Clinical value of using serological cytokeratins as therapeutic markers in thoracic malignancies.
In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness among physicians of the value of therapeutic interventions in patients suffering from lung cancer and mesothelioma. A search for an optimal approach using surgery, irradiation and chemotherapy in different settings of the tumour disease, including curatively aimed adjuvant chemotherapy after locoregional surgery or radiotherapy, has resulted in gradually improved survival rates. Still, early detection is crucial if there is to be a possibility of curing patients or prolonging life in cases of relapsed disease. Several studies have been initiated in which surrogate markers are evaluated in comparison to chest X-rays and computer tomography. The present review focuses on the predictive and prognostic value of using serological cytokeratins as tumour markers for patients suffering from thoracic malignancies.
Ekman
Simon
S
Department of Oncology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Eriksson
Peter
P
Bergström
Stefan
S
Johansson
Peter
P
Goike
Helena
H
Gullbo
Joachim
J
Henriksson
Roger
R
Larsson
Anders
A
Bergqvist
Michael
M
D001681:Biological Assay; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000097:blood*; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D007633:Keratins