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What are Cancer Biomarkers?
Cancer biomarkers are vital biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that provide key insights into cancer. They can indicate the presence of cancer, predict how a patient might respond to treatment, or measure the effectiveness of therapies.
These biomarkers – such as proteins, DNA, or RNA – are produced either by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. At Topic of Cancer, our research focuses on understanding why some treatments work better for certain patients, using biomarkers to help personalise therapies and improve outcomes for everyone.
Tumour Markers
Tumour markers are substances produced either by cancer cells or by the body in response to the presence of cancer. These markers are often found at elevated levels in people with certain types of cancer and can be detected in blood, urine, or tissues. They play a critical role in cancer care, helping with diagnosis, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and sometimes even predicting outcomes.
Examples include:
CA-125
This marker is commonly elevated in ovarian cancer. It is often used to help diagnose or monitor the progression of the disease.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
PSA is a marker used to screen for prostate cancer. Elevated PSA levels may indicate the presence of cancer or other prostate conditions.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
Often associated with liver cancer and germ cell tumours, AFP can be used to diagnose or monitor treatment response in these conditions.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
CEA is typically elevated in colorectal cancer and some other cancers, such as pancreatic, stomach, and lung cancers. It is often used to track disease progression or recurrence.
Genetic Markers
DNA changes indicating cancer susceptibility.
Key mutations include:
BRCA1 and BRCA2
Mutations increasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
KRAS
Mutations that drive disease and influence treatment outcomes in pancreatic cancer.
Epigenetic Markers
Modifications affecting gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself, potentially influencing cancer development.
Gene Expression Profiles
Patterns of gene activity that help classify tumours and predict prognosis or treatment response.
Uses of Cancer Biomarkers
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