Biochemical detection of recurrent breast cancer

When clinically obvious recurrence develops in breast cancer patients, a large tumor burden is usually present. The development of biochemical techniques to detect recurrence may allow early diagnosis and therapeutic benefit. Reviewed in detail is the use of 10 biochemical parameters, as well as chest x-rays and physical examinations. Present data indicate that serial chest x-rays, physical examinations, liver enzymes, and CEA are the most sensitive means of detecting recurrence.