E. CA 19-9 levels – Explanation
Tumour markers
Tumour markers may be divided into:
- monoclonal antibodies against carbohydrate or glycoprotein tumour antigens
- tumour antigens
- enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, neurone specific enolase)
- hormones (e.g. calcitonin, ADH)
It should be noted that tumour markers usually have a low specificity
Monoclonal antibodies
| Tumour marker | Association |
| Prostate specific antigen (PSA) | Prostatic carcinoma |
| Alpha-feto protein (AFP) | Hepatocellular carcinoma, teratoma |
| Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) | Colorectal cancer |
