Which marker is primarily used for diagnosis and follow-up of germ cell tumors such as testicular cancer?

Which marker is primarily used for diagnosis and follow-up of germ cell tumors such as testicular cancer?

• A. Alpha-fetoprotein
• B. Carcinoembryonic antigen
• C. Prolactin
• D. Testosterone

Answer: (A)

Markers in germ cell tumors help diagnose and monitor how well treatment is working. Alpha-fetoprotein is the primary serum marker used for diagnosing and following nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis. It is produced by yolk sac tumors and embryonal carcinoma, so elevated AFP levels reflect tumor presence and burden. After treatment such as orchiectomy or chemotherapy, AFP should decline according to its biological half-life (about 5–7 days). If AFP remains high or rises over time, it suggests residual disease or recurrence and prompts further investigation or therapy. In contrast, carcinoembryonic antigen is associated with colorectal and other adenocarcinomas, not germ cell tumors. Prolactin is a pituitary hormone and not used as a cancer marker for testicular tumors. Testosterone is a sex hormone and likewise not a marker for diagnosing or monitoring germ cell tumors.

Markers in germ cell tumors help diagnose and monitor how well treatment is working. Alpha-fetoprotein is the primary serum marker used for diagnosing and following nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis. It is produced by yolk sac tumors and embryonal carcinoma, so elevated AFP levels reflect tumor presence and burden. After treatment such as orchiectomy or chemotherapy, AFP should decline according to its biological half-life (about 5–7 days). If AFP remains high or rises over time, it suggests residual disease or recurrence and prompts further investigation or therapy.

In contrast, carcinoembryonic antigen is associated with colorectal and other adenocarcinomas, not germ cell tumors. Prolactin is a pituitary hormone and not used as a cancer marker for testicular tumors. Testosterone is a sex hormone and likewise not a marker for diagnosing or monitoring germ cell tumors.