Recommendations
Table 1. Tumor Marker Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer
|
|
Screening |
Staging/Treatment Planning |
Testing for the Spread of Cancer After Surgery |
Finding out how the Treatment Is Working |
|
CEA |
No |
Only to assist in treatment planning or staging; not to make decisions about adjuvant therapy (additional treatment after surgery) |
Yes, every three months, for at least three years after diagnosis, for patients with stage II or III cancer |
Yes, every one to three months during treatment, for patients with metastatic cancer |
|
CA 19-9 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
DNA ploidy |
Not applicable (N/A) |
No |
N/A |
N/A |
|
p53 |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
ras |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
TS, DPD, TP |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
MSI |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
No |
|
18q-LOH/DCC |
N/A |
No |
N/A |
No |
Table 2. Tumor Marker Recommendations for Pancreatic Cancer
|
Tumor Marker |
Screening |
Staging/Treatment Planning |
Finding out if the Cancer Has Come Back |
Finding out how the Treatment Is Working |
|
CA 19-9 |
No |
No |
No, need to confirm with additional tests, such as a biopsy or imaging tests |
Yes, every one to three months during treatment, for patients with metastatic cancer |