Use of common seric tumor markers in patients with solid cancers

Seric tumour markers (STM) are molecules that theoretically indicate the presence of malignancy, and used for monitoring response to therapy and early detection of relapse. This article describes the use and limitations of common SMT in patient with solid tumors. Excepting prostate specific antigen (PSA) and thyroglobulin, STM are not poorly sensitive or specific for screening and diagnosis of cancers. Alpha foetoprotein (AFP) is however used to screen hepatocellular carcinoma in high risk patients with suspect masses. Beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-HCG) is frequently used for the diagnosis and management of gestational trophoblastic disease, while combined AFP and beta-HCG dosage is a good adjunct in the evaluation and treatment of non seminomatous germ cell tumors. PSA is used for screening and follow up of prostate cancer. Ca 125 is useful for evaluating pelvic masses in postmenopausal women and monitoring response to therapy in women with ovarian cancer, while Ca 15 3 is used to follow response to therapy in patients with breast cancer.