[The role of tumor markers in urologic consultation for screening, diagnosis, and follow-up of bladder cancer].
OBJECTIVE
Review the tumor markers for screening and diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.


METHODS
The published literature on bladder cancer markers was identified using a MEDLINE search and critically analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of the various markers were compared.


RESULTS
Conventional non-invasive methods for diagnosis (symptoms and urine cytology) and for screening and follow-up of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder are not very sensitive and must not be considered sufficient. Some tumor markers seem to be a good alternative to the routine urinary cytology.


CONCLUSIONS
The role of tumor markers for screening and follow-up of bladder tumors as an alternative to cytology deserve consideration. In the future, more sensitive and specific markers may replace routine cystoscopy.
Lorenzo Gómez
M F
MF
Department of Urology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000652:urine*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006417:Hematuria / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000652:urine; D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase / Q000652:urine; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D016482:Urinalysis; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000652:urine*; D014556:Urine / Q000166:cytology
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase