1997 UPDATE OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE USE OF TUMOR-MARKERS IN BREASTAND COLORECTAL-CANCER

Objective: The primary objective was to update the 1996 clinical pract ice guidelines for the use of tumor marker tests in the prevention, sc reening, treatment, and surveillance of breast and colorectal cancers. These guidelines are intended for use in the care of patients outside of clinical trials. Options: Six tumor markers for colorectal cancer and eight for breast cancer were considered. They could be recommended or not for routine use or for special circumstances. In addition to c arcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen (CA) 15-3, CA 27.29 a lso was considered in regard to circulatory tumor markers for breast c ancer. Outcomes: In general, the significant health outcomes identifie d for use in making clinical practice guidelines (overall survival, di sease-free survival, quality of life, lesser toxicity, and cost effect iveness) were used. Evidence: A computerized literature search from 19 94 to July 1997 was performed. Values: The same values for Use, Utilit y, and Levels of Evidence were used by the Committee. Benefits, Harms, and Costs: The same benefit, harms, and costs were used. Recommendati on: No changes in any guidelines were recommended (see text). Validati on: External review by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO ) Health Services Research Committee and by ASCO Board of Directors. S ponsor: American Society of Clinical Oncology. (C) 1998 by American So ciety of Clinical Oncology.