Oncomarker Panel

A cancer marker screening blood panel measuring tumour-associated antigens to support early detection and monitoring of common malignancies, with results typically available within two to three business days.

The Oncomarker Panel at Vasmedic is a blood-based cancer screening test that measures a set of tumour-associated antigens and proteins. These biomarkers are substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer, and their elevated levels in blood can indicate the presence or progression of certain malignancies. The panel typically includes markers relevant to the most common cancers by gender and age group. For men, this commonly includes PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for prostate cancer screening, CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) associated with colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers, AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) for liver cancer, and CA 19-9 for pancreatic and biliary tract cancers. For women, the panel may include CA 125 for ovarian cancer, CA 15-3 for breast cancer, CEA, and other markers based on clinical relevance. The specific markers included are tailored to the patient's age, gender, and risk profile. It is important to understand that tumour markers are screening tools, not definitive diagnostic tests. Elevated levels can occur in benign conditions (inflammation, infection, liver disease, smoking), and normal levels do not absolutely exclude cancer. However, when used appropriately as part of a comprehensive health assessment, oncomarker panels provide an additional layer of screening that can prompt earlier investigation of suspicious findings. The test requires a standard venous blood draw, which takes approximately 30 minutes including registration and the draw itself. Fasting is generally not required for tumour markers, though if the panel is combined with other metabolic tests, morning fasting may be recommended. Results are typically available within two to three business days and are reviewed by a physician who can explain the findings and recommend follow-up if any values are outside the expected range. At 3,990 CZK (approximately 161 EUR), the panel offers access to a comprehensive set of cancer markers at a fraction of the cost charged in Western European countries, where equivalent panels typically range from 300 to 500 EUR. The panel is frequently requested as an add-on to the clinic's preventive health check programmes, particularly by patients over 40 or those with family histories of cancer. The clinic can arrange specialist oncology referral if any markers are significantly elevated.