Use of GI tumor markers in clinical practice: a practical interpretation

During the past two decades, there has been a remarkable increase in the availability and utility of tumor markers and tumor genetics in the diagnosis, and management of the various GI malignancies. Still, there is considerable variability among physicians in the use of followup studies following potentially curative resection of any of the GI cancers. Multiple surveillance strategies have been published at cost ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per patient. Therefore, the literature on the currently available GI tumor markers, will be reviewed. Those tumor markers can be tested and detected basically in one of two clinical settings: (a) serum-based; in serum specimens, and (b) tissue-based; in endoscopic and surgical specimens.