Tumor markers and molecular biological markers in gynecologic malignancies

Gynecologic oncology is a rapidly growing field due to constant advances in immunohistochemistry and molecular biology. This review serves as an overv iew of new studies promoting the use of tumor markers and molecular biologi cal prognostic factors in malignancies affecting women. The majority of stu dies focus on either endometrial or ovarian carcinoma. Other gynecologic ma lignancies (cervical, vulvar, and vaginal carcinoma) have a much smaller re presentation in the world literature. Multiple new markers were examined ov er the last year. We conclude that although some markers show promise as po tential new consensus prognostic indicators, more work is needed to confirm results and clarify any existing discrepancies. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 1 3:31-39. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.