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Tumor Biology
Published in: Tumor Biology 6/2013

01-12-2013 | Review

Biomarkers for pancreatic cancer: promising new markers and options beyond CA 19-9

Authors: Umashankar K. Ballehaninna, Ronald S. Chamberlain

Published in: Tumor Biology | Issue 6/2013

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Abstract

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma accounts for nearly 90–95 % of exocrine malignant tumors of the pancreas. Traditionally, overexpressed proteins/epitopes such as CA 19-9, CA-50, CEA, and many others were being used as pancreatic cancer tumor markers. The main utility of these biomarkers was in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer as well as to assess response to chemotherapy and to determine prognosis and to predict tumor recurrence. However, these markers had significant limitations such as lack of sensitivity, false-negative results in certain blood groups, as well as false-positive elevation in the presence of obstructive jaundice. To circumvent these limitations, an extraordinary amount of research is being performed to identify an accurate tumor marker or a panel of markers that could aid in the management of the pancreatic cancer. Although this research has identified a large number and different variety of biomarkers, few hold future promise as a preferred marker for pancreatic cancer. This review provides an insight into exciting new areas of pancreatic biomarker research such as salivary, pancreatic juice, and stool markers that can be used as a noninvasive test to identify pancreatic cancer. This manuscript also provides a discussion on newer biomarkers, the role of microRNAs, and pancreatic cancer proteomics, which have the potential to identify a preferred tumor marker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This review further elaborates on important genetic changes associated with the development and progression of pancreatic cancer that holds the key for the identification of a sensitive biomarker and which could also serve as a therapeutic target.
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Metadata
Title
Biomarkers for pancreatic cancer: promising new markers and options beyond CA 19-9
Authors
Umashankar K. Ballehaninna
Ronald S. Chamberlain
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
Tumor Biology / Issue 6/2013
Print ISSN: 1010-4283
Electronic ISSN: 1423-0380
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13277-013-1033-3

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