Bladder cancer 2000: molecular markers for the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma

The search continues for better tumor markers to improve the rate of detection of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) more quickly in larger populations and to predict the possibility of disease recurrence. Among several new tests currently being screened, telomerase and hyaluronic acid/hyaluronidase (HA/HAase) have shown sensitivity and specificity equal to or better than cytology, and other promising tumor markers are being investigated. Although no marker has yet replaced the need to perform cystoscopy and cytology, the new tests can minimize the cost and difficulty of screening and long-term surveillance of patients who have or are at risk for bladder cancer.