The Role of Biomarkers in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Understanding Biomarkers
A biomarker is a biological phenomenon or characteristic that can provide information about a person's health or disease status. In the context of cancer, biomarkers are substances or processes that indicate the presence of cancer, its progression, or response to treatment.
Types of Cancer Biomarkers
Cancer biomarkers can be molecules, proteins, or other substances that are produced by tumor cells or the body's response to cancer. Some common types of biomarkers include:
- DNA or RNA mutations
- Protein overexpression or underexpression
- Circulating tumor cells
- Tumor-specific antigens
Applications in Cancer Care
Biomarker testing plays a crucial role in modern cancer care. It helps doctors to:
- Diagnose cancer and monitor its progression
- Predict response to specific treatments
- Stratify patients into clinical trials
- Identify patients at high risk of developing cancer
- Detect cancer relapse early
By understanding the molecular characteristics of cancer, doctors can tailor treatments to match the specific needs of each patient. Biomarker testing has significantly improved the accuracy and effectiveness of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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