Current status of tumor markers
Hattori, N.
Gan no Rinsho. Japan Journal of Cancer Clinics 29(6): 649-653
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-4949 PMID: 6192266 Document Number: 206951
Among several methods of cancer diagnosis, tumor marker is recently attracting interest. We have known for long time that the Bence-Jones protein is a typical example of tumor marker. alpha-fetroprotein is another tumor marker and is actually playing key role for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. CEA, novel gamma-GTP, placental alkaline phosphatase etc are good markers of cancer. In addition to enzyme and protein, hormones are known as tumor markers. Assay method of tumor marker developed remarkably. RIA, EIA, monoclonal antibody technique are also used recently. Cancer is thought also to produce substances which are structurally different in minute points. The difference in the structure of sugar chains are being clarified. The study of tumor markers has shown a marked progress in many aspects. The development of new markers, preparation of monoclonal antibody, quantitative analysis of tumor markers, and confirmation of aminoacid sequences and sugar chain structures, are being investigated for the diagnosis, treatment and study of pathogenesis of cancer.