Tumor markers (TMs) are chemicals secreted from tumors into the blood, which can be used as a diagnostic tool for cancer. Although the radiation detection field has demonstrated that an assessment of absorbed dose using a protein with gene expression is a good biomarker of radiation. However, because the TM test has low sensitivity and specificity, a positive result may not always indicate the presence of cancer. Therefore, additional procedures like biopsies or x-rays are required, additionally, a number of studies claim that integrating TMs with modern equipment like multi-detector CT or MRI could improve detection sensitivity. Moreover, the use of technologies such as nanotechnology and artificial intelligence provides promise for raising the sensitivity of TMs and enhancing their effectiveness as well. All of these new technologies may contribute to enhancing the detection of TMs and could give RWs a quick and simple technique to identify cancer in its early stages and contribute to a better understanding of the impact of low radiation doses.
The use of certain TMs for screening is common; illustrates how each type of TM is associated with a particular form of cancer. Such as the glycoprotein known as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which is higher in smokers and colorectal, breast, lung, or pancreatic cancers. Although it has special sensitivity among markers for colorectal cancer. Another widely used cancer antigen is 19-9, which is used for pancreatic cancer. Regular CA19-9 measurements can improve early diagnosis of biliary tract cancer.
Author(s) Details:
Areej Dahdol
Palestinian Ministry of Health, Salfit, Palestine and Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine.
Mohammad Hjouj
Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health Professions, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine.
Recent Global Research Developments in Tumor Marker Correlations with Independent Variables
Ki-67 Index and Breast Cancer:
- A study published in the Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology investigated the association of the Ki-67 index (a measure of tumor proliferative activity) with various clinicopathological factors in breast cancer [1].
- The study included 127 female patients with clinical tumor stage 1–3 and nodal stage 0 or 1.
- Key findings:
- Ki-67 index positively correlated with pathological stage, histological grade, and molecular subtype of the tumor.
- It was inversely associated with estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status.
- No significant correlation with age or HER2 status was observed.
- The Ki-67 index’s role as a prognostic factor in breast cancer was suggested based on its associations with common prognostic factors.
Reference Intervals for Serum Tumor Markers:
- A preliminary study established reference intervals (RIs) for serum tumor markers in an apparently healthy elderly population in Southwestern China [2].
- Real-world data from 35,635 individuals aged 60 years and above were used.
- The aim was to provide RIs for commonly used serum tumor markers.
References
- Chidananda Murthy, G. Ki-67 Index and Its Correlation with Clinical and Pathological Variables in Breast Cancer. Indian J Surg Oncol 14, 943–948 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13193-023-01833-6
- Miao, Q., Lei, S., Chen, F. et al. A preliminary study on the reference intervals of serum tumor marker in apparently healthy elderly population in southwestern China using real-world data. BMC Cancer 24, 657 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-024-12408-1