tumour-associated antigen

Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are molecules found on both normal and cancer cells, but they are present in significantly higher amounts on tumor cells. These elevated levels can serve as tumor markers, indicating the presence of a tumor. Some TAAs are proteins normally produced during fetal development but are absent or present in minimal quantities in adults, such as the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Elevated CEA levels are primarily associated with cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, but also with other cancers. The immune system can recognize TAAs, potentially triggering an immune response, though this response may not always be strong enough to eliminate the tumor.12