The Molecular Genetics Laboratories at the BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Cancer Center, serves as a provincial referral laboratory for the diagnosis of lymphoma, leukemia, sarcoma, and hereditary breast cancer using DNA technology. The results of DNA studies are closely correlated with clinical, morphologic and phenotypic features. There are no other laboratories of this size or experience in Canada with such a large menu of molecular genetic tests. This service is complemented by a large and experienced cytogenetic and FISH facility. Further details available on request.
Tumour markers are substances produced by a tumour, or by the body in response to a tumour.
These substances, present in tumour tissue or cells, may be released into body fluids which can be detected by various means. The measurement of tumour markers should permit the detection of cancer and possibly identify the organ-source of the tumour. The result of the test should ideally correlate with tumour size, and the fall in level, with therapy, should correspond to positive response to treatment. Tumour markers may, however, be elevated in some benign diseases. A tumour marker should aid in the detection of tumour, prediction of prognosis, monitoring of therapy, and prediction of recurrence.