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Which cancer types are associated with the biomarkers CA 15-3, CA 125, and PSA?

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In the field of translational medicine, biomarkers serve as measurable indicators of physiological states, including the presence of malignancy. These substances, often secreted by tumors or produced by the body in response to cancer, are essential tools for diagnosis, monitoring, and assessing treatment efficacy.12

The following biomarkers are associated with these specific cancer types:

CA 15-3: Associated with breast cancer.1
CA 125: Associated with ovarian cancer.12
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen): Associated with prostate cancer.1

While these markers are used in clinical practice, it is important to note that they are not always perfectly specific. For instance, elevated PSA levels can also indicate non-cancerous conditions such as infections or benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is why clinical reliance on these markers requires careful interpretation alongside other diagnostic procedures like biopsies.34