Specific and non-specific tumor markers in thyorid carcinoma

In 85 patients with the four most frequent histologic types of thyroid carcinoma simultaneous determinations of 9 different tumor markers were performed after thyroidectomy. The radioimmunoassay (RIA) for calcitonin (hCT) yields a very high sensitivity and specificity for detection of recurrences in c-cell carcinoma. Concerning differentiated papillary and follicular carcinoma the RIA for thyroglobulin (hTg) adds valuable information to routine diagnostics in follow-up. But autoantibodies against hTg and TSH-dependence of hTg release as well as defective hTg synthesis in cancerous cells may lead to false negative results. The RIA for carcinoembrynonic antigen in c-cell carcinoma as well as for ferritin, immunoglobulin E, and tissue polypeptide antigen in differentiated papillary and follicular carcinoma can be of some diagnostic value for intraindividual follow-up observations. The tumor markers alpha-fetoprotein, beta-chorionic gonadotropin and Tennessee antigen proved to be of no importance for follow-up of thyroid carcinoma. (orig./MG)