Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

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Prepare for the Oncology Certified Nurse Test. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each backed by hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification!

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What tumor marker is elevated in cases of colon cancer and can help in monitoring treatment or recurrence?

CA 19-9
CEA
CA 27-29
AFP

The correct answer is: CEA

The tumor marker that is elevated in cases of colon cancer and is particularly useful in monitoring treatment response and potential recurrence is CEA, which stands for carcinoembryonic antigen. CEA is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, and its levels can increase significantly in individuals with various types of cancers, especially colorectal cancer. In the context of colon cancer, measuring CEA levels can provide valuable information. Elevated levels before treatment may indicate the presence of cancer, and a decrease in levels during treatment can suggest a positive response to therapy. Furthermore, elevated CEA levels after treatment may signal disease recurrence, allowing for timely intervention. Other tumor markers listed, such as CA 19-9, CA 27-29, and AFP, are associated with different types of cancers or conditions. CA 19-9 is primarily linked to pancreatic cancer, CA 27-29 is associated with breast cancer, and AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is typically elevated in liver cancer and germ cell tumors. Therefore, while these markers have their applications, CEA stands out specifically for monitoring colon cancer.