Open AccessChromogranin A as a valid marker in oncology: Clinical application or false hopes?
Author(s) -
Stavros Gkolfinopoulos,
Konstantinos Tsapakidis,
Konstantinos Papadimitriou,
Demetris Papamichael,
Panteleimon Kountourakis
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
world journal of methodology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2222-0682
DOI - 10.5662/wjm.v7.i1.9
Subject(s) - chromogranin a , neuroendocrine tumors , biomarker , medicine , precision oncology , oncology , endocrine system , clinical oncology , cancer , immunohistochemistry , biology , hormone , biochemistry
Chromogranin A, due to its primary expression throughout the neuroendocrine system, is a widely accepted biomarker for the assessment of neuro-endocrine tumors. It has been traditionally used in the management of patients with tumors of gastro-enteropancreatic origin. Lately, it has also been implicated in various conditions and diseases, both benign and malignant. However, the paucity of data of adequate strength, as well as its relation with common physiologic conditions and its interaction with commonly prescribed medications, limit its clinical use in only a narrow spectrum. Herein, we present a thorough review to the most frequent conditions where its levels are affected, focusing specifically on its potential use as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in oncology.