Role of tumour markers in monitoring and follow-up of colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

The authors describe the significance of colorectal cancers in public health in Hungary and at international level. This is followed by the discussion of the latest aspects of patients' monitoring and continual follow-up with special emphasis on its clinical significance. In addition to CEA, the most important tumour marker in the present clinical practice, the authors review other tumour markers that might be used in controlling cancer treatment and patients' status. The estimation of treatment effectiveness should be combined with tumour marker level determinations at regular intervals because they are capable of demonstrating the dynamics of malignant processes and, if applied in adequate combinations, indicate the presence of a recurrence or metastasis. The integration of a "tumour marker panel" into the practice of follow-up may help early cancer detection and reduce health care expenses.