Cancer biomarkers, and novel techniques for detection

• Main Author: Jamal, Tameem
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Oncology; Autoantibodies; Biomarkers; Cancer; Immunology; Early detection; Tumor associated antigen
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/2144/26755

Technologies for early detection of tumors is critical for better therapy outcome and overall change in cancer survival. These assays must be capable of detecting tumors at early stages in order to prevent metastasis of the tumor and help reduce mortality. Biological molecules can serve as markers that can indicate the presence of cancerous cells. Current biomarkers approved by the FDA include CA 125, which is a tumor associated antigen (TAA). However, the sensitivities of these TAAs is not high enough to detect at early stages of disease. Recent technologies have found that antibodies that recognize these TAAs, also known as autoantibodies, provide more sensitive means to screen for tumors. This review aims to present recent literature data relative to the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, one should note that this article covers only fraction of the broad science behind this subject.