Kavitha Nagandla
International Medical University , MalaysiaTitle: Clinical Applications of Biomarkers in Gynecological Cancers
Abstract
The
clinical applications of biomarkers in gynecological cancers represent a
significant advancement in early detection, prognosis, and personalized
treatment strategies. Biomarkers, measurable indicators of biological
processes, aid in diagnosing and monitoring diseases, including various
gynecological cancers such as ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers. The
following is the summary of the clinical applications of biomarkers in
gynecological cancers: 1. Early Detection and Diagnosis: Elevated levels of
specific biomarkers, such as CA-125 in ovarian cancer or HPV DNA in cervical
cancer, may indicate the presence of disease 2. Prognostic Assessment: Certain
biomarkers, such as HER2/neu in endometrial cancer, help stratify patients into
risk categories, guiding clinicians in determining the most appropriate
treatment plans. 3. Predictive Markers for Treatment Response: Hormone receptor
status (estrogen and progesterone receptors) in endometrial cancer, for
example, helps guide decisions regarding hormonal therapy, 4. Personalized
Medicine Approaches: Genetic biomarkers, such as BRCA mutations in ovarian
cancer, influence treatment decisions and may indicate eligibility for targeted
therapies, 5. Monitoring Residual Disease: Monitoring the expression of Ki-67,
a proliferative marker, can help assess the presence of residual tumor cells in
gynecological cancers, 6. Monitoring Treatment Response and Disease
Progression: Serial monitoring of CA-125 levels in ovarian cancer patients can
be used to assess the effectiveness of treatment and detect recurrence.7.
Minimizing Unnecessary Interventions: For instance, the presence of p16INK4a as
a biomarker in cervical dysplasia may guide the decision-making process for
colposcopy or biopsy 8. Research and Drug Development: Biomarkers are essential
in clinical trials, aiding in patient stratification, monitoring treatment
responses, and assessing the efficacy of experimental therapies. Identifying
new biomarkers through research contributes to ongoing advancements in the
field. In summary, the clinical applications of biomarkers in gynecological
cancers have revolutionized the diagnosis and management of these diseases.
Biography
Kavitha
Nagandla Associate Professor, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (Tamil Nadu Dr.
MGR Medical University), Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology