What's new with tumor markers for colorectal cancer?
OBJECTIVE
Many tumor markers have been utilized in the follow-up care of colorectal cancer patients. No marker, however, has proven reliably accurate in detecting recurrent disease.


METHODS
The strengths and weaknesses of currently available tumor markers are reviewed, with attention to related cost and efficacy.


RESULTS
Tumor antigens, enzymes, and genetic markers have been used as tumor markers. CEA and CA 19.9 are the most widely utilized; however, genetic markers are the most promising for the future.


CONCLUSIONS
Currently available markers have significant limitations. Development of genetic markers may greatly enhance our ability to predict prognosis and the need for adjuvant therapy. Marker-guided therapy may play an increasing role in this disease.
Pokorny
R M
RM
Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY 40292, USA.
Hunt
L
L
Galandiuk
S
S
D018941:Antigens, CD19 / Q000097:blood; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000097:blood*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000097:blood; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000201:enzymology; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D020783:Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 / Q000378:metabolism; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / Q000097:blood; D009955:Ornithine Decarboxylase / Q000378:metabolism; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000378:metabolism
D018941:Antigens, CD19; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006023:Glycoproteins; D008055:Lipids; C054080:lipid-associated sialic acid; C047052:tumor-associated antigen 72; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator; D020783:Matrix Metalloproteinase 7; D009955:Ornithine Decarboxylase; D019158:N-Acetylneuraminic Acid