In pancreatic cancer, which tumor marker is commonly elevated?

In the context of pancreatic cancer, the tumor marker commonly elevated is CA19-9. This marker is particularly relevant because it is associated with the detection and management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which is the most prevalent form of pancreatic cancer. CA19-9 levels are often increased in patients with this type of cancer, making it a useful tool in monitoring treatment response and disease progression.

While other markers like CA-125, CEA, and AFP are associated with different types of cancers or specific conditions, they are not as directly linked to pancreatic cancer as CA19-9. For instance, CA-125 is primarily used in ovarian cancer, CEA is often associated with colorectal cancer, and AFP is typically linked to liver cancer and germ cell tumors. Thus, the specificity and sensitivity of CA19-9 for pancreatic cancer make it the correct choice in this scenario.