Tumor Antigen

A tumor antigen is an antigenic substance produced by tumor cells that can trigger an immune response in the host. These antigens are either unique to cancer cells or are present at much higher levels in tumors compared to normal tissues, making them useful as both diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. They are broadly classified into tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). TSAs are unique to tumor cells and often arise from mutations, while TAAs are present at elevated levels on tumor cells but may also be expressed at lower levels on some normal tissues.

Targeting tumor cells for destruction via antibody-mediated cytotoxicity, immune cell activation, or drug delivery.