There are no ideal tumor markers for lung cancer, but these substances may serve as indicators for identifying patients suspected of having lung cancer.
Tumor markers show considerable sensitivity in lung cancer when used alone or in group of 3 for NSCLC (CEA, CYFRA 21-1 and SCCA) and group of 2 for SCLC (ProGRP, NSE). It is possible to obtain a sensitivity higher than normal levels.
Numerous studies have been published regarding the utility of tumor markers in the prognosis in SCLC(NSE and ProGRP), as well as in NSCLC (CEA, CYFRA 21-1,SCCA).
Tumor markers are not habitually used in patients with lung cancer. However, there are studies showing that the sensitivity and specificity of tumor markers in lung cancer are higher than, or at least similar to, the values obtained in other malignancies.
Nevertheless, tumor markers may provide very helpful aid in diagnosis, prognosis, early diagnosis of recurrence and therapy monitoring.
The 5 biomarkers provided by Mindray, as shown below, could assist doctors in the management of both SCLC and NSCLC.
References:
1. American Cancer Society, Lung Cancer - Small Cell: Statistics, updated Jan 2020, https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lung-cancer-small-cell/statistics
2. Joachim Schneider, Tumor Markers in Detection of Lung Cancer, Advances In Clinical Chemistry, 2006, VOL. 42. P4-19. (DOI: 10.1016/S0065-2423(06)42001-1).
3. Tumor Markers in Lung Cancer, European oncological disease 2006, P106-108. (DOI:10.17925/EOH.2006.0.2.106).