Tumor markers - a new perspective

Abstract

Introduction. The incidence and prevalence of tumor pathology are constantly increasing both globally and in our country. The implementation of new sensitive, specific and easily applicable methods such as tumor markers offers new possibilities in diagnosis, personalized treatment and subsequent monitoring.Aim of the study. Presentation of the latest and most promising tumor markers according to the latest international studies. Materials and methods. It has been carried out the synthesis and analysis of the scientific information of the last years in the field of oncology and biomarkers. The targeted population studies are large and performed in the most endowed centers, with maximum truthful results. The markers with the best results were selected. Results. Liquid biopsy is an alternative to current diagnostic methods due to its sensitivity, applicability, rapidity and harmlessness to obtain CTC, miRNA, RNA, DNA, exosomes,metabolites, etc. In the diagnosis of breast cancer, we have highlighted a number of new markers such as hsa_circ_0001785, lncRNA HOTAIR, GATA 3, specific plasma lipid profile according to tables and a large miRNA panel. Pancreatic tumors due to asymptomatic evolution, require screening by risk groups, therefore the new markers periostin and circ- LDLRAD3 RNA complement CA19.9 in early diagnosis, especially in PDAC. The long known pyruvate-kinase M2 is determined to be effective in determining the prognosis in pancreatic cancer and EphA2 represents a diagnostic marker but also a therapeutic target. A number of metabolites are capable of differentiating chronic pancreatitis from pancreatic cancer. In the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, was developed a set of 16 RNAs that determine the tumor in its early stages. Likewise, the combination of eight serum biomarkers (CEA, CA19.9, AFP, Galectin3, TIMP1, ferritin, CRP, CyFra 21-1) allows efficient and rapid diagnosis. Conclusions. Population studies in different countries and by different scientists have shown that biomarkers and biomarker panels studied allow early, rapid, specific diagnosis of the tumor pathologies. Diagnosis based on these tests will reduce the invasive diagnostic procedures and increase the survival rate due to personalized and specific treatment for each tumor. They also allow subsequent monitoring, relapses and prognosis.