[The current concept of tumor markers in oncological urology--cell surface markers]

Basic problem of the diagnosis and treatment of superficial noninvasive bladder cancer is the absence of criteria for its potential invasiveness. In recent years it became clear that cell differentiation in some cancer forms essentially depends on the presence or absence of some antigens on the cell surface. These may be demonstrated by means of appropriate methods and may thus serve as marker in determining the prognosis and the stage of the disease and for monitoring the therapy in patients with bladder carcinoma. Of major value for the clinical practice are the clinical practice are the T-antigen, the ABO(H) antigens and the tumor-assisted antigens. Demonstration of T-antigen is effectuated by means of a modified erythrocyte-binding test and of the ABO(H) antigens by the Davidsohn's test. Correlation of these antigens with the pathological and clinical stage in a series of studies has demonstrated their practical significance in choosing an optimal therapeutic plan. There also exists relationship between the blood group antigens and the degree of malignancy in urothelial tumors. This allows a more precise evaluation of the indications for organ-preserving operation in some cases.