RATIONAL USE OF SERUM TUMOUR MARKERS IN DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT OF SOLID TUMOURS

Optimal management of patients with solid tumors, depending on the tumour type, includes measurement of serum tumour markers levels. Serum tumour markers are heterogeneous molecules with concentrations elevated in persons with solid tumours, but could also be found in small amounts in plasma of healthy individuals. Elevated plasma concentrations are caused by cell changes, necrosis, changed expression or secretion of different molecules. In some tumour types tumour cells by themselves could stimulate other cells to secrete particular molecules. There are several serum tumour markers in the routine clinical praxis: CEA, CA 19-9, CA15-3, CA 125, CYFRA, NSE, PSA, HCG, AFP, LDH, thyreoglobulin. There are also several serum tumour markers in experimental use, waiting to be included into the routine clinical use. National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) practice guidelines for use of tumour markers in clinical practice are designated to encourage more appropriate use of serum tumour marker tests by general medicine practitioners, surgeons, oncologists, and other health care professionals giving care to patients with solid tumours.