A. Zaher et T. Sheridan, Tumor markers in the detection of recurrent transitional cell carcinoma ofthe bladder - A brief review, ACT CYTOL, 45(4), 2001, pp. 575-581
Citations number
22
Categorie Soggetti
Research/Laboratory Medicine & Medical Tecnology","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
OBJECTIVE: To determine the status of the most promising tumor makers of bl
adder cancer, including comparison with cytology, technical complexity and
utility in patient management.
STUDY DESIGN: An extensive literature search was performed, and multiple ma
rkers were evaluated. The markers with the greatest potential for rise as a
n adjunct to cytology were reviewed to determine the value of clinical impl
ementation. Markers with a paucity of clinical research and poor results in
clinical trials were omitted from review, as were genetic and cytologic pr
ognostic determinants.
RESULTS: NMP22, bladder tumor antigen, fibrin/ fibrinogen degradation produ
cts, telomerase and QUANTICYT image analysis cytometry produced the most fa
vorable and reproducible results. Each test obtained favorable sensitivitie
s in comparison with cytology, especially in the detection of low grade les
ions. Many also retrospectively placed patients in high- and low-risk group
s based on the test results, allowing increased follow-up time between cyst
oscopies. However, inability to detect some high grade lesions reduces thei
r utility.
CONCLUSION: Continued clinical trials using these and other predictors of b
ladder cancer will eventually find a test that is suitable, in sensitivity
and specificity, for use in urology clinics. Until that time, these tests m
ay be useful in conjunction With cytology to prolong the interval between c
ystoscopies.