Molecular markers of carcinogenesis

Pharmacol Ther. 1998 Feb;77(2):135-48. doi: 10.1016/s0163-7258(97)00111-3.

Abstract

The protein products of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes play critical roles in the development of many cancers. The expression of a number of these proteins can be detected in extracellular fluids such as blood. This article reviews the literature on the application of methods for the detection of the proteins of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in the blood of humans with cancer or at risk for the development of cancer. The detection of these proteins in blood may be useful molecular markers of carcinogenesis that could play an important part in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / blood
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood*
  • Growth Substances / blood
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Oncogene Protein p21(ras) / blood
  • Oncogene Protein p21(ras) / immunology
  • Prognosis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / blood
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / immunology
  • Receptors, Growth Factor / blood
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / blood
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Growth Substances
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Receptors, Growth Factor
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Oncogene Protein p21(ras)