Tumor Markers Quiz
Welcome to our Tumor Markers Quiz, designed to challenge and enhance your understanding of one of the most crucial components in the diagnosis and management of cancer. This quiz is tailored for oncologists, laboratory technicians, medical students, and anyone with an interest in cancer research or diagnostics.
Tumor markers are substances, often proteins, that are produced by the body in response to cancer growth or by the cancer tissue itself. They can be found in the blood, urine, tumor tissue, or other tissues and fluids. These markers provide valuable information about how aggressive the cancer is, how well the body Read moreis responding to treatment, and whether a cancer is likely to recur.
Through a series of thought-provoking questions, this quiz will test your knowledge on various tumor markers, their specific roles in different types of cancer, and their clinical relevance in monitoring disease progression and response to therapy. Dive into our quiz to solidify your understanding and keep up-to-date with this rapidly evolving field.
Tumor Markers Questions and Answers
- 1.
The learning objectives in studying tumor markers except:
- A.
Know the ideal characteristics of a tumor marker
- B.
Understand the role of tumor markers for diagnosis and management of patients with cancer
- C.
Know the emerging technologies for tumor markers
- D.
Understand the role of tumor markers for therapeutic selection
- E.
None of the Above
Correct Answer
E. None of the AboveExplanation
All of the above mentioned choices are our learning objectives in studying tumor markersRate this question:
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- 2.
How do we diagnose cancer today?
- A.
Chemotherapy
- B.
Blood Tests
- C.
Surgery
- D.
Radiation Therapy
Correct Answer
B. Blood TestsExplanation
Blood tests have become a fundamental tool in the diagnosis of cancer, complementing traditional methods such as physical examinations, biopsies, and imaging techniques like CT scans. These tests are critical because they can detect certain biomarkers—substances in the blood that may indicate the presence of cancer.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The characteristics of an ideal tumor marker:
- A.
Non specificity for a single type of cancer
- B.
High sensitivity and specificity for cancerous growth
- C.
Heterogeneous (i.e., minimal post-translational modifications)
- D.
Long half-life in circulation
Correct Answer
B. High sensitivity and specificity for cancerous growthExplanation
The following are the characteristics of an ideal tumor marker:
Specificity for a single type of cancer
High sensitivity and specificity for cancerous growth
Correlation of marker level with tumor size
Homogeneous (i.e., minimal post-translational modifications)
Short half-life in circulationRate this question:
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- 4.
Elevated in pregnancy, liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis, GI tumors)
- A.
AFP
- B.
CEA
- C.
CA 125
- D.
CA 15-3
Correct Answer
A. AFPExplanation
AFP stands for alpha-fetoprotein, which is a protein produced by the liver of a developing fetus. In pregnant women, elevated levels of AFP can indicate certain liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and GI tumors. Therefore, AFP is a relevant marker to monitor and diagnose liver diseases during pregnancy. CEA, CA 125, and CA 15-3 are not specifically associated with liver diseases in pregnancy, making AFP the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Elevated in breast, pancreatic, GI, and lung cancer
- A.
CA 15-3
- B.
CEA
- C.
AFP
- D.
CA-125
Correct Answer
B. CEAExplanation
CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen. It is a protein that is normally produced during fetal development, but its production decreases after birth. Elevated levels of CEA can be found in various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and lung cancer. Therefore, CEA is a useful tumor marker for detecting and monitoring these types of cancer.Rate this question:
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- 6.
PSA range that is considered low risk:
- A.
0-4 ng/ml
- B.
4-10 ng/ml
- C.
>10 ng/ml
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. 0-4 ng/mlExplanation
Total PSA ranges:
0-4 ng/mL = Low risk of PCA (22% positive)
4-10 ng/mL = diagnostic gray zone (PCA & BPH)
>10 ng/mL = 40-50% with PCARate this question:
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- 7.
Gene amplification/overexpression occurs in 30% of patients & correlates with aggressive disease & shortened survival
- A.
HER-2/neu
- B.
KRAS
- C.
BCR-ABL
- D.
EGFR
Correct Answer
A. HER-2/neuExplanation
Gene amplification or overexpression refers to an increase in the number of copies or the level of expression of a particular gene. In this case, HER-2/neu is the correct answer because it is known to undergo amplification or overexpression in 30% of patients. This amplification is associated with aggressive disease and shortened survival, indicating that HER-2/neu plays a significant role in the progression and prognosis of the disease.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which technique is most useful for detecting gene duplication and deletions?
- A.
Immunohistochemistry
- B.
Comparative genomic hybridization
- C.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization
- D.
Real-time polymerase chain reaction
Correct Answer
B. Comparative genomic hybridizationExplanation
CGH arrays are performed on microchips.Rate this question:
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- 9.
High sensitivity PSA assays are useful for:
- A.
Early detection of disease recurrence after prostatectomy
- B.
Differentiation between benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer
- C.
Differentiation between aggressive vs. non-Â aggressive disease
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
High sensitivity PSA assays are useful for all of the above purposes because they can detect very low levels of PSA in the blood. This makes them effective for early detection of disease recurrence after prostatectomy, as even a small increase in PSA levels can indicate the presence of cancer cells. Additionally, high sensitivity PSA assays can help differentiate between benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer, as the latter typically results in higher PSA levels. Lastly, these assays can also aid in distinguishing between aggressive and non-aggressive disease, as aggressive prostate cancer often leads to higher PSA levels.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Oncofetal antigen/s
- A.
CEA
- B.
AFP
- C.
CA-125
- D.
A and C
- E.
A and B
Correct Answer
E. A and BExplanation
The correct answer is A and B. Oncofetal antigens are substances that are produced by certain tumors and are also found in the developing fetus. CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) and AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) are examples of oncofetal antigens. CA-125 is not an oncofetal antigen. Therefore, options A and B are correct as both CEA and AFP are oncofetal antigens.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Prolactin is an example of which type of tumor marker?
- A.
Receptor
- B.
Protein
- C.
Enzyme
- D.
Hormone
Correct Answer
D. HormoneExplanation
Prolactin is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in lactation and reproductive function. It is considered as a tumor marker because elevated levels of prolactin in the blood can indicate the presence of a prolactinoma, which is a type of pituitary tumor. Therefore, the correct answer is hormone.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Mutations/translocations are examples of genetic changes.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Mutations and translocations are indeed examples of genetic changes. Mutations refer to changes in the DNA sequence, which can result in altered proteins or genetic traits. Translocations, on the other hand, involve the rearrangement of genetic material between two non-homologous chromosomes. Both of these processes can lead to variations in the genetic information, potentially resulting in different phenotypic traits or diseases. Therefore, the statement is correct.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Monitor for disease recurrence or progression (most widely used function) is one of the roles of tumor markers
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
One of the roles of tumor markers is to monitor for disease recurrence or progression. Tumor markers are substances that can be found in the blood, urine, or tissues of some patients with cancer. They are often used to help detect, diagnose, and monitor the response to treatment of certain types of cancer. Monitoring for disease recurrence or progression is a widely used function of tumor markers, as it helps healthcare professionals track the progress of the disease and make informed decisions about further treatment options.Rate this question:
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- 14.
________ is considered a Germ cell tumor.
Correct Answer
AFPExplanation
AFP stands for alpha-fetoprotein, which is a protein produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus. It is normally found in high levels in the blood of a developing fetus, but the levels decrease significantly after birth. Elevated levels of AFP in adults can indicate the presence of certain types of cancer, including germ cell tumors. Therefore, AFP is considered a germ cell tumor marker and is used in diagnosing and monitoring these types of tumors.Rate this question:
- 15.
________ is elevated in smokers and elderly.
Correct Answer
CEAExplanation
CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen, which is a protein that is commonly found in the blood of smokers and elderly individuals at elevated levels. CEA levels can be used as a marker for certain types of cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. Smoking is known to increase the production of CEA, and as individuals age, their CEA levels naturally tend to rise. Therefore, the elevated levels of CEA in smokers and elderly individuals can be attributed to the effects of smoking and the aging process.Rate this question:
- 16.
Which of the following is indicative of a positive result for Her-2/neu using immunohistochemistry?
- A.
![Tumor Markers Quiz - Quiz]()
- B.
![Tumor Markers Quiz - Quiz]()
Correct Answer
A.Explanation
A positive result for Her-2/neu using immunohistochemistry would indicate the presence of the Her-2/neu protein in the tissue sample being tested. This could suggest that the patient has an overexpression of the Her-2/neu gene, which is associated with more aggressive forms of breast cancer. Option 1 is therefore indicative of a positive result because it suggests the presence of the protein.Rate this question:
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- 17.
A method of comparing differences in DNA copy number between tests (e.g. tumor) and reference samples
- A.
MRNA Microarrays
- B.
Comparative genomic hybridization
Correct Answer
B. Comparative genomic hybridizationExplanation
Comparative genomic hybridization is a method used to compare differences in DNA copy number between test samples (such as tumors) and reference samples. It involves labeling DNA from both samples with different fluorescent dyes and then hybridizing them to a microarray. The microarray contains probes that represent different regions of the genome. By comparing the intensity of the fluorescent signals, one can determine if there are any gains or losses in DNA copy number in the test sample compared to the reference sample. This technique is commonly used in cancer research to identify genetic alterations associated with tumor development and progression.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Norepinephrine is an example of which type of tumor marker?
- A.
Metabolite
- B.
Enzyme
- C.
Hormone
- D.
Protein
Correct Answer
A. MetaboliteExplanation
Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and hormone that is produced and released by the adrenal glands. It functions as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the body. As a tumor marker, norepinephrine can be used to detect certain types of tumors, particularly neuroendocrine tumors. These tumors can produce excessive amounts of norepinephrine, which can be measured in the blood or urine as a metabolite. Therefore, norepinephrine is an example of a metabolite tumor marker.Rate this question:
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- 19.
________, a tumor marker is considered as a normal protein.
Correct Answer
ThyroglobulinExplanation
Thyroglobulin is considered a normal protein and a tumor marker because it is produced by the thyroid gland and is involved in the production of thyroid hormones. In healthy individuals, thyroglobulin levels are typically low. However, in cases of thyroid cancer, thyroglobulin levels can be elevated, making it a useful marker for detecting and monitoring the disease. Therefore, thyroglobulin is both a normal protein and a tumor marker.Rate this question:
- 20.
CA 15-3
- A.
Colorectal
- B.
Ovarian
- C.
Breast
- D.
Pancreatic
Correct Answer
C. BreastExplanation
The correct answer is Breast because CA 15-3 is a tumor marker commonly used to monitor breast cancer. It is a blood test that measures the level of a protein called CA 15-3, which is often elevated in breast cancer patients. This marker is particularly useful for tracking the progression of the disease and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. While CA 15-3 can also be elevated in other types of cancer, such as ovarian and pancreatic, it is most commonly associated with breast cancer. Therefore, the correct answer is Breast.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Apr 26, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Expert Reviewed by
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Mar 20, 2020Quiz Created by
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