Tumor type M2-pyruvate-kinase levels in pleural fluid versus plasma in cancer patients: a further tool to define the need for invasive procedures☆

Abstract

Tumor M2-PK marker is useful in differentiating malignant from benign pleural effusions. Moreover, its sensitivity and NPV in pleural fluid are significantly higher compared to plasma. The usefulness of such a test is not strictly diagnostic but aims at excluding poorly performing patients from further invasive procedures. Thus, the inclusion of M2-PK within a panel of well-known tumor markers such as CEA, MCA, Ca 125 and Ca 19-9, may help in increasing the overall sensitivity and specificity.