Cancer biomarkers are biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids,
or tissues that indicate the presence, progression, or characteristics of
cancer. These biomarkers can be produced directly by cancer cells or by the
body in response to the cancer.
Types of Cancer Biomarkers
- Diagnostic biomarkers: Help detect the presence of cancer.
- Prognostic biomarkers: Provide information about the likely course or outcome of the
disease (e.g., likelihood of progression or recurrence).
- Predictive biomarkers: Predict how well a cancer might respond to a specific treatment.
- Monitoring biomarkers: Track the effectiveness of treatment or detect recurrence.
- Risk biomarkers: Indicate an individual's susceptibility to developing cancer.
Examples of Cancer Biomarkers
- Proteins: PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) for prostate cancer.
- Genetic mutations: BRCA1/2 mutations for breast and ovarian cancer risk.
- Gene expression: HER2/neu amplification in breast cancer.
- Circulating tumor DNA (CTDNA): Fragments of DNA released by cancer cells
into the bloodstream.
Importance of Cancer Biomarkers
- Facilitate early detection of cancer.
- Enable personalized or precision medicine by guiding treatment
decisions.
- Improve monitoring of treatment response and disease progression.
- Provide insight into cancer biology, aiding in drug development.
Cancer
biomarkers continue to be an essential area of research to improve cancer
diagnosis, treatment, and management.
