A novel tumor marker is being researched for its potential application in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. A 400-woman sample is divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of BRCA mutations. Serum levels of the novel marker are measured in both groups, and both groups of women are subjected to standard screening to identify their illness status. The top curves depict the distribution of the new serum marker in women with BRCA mutations, whereas the bottom curves depict the distribution of the new serum marker in women without BRCA mutations. The recommended serum marker cutoff value for both groups is . Use of the new serum marker in women with BRCA mutations, compared with those without BRCA mutations, is associated with which of the following?

Question

A novel tumor marker is being researched for its potential application in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. A 400-woman sample is divided into two groups depending on the presence or absence of BRCA mutations. Serum levels of the novel marker are measured in both groups, and both groups of women are subjected to standard screening to identify their illness status. The top curves depict the distribution of the new serum marker in women with BRCA mutations, whereas the bottom curves depict the distribution of the new serum marker in women without BRCA mutations. The recommended serum marker cutoff value for both groups is   . Use of the new serum marker in women with BRCA mutations, compared with those without BRCA mutations, is associated with which of the following?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The degree of overlap between the healthy and the diseased population curves limits the maximum combined sensitivity and specificity of a quantitative diagnostic test.  The degree to which sensitivity or specificity is affected depends on the chosen cutoff value.

A Novel Tumor Marker Is Being Researched for Its Potential