Biomarkers in breast cancer

• Authors: Graciela Laguens , Silvia Coronato , Wanda Girolamo
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women in the western world. Due to the aggressive behaviour of some specific types and the possibility of an early diagnosis, breast cancer has been constantly studied. Tumour size, histological type, cellular and nuclear characteristics, mitotic index, vascular invasion, hormonal receptors and axillary lymph node status are biomarkers routinely used. However, these parameters are not enough to predict the course of this disease. Molecular biology advances have made it possible to find new markers, which have already been incorporated to the clinical practice. Their ultimate goal is to reduce mortality by identifying women at risk for the development of this disease, help diagnosis, determine prognosis, detect recurrences, monitor and guide treatment, and in particular cancers they are suited for general screening. Tumour markers in breast cancer were ranked in categories reflecting their clinical utility, according to the American College of Pathologists.This article focuses on traditional and new molecular markers stratifying them into categories and emphasizing their relevance in the routine evaluation of patients with breast cancer.

Keywords

EN

Tumour markers; breast cancer

• Publisher: De Gruyter Open
• Journal: Open Medicine
• Year: 2006
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 330-347

Dates

published

1 - 12 - 2006

online

26 - 9 - 2006

Contributors

author

Graciela Laguens

• Cátedra de Patología B, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad nacional de La Plata, Argentina

author

Silvia Coronato

• Cátedra de Patología B, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad nacional de La Plata, Argentina

author

Wanda Girolamo

• Cátedra de Patología B, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad nacional de La Plata, Argentina

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Identifiers

DOI

10.2478/s11536-006-0032-9