[Diagnostic significance of tumour markers in clinical chemistry. Report on the workshop conference of the German society for Clinical Chemistry, held on November 15--17, 1979 in Schloss Auel (author's transl)].

A workshop conference was held on the diagnostic significance of tumour markers in clinical chemistry. The aims of the conference were (1) discussion of the methodological prerequisites for the standardization of tumour marker determinations, and (2) description of those clinical conditions under which the determination of tumour markers should be carried out. The following aspects were discussed in detail: Sampling, comparison of different methods, standardization and quality control, and pathobiochemical aspects. As far as clinical aspects were concerned, emphasis was laid upon the following points: Screening and limits of early diagnosis, evaluation of tumour growth, prognosis, follow-up studies. In addition to oncofetal tumour proteins, hormones, enzymes, and placental proteins were also discussed.