Biomarkers in Oncology
Biomarkers in oncology are measurable biological indicators that guide cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
They include molecules, genes, proteins, or cellular changes linked to tumour behaviour.
Clinicians use diagnostic biomarkers to confirm the presence of cancer.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) helps identify prostate cancer.
CA-125 supports the detection of ovarian cancer.
Prognostic biomarkers predict how a cancer is likely to progress.
Ki-67 levels indicate the rate of cell proliferation in breast cancer.
High expression often signals a more aggressive disease course.
Predictive biomarkers show which patients will respond to specific therapies.
HER2 overexpression guides the use of trastuzumab in breast cancer.
PD-L1 expression helps select patients for immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Pharmacodynamic biomarkers track the effect of a drug on its target.
They confirm whether a treatment is acting as intended inside the tumour.
Changes in pathway activity provide early evidence of response.
Monitoring biomarkers detect residual disease or recurrence after treatment.
Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in blood reveals minimal residual disease.
Rising levels can signal the need for earlier intervention.
Genomic biomarkers identify driver mutations such as EGFR, ALK, or BRAF.
These findings allow oncologists to match patients with targeted agents.
Next-generation sequencing panels now test multiple markers at once.
Biomarkers reduce unnecessary treatment and improve outcomes.
They support precision oncology by matching the right therapy to the right patient.
Ongoing research continues to expand the range of clinically useful markers.