With the improving efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents the early detection of recurrent disease in patients with neoplasia is becoming increasingly important. Available methods of detecting tumours are largely based on clinical and radiological techniques but these are generally insensitive. Recently there has been a search for more sensitive methods of tumour detection based upon serum measurements of tumour products. In particular carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) has been shown to be useful in monitoring bowel and breast tumours while α-fetoprotein levels are useful for detecting and monitoring hepatomas1-2.

Haptoglobin and orosomucoid levels are useful for detecting and monitoring lung and breast tumours, respectively, and may be useful for detecting recurrent disease in patients with neoplasia.

Haptoglobin and orosomucoid in lung and breast tumours

Key Takeaway: Haptoglobin and orosomucoid levels are useful for detecting and monitoring lung and breast tumours, respectively, and may be useful for detecting recurrent disease in patients with neoplasia.