[Tumor markers in endocrinology (without gynecology and urology)]

Abstract

In tumours of the endocrine system there are very few real "tumour markers" (e.g. CEA); all other relevant tests measure by radioassay several endocrine materials which are produced in similar ways by tumours and normal glands. Therefore, tumour marker assays in endocrinology are usually performed in follow-up studies after more or less radical therapy of tumours of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, endocrine pancreas and the adrenal glands. On the basis of approximately 3000 assays of HGH, prolactin, thyroglobulin, calcitonin, CEA, insulin, gastrin, cortisol and aldosterone (in part with suppression and/or stimulation techniques), it is shown that these mostly indirect tumour marker assays are very important in follow-up programmes after therapy of neoplasms of the endocrine system. Their sensitivity amounts to 80%, their specificity is of the same degree.