Elevated calcitonin levels can be a significant biomarker in the context of certain cancers, most notably medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). MTC arises from the parafollicular cells of the thyroid, which naturally produce calcitonin. Thus, high levels of this hormone can be indicative of MTC. Monitoring calcitonin levels can aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with this type of cancer.