Measurement of tumor markers in cerebrospinal fluid: an important role in the diagnosis of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis / 中华神经科杂志

ABSTRACT

Tumor markers (TMs) in blood are important tools for the diagnosis, prognosis prediction and monitoring therapeutic efficacy of malignant tumor. Measurement of TMs in pleural and peritoneal fluid has been widely used. However, the significance of common TMs associated with systemic solid tumors in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been overlooked to some extent. TMs in CSF are within extremely low limits in patients without intracranial malignant diseases. Slightly elevated TMs in CSF usually indicate abnormal intrathecal synthesis. Measurement of TMs in CSF is a useful and feasible ancillary diagnostic tool for intracranial metastasis, especially for leptomeningeal metastasis.