Lung cancer tumor markers in serous effusions and other body fluids

Abstract

From its onset and during its progression, lung cancer may affect various extrapulmonary structures. These include the serous membranes, the pleura and pericardium, and less frequently the central nervous system, with leptomeningeal involvement. In these cases, fluid accumulates in the serous membranes which may contain substances secreted by the tumor. Measuring the concentrations of these substances can provide useful information for elucidating the origin of the fluid accumulation, either in pleural and pericardial effusions or in cerebrospinal fluid. This paper describes the histological types of lung cancer that most frequently affect the serosa and leptomeninges. It also reviews the literature on tumor markers in different fluids and makes recommendations for their interpretation.

Lung cancer biomarkers: Raising the clinical value of the classical and the new ones

“…However, tumor marker may not only be measured in blood serum or plasma. Trapé et al [32] show how lung cancer tumor markers can guide diagnosis when assessed in serous effusions and other body fluids.…”