How Tumor Markers Play a Crucial Role in Personalized Healthcare
Tumor markers hold significant importance within personalized medicine as it offers valuable insights regarding the presence of cancer [1]. By identifying specific biomarkers associated with tumors, healthcare providers can detect cancer at its earliest stages, often before symptoms emerge, leading to higher probabilities of successful interventions.
Advancing Colorectal Cancer Screening with Tumor Markers
One of the best-validated biomarkers is the use of fecal occult blood (FOB) testing in screening for colorectal cancer. According to the Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Group, 4 eligible randomized controlled trials show that screening participants over 50 years of age using the FOB testing method can significantly reduce mortality from colorectal cancer by 16% while there was a 25% increase in mortality for participants that failed to attend screening [5]. This underscores the importance of proactive participation in screening programs for early detection and improved outcomes.
Utilizing Tumor Markers to Improve Patient Quality of Life
Tumor markers are valuable tools in patient care planning as they provide minimally invasive and high sensitivity for detection. For example, in breast cancer, markers such as CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 have shown improved sensitivity and specificity compared to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), making them useful for monitoring treatment response in metastatic breast cancer patients [3]. In prostate cancer, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test combined with a physical exam can help identify individuals at risk and guide early detection efforts [3]. These markers offer a noninvasive approach that facilitates earlier diagnoses and improved treatment outcomes, which ultimately contributes to cost savings in terms of healthcare resources and patient quality of life.
Detecting Relapse and Monitoring Cancer Progression
Biomarkers can also play a significant role in detecting relapse during the follow-up period and identifying recurring cancers after initial treatment. They offer valuable insights into the human body, especially when there is no visible evidence of cancer [4]. Several specific tumor markers, such as prostate specific antigen for prostate cancer, human chorionic gonadotropin for gestational trophoblastic tumors and germ cell tumors of ovaries and testicles, and cancer 125 for epithelial ovarian cancer, prove to be beneficial in post-treatment scenarios [4]. Overall, with these markers, medical practitioners can monitor their patients’ progress and make informed decisions on relapse and cancer progression.
Challenges in Establishing Standard Values for Tumor Markers
Differences in sample collection, handling, storage, and profiling techniques across different research sites can introduce variations in the protein profile obtained from a particular sample [4]. Consequently, standardization becomes a crucial issue that needs to be tackled, encompassing factors such as biological variation, preanalytical variables, and analytical variability [4]. These challenges must be overcome to establish consistent and reliable standard values for tumor markers to ensure accurate interpretation and effective utilization in clinical settings.
Artron's Tumor Marker Products for Precise Healthcare Diagnosis
Addressing the concern of variations in sample collection, handling, and storage, Artron’s team of dedicated professionals employs careful quality control measures to ensure excellent tumor marker products.
By adhering to strict protocols and utilizing cutting-edge technologies, we create high-quality tumor marker products that provide consistent and reliable results. Our comprehensive product lineup includes Carcinoembryonic Antigen Test Strip and Cassette (CE certified), Fecal Occult Blood Test Strip and Cassette (HC/CE certified), TRF Fecal Transferrin Test Strip (HC certified), and more. These products are designed to deliver accurate results, with high levels of sensitivities.
Our commitment to excellence sets us apart as a trusted partner in supporting healthcare professionals. Feel free to leave a comment below or send us an email at info@artronlab.com and our representatives will be happy to answer your questions.
References:
[1] Rutkowski, P., Pauwels, P., Kerger, J., Jacobs, B., Maertens, G., Gadeyne, V., Thielemans, A., de Backer, K., & Neyns, B. (2021). Characterization and Clinical Utility of BRAFV600 Mutation Detection Using Cell-Free DNA in Patients with Advanced Melanoma. Cancers, 13(14), 3591. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13143591
[2] Sanjay, S. T., Fu, G., Dou, M., Xu, F., Liu, R., Qi, H., & Li, X. (2015). Biomarker detection for disease diagnosis using cost-effective microfluidic platforms. The Analyst, 140(21), 7062–7081. https://doi.org/10.1039/c5an00780a
[3] Beverly Handy, The Clinical Utility of Tumor Markers, Laboratory Medicine, Volume 40, Issue 2, February 2009, Pages 99–103, https://doi.org/10.1309/LMTRKSKYW4GI6SBJ
[4] Nagpal, M., Singh, S., Singh, P., Chauhan, P., & Zaidi, M. A. (2016). Tumor markers: A diagnostic tool. National journal of maxillofacial surgery, 7(1), 17–20. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-5950.196135
[5] Hewitson, P., Glasziou, P., Irwig, L., Towler, B., & Watson, E. (2007). Screening for colorectal cancer using the faecal occult blood test, Hemoccult. The Cochrane Library, 2011(2). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6769059/