[Clinical implication of tumor marker expressions suggesting biological characters of malignancies]

One of the potential utilities of tumor markers is to recognize the biological characters of malignancies. These biological characters include cell lineage, cell differentiation, cell growth activity, metastatic risk, drug sensitivity or precancerous involvements. So it is very important for the clinical management of cancer patients to detect such tumor marker expressions. The major aim of this brief overview has been to provide an update on the such tumor markers. Expression of some phenotype markers recognized by monoclonal antibodies against cancer cells suggests cell lineage or cell differentiation. Neuroendocrine property can be diagnosed by tumor markers such as GRP, 1-DDC, NSE or CR-BB. Cancer cell nuclear DNA patterns are highly associated with cell growth activity. Expression of E-selectin suggests high risk of cancer metastasis. Detection of MDR protein or GST-pi is correlated with anticancer drug resistance. Precancerous involvement such as atrophic gastritis can been screened by the serum pepsinogen level. These tumor markers were discussed on the basis of our research or literatures.