2000 update of recommendations for the use of tumor markers in breast and colorectal cancer: clinical practice guidelines of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
OBJECTIVE
To update the 1997 clinical practice guidelines for the use of tumor marker tests in the prevention, screening, treatment, and surveillance of breast and colorectal cancers. These guidelines are intended for use in the care of patients outside of clinical trials.


METHODS
Six tumor markers for colorectal cancer and eight for breast cancer were considered. They could be recommended or not for routine use or for special circumstances. In addition to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 15-3, CA 27.29 was also considered among the serum tumor markers for breast cancer.


RESULTS
In general, the significant health outcomes identified for use in making clinical practice guidelines (overall survival, disease-free survival, quality of life, lesser toxicity, and cost-effectiveness) were used.


METHODS
A computerized literature search from 1994 to March 1999 was performed.


METHODS
The same values for use, utility, and levels of evidence were used by the committee.


RESULTS
The same benefit, harms, and costs were used.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes were recommended (see Appendix).


RESULTS
The updated recommendations were validated by external review by the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO's) Health Services Research Committee and by ASCO's Board of Directors.


BACKGROUND
American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Bast
R C
RC
American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. guidelines@asco.org
Ravdin
P
P
Hayes
D F
DF
Bates
S
S
Fritsche
H
H
Jessup
J M
JM
Kemeny
N
N
Locker
G Y
GY
Mennel
R G
RG
Somerfield
M R
MR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor