markers need to be tested.

AFP

Norm: up to 10 ng / ml. What show AFP tumor markers? Pathological results analyzes may indicate oncological diseases:

The liver;
- gastrointestinal tract;
- ovaries;
- testicles;
- kidneys.

The accuracy of the test can be influenced by diseases:

Diabetes;
. multiple pregnancy;
... hepatitis;
... renal failure.

Low rates in a pregnant woman may indicate the risk of fetal pathology.

CEA

CEA marker is secreted mainly by the digestive tract of the fetus. In adults, the substance is found in the blood in minimal amounts.

Norm: up to 6.3 ng / ml. A slight increase in CEA norms is determined in smokers. At high rates marker there is a risk of neoplasms in the following organs:

Digestive tract;
- the mammary gland;
- prostate;
- liver;
- lungs.

Shortness of breath, causeless cough;
... the appearance of a visible tumor;
. chronic fatigue;
... unreasonable loss of strength;
... sweating;
... prolonged increase in body temperature;
... weight loss;
... the appearance of new moles;
... decreased appetite or complete reluctance to eat with bouts of nausea and vomiting;
... malfunctions digestive tract.

CA 125

This tumor marker is an indicator of ovarian cancer.

Rate: 0 to 30 IU / ml. Indications outside the norm speak of oncology:

Female genital organs;
- respiratory organs;
- Gastrointestinal tract.

CA 15-3

Breast neoplasm marker.

Norm: from 9.2 to 38 U / l. What do tumor markers show if the indicator is too high? As a rule, this is a suspicion of cancer:

The mammary gland;
... digestive tract;
... liver;
... respiratory organs.
It may also indicate inflammatory pathology in the area of ​​biliary organs and the development of autoimmune disorders.

CA 19-9

The marker is characteristic of the gastrointestinal tract pathology.

The norm is: from 0 to 37 U / ml. Exceeding the norm in most cases indicates neoplasms in:

Gallbladder;
... pancreas;
... liver;
... organs, digestive tract.

CA 72-4

Provides comprehensive information on sarcoma of the stomach, ovaries, lungs.

Norm: up to 6.7 U / ml. High values indicate that cancer cells develop in:

Uterus;
... stomach;
... mammary glands;
... ovaries;
... pancreas;
... liver.

CYFRA 21-1

Indicates cancer of the bladder, lungs. Analysis for CYFRA 21-1 in most cases is assigned in conjunction with CEA.

Norm: up to 3.5 ng / l. If the indicators are above the norm, an in-depth check for malignant formations is necessary in:

Genitourinary system;
... respiratory organs.

Elevated tumor marker (PSA)

PSA is a protein secreted by the prostate gland. Tumor marker will help determine a prostate tumor, adenoma. The analysis is used to monitor ongoing therapy.

Norm: up to 4.1 ng / l. If the norm is exceeded, then tumor markers show the presence of a malignant pathology in the prostate. Experts recommend that males after 50 years of age be tested for prostate-specific antigen annually. This will help to identify diseases of the prostate gland in the early stages, which will simplify therapy and make it as effective as possible.

To properly prepare for the analysis, you must:

For 10 hours to refuse to eat food, they recommend clean, non-carbonated water, other drinks are excluded;
... two days you need to adhere to a diet;
... do not go in for sports and load yourself as much as possible for several days.
... seven days not to be sexually active.

PSA diagnostics are required:

When diagnosing prostate adenoma;
... while monitoring the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy;
... when cancer is detected at the first stage.

An elevated PSA tumor marker can be not only in cancer, but also in other cases:

Presence of prostate adenoma;
- problems with potency;
- if there are irregularities in the process of urination;
- during a long bike ride on a bad road.

It is very important to know that small deviations in the indicators of tumor markers can indicate benign processes in the human body, for example, inflammation. An elevated tumor marker cannot speak of 100% presence of oncology, but gives an informative reason to continue an in-depth examination of the patient. It is not worth conducting a screening test for all types of markers, you just need to contact a specialist and he will already decide what tests are needed.

Even people, in whose family there were no cancer patients, sooner or later may begin to be interested in the reliability of tumor markers as a way to control possible tumors in the body. This analysis is one of the popular methods. early diagnosis cancer. After it was opened in the second half of the twentieth century, in Western Europe and there was a real boom in the USA. A huge number of people almost stood in line, regularly donating blood and urine for tumor markers. But gradually the excitement began to decline: doubts arose about the reliability of this analysis.

The question of possible errors

It turned out that certain proteins produced actively by malignant cells can be found even in the body of a completely healthy person. For example, substances indicative of ovarian cancer are also produced periodically during polycystic disease, the appearance of especially large cysts, benign tumors... And sometimes an increase in the threshold value can be found even in completely healthy woman, for example, with some hormonal fluctuations, stress or taking an analysis during menstruation.

The most accurate tumor marker is RSA, which allows detecting prostate cancer in the early stages.

Exceeding the norm is such an accurate signal that some clinics even refused a number of additional tests. Although the patient in any case may insist on performing these tests. In total, of the popular tumor markers today in medicine, 20 variants are used everywhere, the rest are already more specific. True, the number of corresponding proteins (and analyzes) is constantly increasing.

The benefits of tumor markers

For example, modern medicine makes it possible to diagnose cancer in the early stages or even the likelihood of cancer by DNA. Certain genes make it possible to track the tendency in some people to specific types of cancer (tumor diseases of internal organs), to track the tendency of cancer growth after the onset of the age threshold and to take appropriate measures in a timely manner.

What measures are we talking about? Women with a high degree of threat can remove the mammary glands and replace them with implants. Sometimes the uterus is removed, for example, after leaving reproductive age... Of course, an appropriate decision is made not only on the basis of data obtained thanks to tumor markers. And doctors do not exclude the possibility of certain errors. However, statistics confidently show that the large-scale introduction of tumor markers into medical practice has saved millions of lives. Today, most types of cancer in the first and second stages are curable.

Tumor markers for cancer patients

The analyzes discussed are also extremely important for those who develop cancer and have been successfully treated. Periodic blood donation for tumor markers allows you to control a possible relapse. If an increase in specific proteins in the blood in a healthy person may not be associated with cancer, then in a patient with a high degree of probability, an increase in certain indicators indicates a repeated progression of the tumor. There is such a tendency: sometimes the level of proteins increases in a healthy person, but the tumor will always give an increase in tumor markers.

The question of credibility

But if we return to the question of reliability, it is worth noting that most tumor markers are only one of the analyzes. They are considered by specialists in a complex, besides different methods research provides a complete picture. Often, specialists in this way discover hidden pathologies, clarify the stage of the disease. Therefore, you should not be surprised if the doctor gives a referral immediately to whole line surveys.

The tested enzymes are normally present in the blood of even a completely healthy person, just in small quantities. There are international standards regarding the threshold value of tumor markers.

Note that they are different for each type of cancer. Some tumor diseases can be checked by several types of such tests at once. Information on international indicators and exceeding the threshold, respectively, is publicly available, so when you receive test results on your hands, you can check for yourself how good your tests are.

However, the optimal medical consultation, since a person without special training simply does not have the appropriate knowledge to make a conclusion about the diagnosis. Therefore, if there is no trust in the attending physician, it is prudent to seek medical help with the issued analyzes to another institution. It is worth noting that several types of cancer can be checked by several tumor markers at once. With higher values ​​in all types of analyzes, the probability of an error decreases.

What can cause an error in the analyzes?

There are certain rules for the delivery of tumor markers, violations of which can cause some errors. Blood is donated early in the morning, on an empty stomach, from a vein. Before that, it is advisable not to eat for 8 hours. Also excluded are juices, any nutritious drinks, milkshakes. With a slow metabolism given time should be increased to 13 hours.

Often the reliability of the analyzes was questioned due to the violation of the above rule. Many patients perceive food intake as an intake. solid food, full meals, using liquid yoghurts, fermented baked milk, kefir, and other products. Subsequently, they are genuinely surprised when they get wrong results.

Women also need to monitor the regularity of their cycle, report any deviations. Tumor markers give increased indicators right before menstruation, in which case it is wiser to redo the tests. Hormonal abrupt changes, taking certain medications, also affect the results. But diagnosticians usually take these factors into account.

Any tumor develops from normal cells of the body, which, under the influence of any factors, have become atypical. Despite the fact that neoplasms originate from ordinary tissues, they live "their own life." Tumors are characterized by an active course of metabolic processes, they have an increased rate of cell division, they have a certain effect on the body and secrete their own metabolic products. These products, substances of a protein nature, do not resemble the compounds synthesized by healthy tissues, or are their analogues, but are excreted in too large quantities, much higher than the norm. The identification of these special substances - tumor markers - is the basis of analyzes for the presence different types cancer.

Types of tumor markers. What does their identification say?

If one or another tumor marker is determined in a person's blood in an amount exceeding the norm, this, with very likely, indicates the presence of a cancerous tumor. With the help of this analysis, it is possible to detect cancer not of any, but only of some localizations, that is, donating blood does not exempt the patient from other studies aimed at diagnosing cancer.

Here is a list of the main tumor markers that can be determined in any well-equipped laboratory.

CA 15-3 (Cancer Antigen 15-3)- a protein excreted in increased amounts in the body in breast cancer.

CA - 125 (Cancer Antigen - 125)- a substance present in the blood of ovarian cancer patients.

CA 19-9 (Cancer Antigen 19-9)- tumor marker of pancreatic tumors.

PSA (prostate specific antigen) Is a commonly identified marker of prostate cancer.

AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)- its increased amounts may indicate the presence of a liver neoplasm in a person.

(chorionic gonadotropin human)- it turns out that this is a sign not only of pregnancy, but also cystic skid(chorionadenoma) and chorionepithelioma.

The simultaneous detection of increased amounts of AFP and hCG indicates testicular cancer in men. It turns out that the tales that the stronger sex can have positive test for pregnancy (he determines hCG in urine) - not fiction. True, unfortunately, such results do not indicate an upcoming replenishment in the family, but a serious illness.

CEA (cancer embryonic antigen)- a substance, the detection of which becomes the reason for conducting numerous diagnostic studies, since its level increases in cancer of the lungs, rectum, bladder and stomach.

NSE (NSE, Neuron-specific enolase, neuro-specific enolase)- a marker of lung cancer, skin (melanoma), neuroblastoma and cells of the APUD system.

Indications for research

One of the many types of phobias is called carcinophobia. This is the name of the pathological fear of cancer. A person suffering from this disorder will probably want to conduct a whole complex of tests for himself with the determination of all possible tumor markers in order to make sure that he is not sick. However, we do not advise you to waste your time and invest heavily in an examination if there is no indication for it. It is necessary to control the level of tumor markers only in the presence of unfavorable heredity.(several cases of cancer of a certain localization in the family), in the complex of early diagnosis of tumors, as well as in the establishment of a relapse of cancer. Prophylactic PSA testing should be performed annually in men over 35-40 years of age.

Preparation

To identify cancer markers, blood is donated in the morning and on an empty stomach. Venous blood is to be collected. Sometimes additional preparation is required before analysis. For example, before determining CA 19-9, the patient should pay attention to the diet: do not eat spices, fatty and other foods that irritate the pancreas for 1-2 days. People who have to measure the level of prostate-specific antigen need to stop sexual intercourse and any impact on the prostate (massage, etc.) a few days before the procedure.

About the necessary preparatory activities check with the doctor who will refer you to this procedure.

Interpretation of results, norms

You can independently understand whether your test results are normal if you know the permissible values ​​for the determined tumor marker:

CA 15-3:<26,9 Ед/мл

CA - 125:< 35 Ед/мл

PSA:< 4,0 нг/мл

AFP:< 15 нг/мл

HCG: 0-5 IU / ml

CEA:< 5,0 нг/мл

NSE:< 12,5 нг/мл

Within the indicated limits, the markers are normal for a healthy person, however, with an increase in their level, the presence of a disease is possible.

Is the analysis for tumor markers reliable?

In most cases, a significant excess of the norm indicates that a person has a neoplasm of one or another organ. However, “bad” results do not always clearly indicate that the patient has cancer, so there is no need to panic when getting them.

Sometimes an increase in the level of tumor markers can be a signal of disorders or conditions that are absolutely not related to cancer. Sometimes their increase is noted with the appearance of benign tumors or cysts that do not require "heavy" treatment. In addition, in increased quantities, markers are sometimes found in ARVI and other infectious diseases, which is a variant of a false result.

In other words, in order to come to the conclusion about the presence of cancer, blood tests alone are not enough. You need to see a doctor so that he looks at the results and, if necessary, prescribes clarifying procedures. Only after you have the data of a complete examination in your hands, it will be possible to judge with confidence whether you are sick or not, whether you need treatment, and, if so, which one.

Tumor marker CA 125 is a highly specific protein located on the membrane of ovarian epithelial cells affected by oncology. Normally, it can be detected at low levels in the tissues of the endometrium and serous membranes, but there should be practically no protein in the blood.

The appearance of protein in the blood under normal conditions can only be associated with the menstrual cycle, as well as with pregnancy, and then only in the first trimester.

Increased levels of Ca125 in the blood indicate a malignant degeneration of ovarian tissue. Less often, the values ​​of the CA 125 tumor marker increase with the development of oncological neoplasms in other organs (endometrium, liver, stomach, etc.). In fact, CA 125 is a glycoprotein that is actively secreted by tumor cells.

Please note that if the doctor prescribed you a referral to donate blood for CA 125, this does not always mean suspicion of oncology. This protein is involved as a complementary marker for several other pathologies. Therefore, it does not make sense to immediately panic.

Although, of course, the study of the level of CA 125 is carried out most often for the purpose of early detection of ovarian oncology, as well as for monitoring the dynamics of the activity of the established disease, the spread of the metastatic process, the quality and effectiveness of the therapy, as well as for the diagnosis of relapses.

What do tumor markers of blood show?

In general, the analysis of the levels of tumor markers is carried out in order to:

• early detection of malignant neoplasms and their recurrence after chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgical removal;
• control of tumor growth and metastasis;
• monitoring the quality of treatment;
• screening of oncological pathologies among high-risk groups, according to their development (smokers, persons working in hazardous work, patients with a burdened family history, etc.).

However, it is important to understand that there are no absolutely specific tumor markers that increase only in a certain type of cancer. They can also slightly increase in severe inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, smoking, alcohol abuse, etc.

Attention. Only an oncologist can answer the question: what the tumor marker shows. It is unacceptable to assign yourself this analysis in private laboratories and interpret it with the help of reference books, colleagues and the Internet. Especially when diagnosing a disease such as cancer, where any mistake can lead to a psychological catastrophe.

It is also important to remember that the study of indicators of tumor markers is not included in the mandatory list of tests when conducting a preventive examination in patients who are not at risk for the development of malignant neoplasms and do not have cancer symptoms.

All studies of tumor markers should be carried out strictly according to indications and interpreted in conjunction with other analyzes. Only on the basis of an elevated tumor marker, the diagnosis is not made.

Tumor marker CA 125. What shows

A blood test for CA 125 is effectively used in the primary monitoring of oncological processes in the ovaries, diagnosis

recurrent oncological process after treatment, as well as to control the spread of metastases.

Cancer antigen 125 may also increase if the oncological process (or metastases) affects:

• the lining of the uterus,
• serous membranes,
• lung tissue,
• mammary gland,
• pancreas.

CA 125 will also significantly increase with the spread of metastatic foci from the above organs to the liver.

Attention. The accuracy (otherwise specificity) of the CA-125 assay is not very high. Only cases of at least a twofold increase in the level of the marker CA125 in the blood (especially for women aged 55 and older) should be taken into account to assert the possibility of ovarian cancer.

Also, together with the level of ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide), the CA 125 tumor marker can be used in addition to basic studies to assess the severity of HF (heart failure).

Additionally, ca125 is examined for the diagnosis of serous cavity effusions (pleurisy, peritonitis).

In addition to diagnosing oncological processes, blood for ca 125 is examined for endometriosis, cysts in the ovaries and tumors of benign etiology that affect the female reproductive system.

The tumor marker CA 125 is of greatest importance in detecting serous type ovarian epithelial carcinomas, as well as adenocarcinomas of the endometrium and fallopian tubes.

When to take CA test for 125 women

Oncomarker 125 is investigated for suspected oncological processes in the ovaries (for the purpose of primary diagnosis), as well as for

monitoring the quality of treatment and control of relapses.

Analysis of CA 125 for the purpose of primary diagnosis must be taken when symptoms of ovarian cancer appear:

• regular disruptions in the menstrual cycle (this symptom is not the main one, since some patients may have regular menstruation even with bilateral ovarian cancer);
• frequent urination with false desires and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
• persistent mucous discharge streaked with blood (an unpleasant smell of discharge is rare);
• persistent pain in the lower abdomen and lower back;
• constipation, flatulence, heaviness in the abdomen, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, indigestion;
• pain during intercourse;
• weakness, weight loss, emotional lability, depression;
• increased ESR in a general blood test;
• an enlarged abdomen due to accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).

The main symptoms are quite nonspecific and are often regarded by women as a manifestation of ovarian inflammation. Many patients go to the doctor for the first time when ascites appears. That is, when the tumor reaches a large size and metastasizes.

Important! According to statistics, up to 70% of women go to the doctor for the first time in the late stages of the disease. It should be noted that 95% of ovarian cancer cases are hereditary.

Two types of malignant neoplasms of the ovaries give specific symptoms. These are hormone-producing tumors:

1. granulosa cell - causes feminization (can manifest itself by early puberty in girls, as well as the resumption of uterine bleeding in women during menopause);
2. adenoblastoma - leads to masculinization (provokes the growth of a beard, mustache, a decrease in the size of the mammary glands, coarsening of the voice, etc.).

How to donate blood for analysis

In order to determine the level of CA 125, venous blood is examined using immunochemiluminescence.

The material is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. At least 3 days before the analysis, fatty, fried and spicy foods must be excluded from the diet. It is forbidden to drink strong tea (especially with sugar), coffee, juices and soda. It is also necessary to exclude the use of alcoholic beverages. Smoking is prohibited on the day of the test. The day before blood sampling, physical and emotional stress is excluded.

The physician and laboratory staff should be advised of the medications they are taking. If possible, the medication should be discontinued a week before the study.

Important. When donating blood for CA 125, it is necessary to mark the day of the menstrual cycle for which the analysis is being submitted.

Norm CA 125

CA 125 the norm in women is less than thirty-five U / ml. Optimal values ​​are below fifteen U / ml.

CA 125 is the norm for age - the analysis for a tumor marker does not have age fluctuations, however, in women during menopause, an increase in CA 125 to borderline values ​​or with a slight excess of normal values ​​can be detected.

Reasons for increasing CA 125

The main reasons for the increase in this tumor marker are malignant neoplasms. CA 125 is elevated when swelling strikes:

• organs of the female reproductive system (ca125 is the main diagnostic marker of ovarian cancer);
• breast and pancreas;
• Gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines (especially the rectum));
• lung tissue;
• liver (including metastatic lesions).

Of the non-oncological reasons for the increase in the level of tumor marker, it should be noted:

• ovarian tumors and cysts of benign origin,
• borderline tumors (low-grade tumors: serous, mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell (mesonephroid) type),
• mixed tumors,
• Brenner's tumor.

Also, an increase in CA 125 can be caused by:

• endometriosis,
• severe infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs,
• diseases accompanied by a serous effusion (pericarditis, pleurisy, etc.),
• chronic hepatitis,
• pancreatitis,
• autoimmune diseases.

Analysis results

With ovarian cancer, in eighty percent of patients, the ca125 indicator can increase from 124 to 164 U / ml.

CA 125 is the norm in women with ovarian cysts - borderline values ​​can be observed, closer to 35 U / ml or with a slight increase.

Considering that in patients with malignant neoplasms affecting the cervix, endometrium, stomach, as well as with ovarian tumors of benign etiology, CA 125 tumor marker also increases. Decoding of diagnostic results, in this regard, should be based on data from other studies. Only a comprehensive interpretation of the analyzes will help to carry out the correct differential diagnosis and make the correct diagnosis.

Attention! It is important to note that the absence of an elevated CA 125 in a blood test does not allow the diagnosis of cancer to be excluded with 100% probability. In some patients, in the early stages, the CA 125 tumor marker does not increase. At the third - fourth stage, the indicator is increased in all patients.

The CA125 test can be used to control the quality of treatment. A decrease in its indicators against the background of chemotherapy or radiation therapy indicates the effectiveness of the treatment.

In women carrying a child, an increase in CA 125 values ​​can be diagnosed. As a rule, the deviations in the analyzes are insignificant. The maximum increase in CA125 is observed in the 1st trimester, which can reach a value of 1250 U / ml. However, during an uncomplicated pregnancy, the level of the marker often remains normal.

Borderline values ​​(closer to 35 U / ml) are detected in women who are breastfeeding. This is not a pathology and does not require treatment.

An increase in the level of the CA 125 tumor marker during pregnancy requires constant monitoring, especially for those women who have previously been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or who have been diagnosed with uterine appendages pathology during the examination.

For reference. In some cases, during pregnancy, the levels of markers CA 125, CA 15-3, and CA 19-9 and are monitored. Studies are performed both in the mother's blood and in the umbilical cord blood. In one study, with elevated levels of these markers, pregnancies of all subjects (53 pregnant women) ended in caesarean section.