Experience in the use of the tumor markers CEA, GICA and TPA in the postoperative monitoring of colorectal neoplasms
Morelli, M.; Nardi, M.; Valle, M.; Balducci, D.; Serafini, D.; Bernardini, P.
Minerva Medica 76(34-35): 1529-1531
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4806 PMID: 2412188 Document Number: 243216
Current use of tumour markers in the followup to malignant digestive tract neoplasias is restricted mainly by the non optimal sensitivity levels and specificity of these markers. These aspects of CEA, GICA and TPA markers used in follow-ups for 23 patients surgically treated for Duke's stage B2 neoplasias of the colon and rectum were examined over the period 1980-1983. Each marker examined displays its own individual characteristics of sensitivity and specificity. An X-ray endoscopic confirmation is required in all cases as no single marker is sufficiently reliable to be used as a diagnostic tool on its own. It is concluded that biological markers should be used as part of a follow-up programme embracing more than one diagnostic procedure.