Tumor markers in lung cancer. What role do they play in clinical practice?

Lung carcinomas account for 95-98% of primary pulmonary malignant tumors and are the most frequent cause of death from cancer worldwide. The appropriate use of tumor markers should lead to improved quality of life and to a longer survival for the cancer patient, with a concurrent decrease in healthcare costs. Randomized prospective and large retrospective studies as well as meta-analyses regarding the tumor markers used to date show rather sobering results when it comes to evidence-based outcomes. Still, tumor markers have considerable potential for differential diagnosis and prognosis, and, in addition to morphological diagnostics, they can deliver valuable assistance in staging, control of therapy efficacy, postoperative followup, and detection of recurrent disease. However, the use of tumor markers makes sense only if conclusions for the patient's treatment and care are drawn from the results. The use of CYFRA 21-1, CEA, NSE, ProGRP, and SCCA as primary tumor markers in lung cancer is presented, and their clinical relevance is discussed with regard to national and international recommendations and guidelines.