Abstract
Chromogranin A, although it exhibits limitations, is currently the most useful general tumor biomarker available for use in the diagnosis and management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The value of the chromogranin A lies in its universal cosecretion by the majority of neuroendocrine cells that persists after malignant transformation. Clinicians aware of the physiologic role of chromogranin A and its secretion in a variety of non-NET-related pathologic conditions can use this protein as a moderately effective tumor biomarker in the management of GEP-NETs.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
MeSH terms
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Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
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Biomarkers, Tumor / blood
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Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
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Biomarkers, Tumor / physiology*
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Chromogranin A / analysis
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Chromogranin A / blood
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Chromogranin A / metabolism
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Chromogranin A / physiology*
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Diagnostic Techniques, Endocrine / standards
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Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / blood
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Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
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Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / metabolism
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Humans
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Models, Biological
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Neuroendocrine Cells / metabolism
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Neuroendocrine Cells / pathology
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Neuroendocrine Tumors / blood
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Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnosis*
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Neuroendocrine Tumors / metabolism
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Pancreatic Neoplasms / blood
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Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
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Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism
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Predictive Value of Tests
Substances
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Biomarkers, Tumor
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Chromogranin A