Tumour markers in urology

Abstract:

Tumour markers are the cornerstone in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of oncologic patients. There is no ideal tumour marker, which could be detected in blood, positive only in patients with malignant disease, present in concentration that correlates with the stage of disease and treatment response, produced by only one tissue, and easily measured and repeatable. Unfortunately, no known tumour markers today meets all these criteria. Although most tumour marker tests do not have sufficient sensitivity or specificity to be used independently in early diagnosis or mass screening, doctors should be familiar with advantages and disadvantages of their use in clinical practice.

Key words:
early detection of cancer; mass screening; tumor therapy; tumor markers, biological