In the evaluation of testicular cancer, tumor markers such as AFP and hCG are primarily used for which purpose?

• A. Initial Screening for Diagnosis
• B. Staging of Disease
• C. Monitoring Treatment Response and Detecting Recurrence
• D. Replacing Imaging Studies

Answer: (C)

Tumor markers like AFP and hCG are best used to track disease activity over time in testicular cancer. They reflect how much tumor is present and how it responds to treatment.

After the primary tumor is removed, a decline in these markers suggests the disease burden is decreasing, while rising or persistently elevated levels indicate residual disease or recurrence. This makes them especially useful for monitoring during and after therapy, guiding decisions about additional treatment or closer surveillance.

They are not reliable for initial screening in the general population, and imaging plays the central role in determining the extent of disease (staging) and guiding treatment. Markers can provide prognostic information but do not replace imaging.

So, the primary purpose is monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence.