New cancer markers

In recent years many new and improved cancer markers have become available. From a clinical point of view, the most useful of the new markers include CA 19-9 for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, CA 125 for epithelial ovarian cancer, CA 15-3 for breast cancer, prostate specific antigen for prostatic adenocarcinoma, placental alkaline phosphatase for testicular seminomas and neuron-specific enolase for small cell carcinoma of lung. None of these new markers are specific for cancer. Furthermore, none are organ specific, except prostate specific antigen for prostatic tissue. The main application of these markers is in monitoring patients with the specific malignancies indicated. Whether routine use of any of these new markers leads to higher quality of life or enhanced survival remains to be determined.