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Current status of tumour markers
1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10022, USA.
Summary
Tumour markers aid cancer management but require improved quality assurance and new developments. Enhanced performance necessitates collaboration between clinicians, lab professionals, and industry for better cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Tumour markers are substances used in cancer patient management.
- Current clinical applications and misuses of tumour markers are reviewed.
- The importance of quality assurance in tumour marker testing is discussed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current clinical use and abuse of tumour markers.
- To outline the status of quality assurance in tumour marker performance.
- To establish the significance of single versus multiple marker analysis in cancer management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on tumour markers.
- Analysis of current clinical practices and quality assurance in tumour marker assays.
- Discussion on screening issues and future needs.
Main Results:
- Tumour markers are valuable but face challenges in clinical application and quality assurance.
- Single marker analysis has limitations; multiple marker analysis significance is explored.
- Screening with tumour markers presents specific problems.
Conclusions:
- High-throughput automated equipment, novel markers, and standardized assays are crucial.
- Development of reference materials, standards, and nomenclature is essential.
- Effective quality assurance programs, including proficiency studies, require interdisciplinary collaboration.