Use of cytokeratin fragments 19.1 and 19.21 (Cyfra 21‐1) in the differentiation of malignant and benign pleural effusions

Abstract

Cyfra 21-1 is a useful adjunct in the workup of effusions but should not replace conventional investigations as there is considerable overlap in levels between benign and malignant groups. It is unable to differentiate between subgroups of malignancies.