ALK test: to detect a gene mutation

Diagnosing cancer with Oncomarker blood tests

Oncomarkers are special proteins and chemicals whose levels in the blood can increase dramatically in the presence of cancerous tumors. Diagnosis allows you to determine the presence of cancer in the early stages of its development. Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances of successful cure: if diagnosed at the first stage, the chances of survival are 90-92%, while at the fourth stage - only 10-13%.

In clinical practice, about 35 different oncomarkers are used to detect a variety of diseases. This makes it possible not only to diagnose oncology, but also to monitor the dynamics of its development.

• Our clinic offers a wide range of tests, including:
• CA 19-9 to diagnose pancreatic oncology;
• CA 125 to detect ovarian cancer;
• CA-15-3, indicating breast cancer;
• REA for cancer-embryonic antigen;
• SCC for the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma;
• Oncomarkers for bladder, prostate, GI and other cancers.

Tests for UBC (bladder), hCG (reproductive system), AFP (for liver oncology) and B-2-MG (to detect lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma) are also used.

It is important to realize that changes in oncomarker levels can indicate different forms of cancer, and sometimes several oncomarkers need to be tested to determine a specific cancer pathology. For example, CA125 and HE4 data are needed to calculate the ROMA index.

An increase in the concentration of oncomarkers in the blood is not always a sign of cancer. Normal elevations can occur with natural processes, for example, CA125 may be elevated in the first trimester of pregnancy, and changes in REA levels may be associated with autoimmune diseases or inflammation. Injury and hormonal disorders can also affect rates.

Detection requires a more thorough and comprehensive examination with additional laboratory and instrumental techniques.

When to get tested

If your doctor suspects cancer, he or she may suggest getting tested for cancer markers. This can be particularly useful because conventional methods like ultrasound, MRI or X-rays may not show the presence of cancer in the early stages. Different specialists can take this step - not only oncologists, but also gynecologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists and surgeons. The main signals for which the doctor can appoint a study include weight loss for no apparent reason, a constant feeling of fatigue, lack of appetite, pain that is difficult to explain, fever for a long time and belonging to a risk group. Screening is also recommended for those over 40 as part of general health monitoring.

Who should be regularly tested for cancer markers

Oncomarker tests are recommended for people at high risk. These groups include individuals who:

• Returning from areas with high levels of man-made disasters;
• Having suffered serious intoxication;
• Having relatives with a history of cancer;
• With a history of benign tumors;
• Living in ecologically polluted areas;
• Working in hazardous industrial environments.
• It is especially important for men after age 50 to be tested for prostate-related oncomarkers.

Testing is relevant both for patients undergoing treatment for cancer and for those who have already managed the disease. It helps to monitor the state of health and the effectiveness of therapy, as well as to detect possible recurrences in time.

Limitations and recommendations for blood tests for oncomarkers

Although there are no direct contraindications to the procedure, there are certain conditions in which the study is better postponed:

• After surgery or biopsy;
• While taking medications that can skew the results;
• After intense physical exertion or stress;
• In case of recent pregnancy termination.

Men who want to check the condition of the prostate through a test for oncomarkers should refrain from sexual activity a week before the test and postpone a visit to a urologist for the period after the study. If a visit is needed earlier, it should be scheduled two weeks before the test.

As for women, for some tests, there may be certain days of the menstrual cycle when the study will be most informative. It is also important to notify the doctor of any recent medical procedures, including immunizations or any interventions that could affect the test results and lead to misinterpretation of the data.