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Tumor markers in gynecologic cancer
1College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, N.Y.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Biochemical tumor markers and antibody assays enhance gynecologic oncology diagnostics. New markers improve detection for ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, with radionuclide imaging on the horizon.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Antibody-dependent tumor marker assays are increasingly utilized in gynecologic oncology.
- Monoclonal antibodies targeting novel epitopes on tumor-associated antigens enable sensitive serum marker assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and application of biochemical tumor markers in gynecologic oncology.
- To highlight advancements in assays for specific gynecologic cancers and discuss future diagnostic modalities.
Main Methods:
- Development of monoclonal antibodies against tumor-associated antigens.
- Application of immunofluorescent microscopy and immunocytochemical staining for marker identification.
- Evaluation of established and novel tumor markers such as CA 125, TA-4, and others.
Main Results:
- Improved assays for human chorionic gonadotrophin and TA-4.
- CA 125 serves as a valuable first-generation marker.
- Specific markers identified for ovarian, squamous, endometrial, and cervical cancers (e.g., Ovarian cystoadenocarcinoma-associated antigen, lipid-associated sialic acid, transforming growth factor, placenta protein 4).
- CA 15-3 and GCDFP-15 are useful for breast cancer detection.
Conclusions:
- Multiple tumor markers and detection modalities may be necessary to enhance diagnostic sensitivity.
- Radionuclide imaging presents a promising new avenue for diagnosing gynecologic malignancies.