Category: Medicine

Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Blood Tests: Performance Limitations and Clinical Utility Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests aim to identify signals from multiple cancer types in a single sample. These tests primarily analyze cell-free DNA methylation patterns or other circulating biomarkers. Researchers and companies continue to evaluate their performance in large studies. However, questions remain […]

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 […]

Key Hallmarks of Cancer The hallmarks of cancer represent acquired functional capabilities that enable neoplastic transformation and tumour progression. Hanahan and Weinberg originally defined six hallmarks in 2000 and later expanded the framework. Cancer cells sustain proliferative signalling. They activate oncogenic pathways or overexpress growth factor receptors such as EGFR and HER2. This drives continuous […]

Antimetabolites and Their Role in Oncology Antimetabolites are cancer drugs that block cell growth. They mimic natural building blocks of DNA and RNA. As a result, dividing cells cannot copy their genetic material and stop multiplying. These drugs act during the synthesis phase of the cell cycle. Cancer cells divide faster than most healthy cells. […]

The Mechanisms of Cellular Transformation Cellular transformation is the process that turns a normal cell into one that grows without the usual limits. In the lab, researchers use the term for cells that gain unlimited division, lose contact inhibition, and form tumors in animals. In the body, the same changes mark the early steps of […]