Tumor markers for the early detection of bladder cancer

Several urine markers have been and are currently being investigated for the diagnosis and prognostication of bladder malignancies. While cystoscopy and urine cytology remain the gold standard in the detection of bladder cancer, cystoscopy is invasive and cytology yields low sensitivities in low-grade disease. The availability of a non-invasive, accurate, office-based test would be ideal. In this review, we discuss markers that are useful in the prevention and detection of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. In general, each of the markers has better sensitivities than cytology, but lower specificities. Furthermore, each of these markers must still be used in adjunct with cystoscopy.