Anthem Blue Cross CA-Serum Tumor Markers

This document addresses serum tumor markers in the management of cancerous conditions.

Serum tumor markers are molecules or substances that are produced by the tumor itself or by the body in response to the presence of a cancerous or non-cancerous condition. These markers can be detected and quantified in the serum. Single measurements of serum tumor markers may be used to aid diagnosis and prognosis in patients with symptoms suggestive of malignancy while serial monitoring of tumor markers may be used as a tool to monitor response to therapy, detect recurrence or predict development of cancer as a result of a disease.