Serum tumor markers (onkomarkers) play critical role in diagnosis, staging, risk stratification and prognosis of patients with testicular tumors.They are usefull as an important index to monitor during the therapy and than aids in the early detection of disease recurrence. Commontesticular cancer tumor markers are α-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
The limitationof these markers is sensitivity and specificity. There are many others conditions that can cause elevation of these markers.
Because ofthat new markers are finding, the biggest potential have studies based on detection of non-coding RNAs and cell-free circulating DNA.