What does it mean if only one marker is elevated, versus all three?

The clinical interpretation differs based on how many markers are elevated. One elevated marker: this is a signal, but the specific cancer type most associated with that marker provides useful direction. miR-21 elevation alone may be seen in a wider range of cancer types. miR-141 alone has been specifically associated with prostate and colorectal cancer. Follow-up should be guided by which marker is elevated. Two elevated markers: higher confidence of a true cancer signal; the overlapping biology of the elevated markers helps narrow the differential. Three elevated markers: the highest confidence of a true cancer signal; represents the overexpression pattern closest to the published cancer average of 1.83× HL across all markers. The physician consultation will help interpret the specific pattern of your elevated markers.