Protein Tumor Markers

Biomarkers are defined as “any substance, structure, or process that can be measured in the body or its products and influence or predict the incidence of outcome or disease”¹. Certain physiological conditions are characterized by the presence or altered levels of substances specific for that condition. Substances such as proteins and peptides can be readily measured and are therefore often times used as biomarkers.

Biomarkers in tumor diagnostics

Tumor markers represent a subset of biomarkers that are indicative for cancerous growth. Most of these marker are being produced by both normal cells as well as tumor cells. The levels at which they are present in bodily fluids like urine, saliva or blood are however typically significantly higher in patients with various malignancies.

There is a plethora of tumor markers being used which can be classified base on their function, the way they are detected, or the kind of sample in which they are measured:

• Oncofetal antigens
• Tumor associated antigens
• Hormones and hormone receptors
• Enzymes and isoenzymes
• Serum and tissue proteins
• Cancer stem cells⁴
• other tumor markers such genetic markers and biomolecules.

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A perfect tumor marker is highly specific and differentiates reliably between healthy individuals and cancer patients. It can be a universal tumor marker or specific for one particular malignancy. It should permit early detection of early stage tumors and at the same time distinguish tumor stages and have prognostic value for outcome and potential recurrence. Lastly, it should be easily measureable with established techniques to follow any changes during the course of a treatment.

None of the established markers fulfill all the points in the wish list for the perfect tumor marker. Instead, several markers are typically used in conjunction to allow for a reliable diagnosis, prognosis, staging and monitoring of a wide range of different cancer types⁵.

How are Tumor Markers measured?

The majority of tumor biomarkers are proteins or peptides. Consequently, they can be qualitatively and quantitatively measured using immunological methods such as ELISA, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, or other methods depending on the nature of the marker and of the sample.

An increasing number of tumor markers are also based on genetic variations⁶. Altered expression patterns and mutations in certain oncogenes do not affect the type of malignancy but are also determinants for the response to treatment.

Protein Tumor Markers in different Tissues

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By clicking on the link below, you can download a copy of our Protein Tumor Marker poster in PDF format.

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The table above compiles a number of protein and peptide markers that are typically used to diagnose and monitor various malignant conditions. The first column classifies the different markers as oncofetal antigens, tumor associated antigens, hormones and hormone receptors , iso-/enzymes, serum and tissue markers, and cancer stem cell markers. The matrix indicates for which cancer types the different markers can be used.

Protein Tumor Markers Antibodies

antibodies-online offers a wide range of products relevant for immunoassays focused on commonly used tumor markers: