Tumor markers - Biotech, Pharma and Life Science Channel
Tumor markers are substances produced by tumor cells or by other cells of the body in response to cancer or certain benign (noncancerous) conditions. These substances can be found in the blood, in the urine, in the tumor tissue, or in other tissues. Different tumor markers are found in different types of cancer, and levels of the same tumor marker can be altered in more than one type of cancer. In addition, tumor marker levels are not altered in all people with cancer, especially if the cancer is early stage. Some tumor marker levels can also be altered in patients with noncancerous conditions.
To date, researchers have identified more than a dozen substances that seem to be expressed abnormally when some types of cancer are present. Some of these substances are also found in other conditions and diseases. Scientists have not found markers for every type of cancer. Tumor markers are used in the detection, diagnosis, and management of some types of cancer. Although an abnormal tumor marker level may suggest cancer, this alone is usually not enough to diagnose cancer. Therefore, measurements of tumor markers are usually combined with other tests, such as a biopsy, to diagnose cancer.
Tumor marker levels may be measured before treatment to help doctors plan appropriate therapy. In some types of cancer, tumor marker levels reflect the stage (extent) of the disease. Tumor marker levels also may be used to check how a patient is responding to treatment.
Most tumor markers are not sensitive or specific enough to be used for cancer screening. For example, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are often used to screen men for prostate cancer, but this is controversial. Another tumor marker, CA 125, is sometimes used to screen women who have an increased risk for ovarian cancer, but mostly, CA 125 is used to monitor response to treatment and check for recurrence in women with ovarian cancer. The NCI is currently conducting the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer screening trial, or PLCO trial, to determine if certain screening tests reduce the number of deaths from these cancers.
Cancer researchers are turning to proteomics (the study of protein shape, function, and patterns of expression) in hopes of developing better cancer screening and treatment options. Proteomics technology is being used to search for proteins that may serve as markers of disease in its early stages or to predict the effectiveness of treatment or the chance of the disease returning after treatment has ended.
Source; Nantional Cancer Insitute
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Tumor Markers in Cancer Detection, Diagnosis and Management
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Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Taxodium
A plant genus of the family TAXODIACEAE. Members contain taxodione and taxodone, which are diterpenoid quinone methide tumor inhibitors.
Mastocytoma
A solid tumor consisting of a dense infiltration of MAST CELLS. It is generally benign.
Receptor, Epha1
The founding member of the EPH FAMILY RECEPTORS. It was first cloned from an erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line and is highly conserved among many mammalian species. Overproduction of the EphA1 receptor is associated with tumors and tumor cells of epithelial origin. It is also expressed at high levels in LIVER; LUNG; and KIDNEY; which is in contrast to many other members of the Eph receptor that are found primarily in tissues of the nervous system.
Ephrin-a1
An ephrin that was originally identified as the product of an early response gene induced by TUMOR NECROSIS FACTORS. It is linked to the CELL MEMBRANE via a GLYCOINOSITOL PHOSPHOLIPID MEMBRANE ANCHOR and binds EPHA2 RECEPTOR with high affinity. During embryogenesis high levels of ephrin-A1 are expressed in LUNG; KIDNEY; SALIVARY GLANDS; and INTESTINE.
Plant Tumor-inducing Plasmids
Plasmids coding for proteins which induce PLANT TUMORS. The most notable example of a plant tumor inducing plasmid is the Ti plasmid found associated with AGROBACTERIUM TUMEFACIENS.
