A New Tumor Marker Is Being Investigated for Its Usefulness

question 51

Multiple Choice

A new tumor marker is being investigated for its usefulness in diagnosing ovarian cancer.  A sample of 400 women is stratified into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of BRCA mutations.  Serum levels of the new marker are obtained in the 2 groups; in addition, both groups of women undergo conventional screening to determine their disease status.  The curves on the top represent the distribution of the new serum marker in women with BRCA mutations, and the curves on the bottom represent the distribution of the new serum marker in women without the BRCA mutations. The proposed serum marker cutoff value for both populations is shown.  Use of the new serum marker in women with BRCA mutations, compared with those without BRCA mutations, is associated with which of the following?

• A)Higher sensitivity and higher specificity
• B)Higher sensitivity and lower specificity
• C)Higher sensitivity and same specificity
• D)Lower sensitivity and higher specificity
• E)Lower sensitivity and lower specificity
• F)Lower sensitivity and unchanged specificity
• G)Unchanged sensitivity and unchanged specificity

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Definitions:

Variable Cost

Charges that adjust in relation to the amount of goods produced or level of enterprise activity.

Output Volume

The quantity of goods or services produced by a company, industry, or economic sector during a specified period.

Total Cost

The complete cost of producing or purchasing goods, encompassing both fixed and variable expenses.