What is the tumor biomarker commonly used for prostate cancer detection?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the tumor biomarker that is most commonly used for the detection and monitoring of prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland. Elevated levels of PSA in the blood can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, though they may also be elevated due to benign conditions like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PSA testing is frequently utilized in clinical practice as part of routine screening for prostate cancer, especially in men over the age of 50 or those with a family history of the disease. The test is relatively simple and involves drawing blood, which makes it accessible and valuable for early detection efforts.

Other biomarkers listed, such as CA-125, CEA, and AFP, are associated with other types of cancers and are not specifically used for prostate cancer detection. CA-125 is primarily linked to ovarian cancer, CEA is often used in the context of colorectal cancer, and AFP is associated with liver cancer and germ cell tumors. Thus, PSA stands out as the specific biomarker for prostate cancer monitoring and management.