What is the significance of tumor markers in oncology?

Tumor markers are biologic substances that can be found in the blood, urine, or tissues of some patients with cancer. Their significance lies in their ability to aid in the diagnosis of cancer, helping to identify the presence of malignancies, and to monitor treatment response. For instance, certain tumor markers can indicate how well a particular treatment is working by showing changes in levels over time. An increase in tumor marker levels might suggest that the cancer is progressing, while a decrease could indicate that the treatment is effective.

Furthermore, tumor markers are used for monitoring recurrence after treatment. For example, patients who have been treated for certain types of cancers may have their tumor markers checked periodically to ensure the cancer has not returned. This diagnostic and monitoring capability makes tumor markers an important tool in the management of oncology patients.

Regarding other options, some may suggest that tumor markers lack diagnostic value, but this overlooks their role in providing valuable information for both diagnosis and monitoring. Others might think tumor markers provide only emotional support, which ignores their clinical utility. Lastly, stating that tumor markers are used to treat cancer directly misconstrues their function, as they do not have therapeutic properties, but rather serve as indicators of disease status.