Impact of chromogranin A measurement in the work-up of neuroendocrine tumors

Ann Oncol. 2001:12 Suppl 2:S79-82. doi: 10.1093/annonc/12.suppl_2.s79.

Abstract

Since the development of the first immunoassay for circulating chromogranin A in 1984, a lot of studies have evaluated its clinical impact in neuroendocrine tumors. Initially studied in pheochromocytoma patients, the clinical impact of chromogranin A has rapidly extended to most neuroendocrine tumours, sometimes in combination with other eutopic or ectopic secretions. In our experience, CgA demonstrates a variable sensitivity between NET primary and a high specificity. Our results suggest that CgA should be routinely screened in foregut-derived NET and abandoned in the routine screening of medullary thyroid carcinoma. In addition, in phaeochromocytoma and ileum-NET patients, CgA demonstrates a comparable sensitivity with urinary reference markers and its impact on the follow-up will form a key point when recommending routine screening. Both tumor burden and secretory activity should be taken into account when interpreting CgA results.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood*
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / pathology
  • Chromogranin A
  • Chromogranins / analysis
  • Chromogranins / blood*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Staging / methods*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CHGA protein, human
  • Chromogranin A
  • Chromogranins