Biomarkers and exposure to asbestos.

Review of published studies clearly demonstrates the absence of value of th e CEA, CYFRA21-1 and NSE biomarkers, either alone or combined, for the scre ening of lung cancer. So far, diagnostic value of other biomarkets, such as p53 tumor suppressor gene or the detection of antibodies raised against re ceptors encoded by oncogene or against p21 protein (encoded by K-ras oncogn e) remains speculative. This justifies that efforts should be reinforced in this field. Similarly, further studies are needed for biomarkers indicativ e of individual susceptibility to asbestos-related cancers, particularly in the field of P450 cytochromes or glutathione-S-transferase.