Biomarker testing for cancer is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to revolutionise the way doctors diagnose and treat the disease. Doctors use these specific molecules or indicators to identify the presence of cancer, monitor its progression, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. The following are five facts everyone must know about this revolutionary cancer testing method.
#1 You can find it in different body fluids.
You can find biomarkers for cancer in various body fluids, including blood, urine, and saliva. For example, this cancer testing method can look for prostate-specific antigens (PSA). It is a protein often used as a biomarker for prostate cancer. On the other hand, doctors use the protein CA125 as a biomarker for ovarian cancer.
#2 Doctors used to diagnose cancer.
Oncologists use biomarkers to diagnose cancer by identifying the presence of specific molecules that are associated with the disease. The appearance of high levels of these proteins in biomarker testing results at various areas in the body can indicate the presence of cancer.
#3 It can monitor cancer progression.
Oncologists can use biomarkers to monitor cancer progression by measuring changes in the levels of specific molecules over time. Biomarker testing results will show if there is an increase in the proteins in the blood and how quickly it is progressing.
#4 It can also evaluate treatment effectiveness.
Oncologists also perform cancer testing using biomarkers to evaluate the effectiveness of cancer treatment. It measures the changes in the levels of specific molecules before and after treatment. The increase or decrease of distinct proteins in the blood after treatment can indicate that the cancer is responding to therapy.
#5 Biomarker testing also has limitations.
This cancer testing method also has limitations despite the potential benefits. Biomarkers are not always specific to a particular type of cancer. Moreover, biomarker testing results may not be as clear-cut as many patients hope. Furthermore, it can be an expensive alternative, and many insurance policies do not have it in their coverage.
Guardant Health AMEA intends to address the expanding burden of cancer in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. They offer biomarker and genetic testing services since clinicians and patients must have access to all genetic information about the disease to determine the best treatment. The blood tests Guardant Health offers now allow for the rapid selection of cancer therapy for patients. It also improves recurrence detection and early cancer screening programmes. Furthermore, they engage with pharmaceutical companies to discover and understand novel treatment strategies that result in better patient outcomes. Visit Guardant Health’s website to learn more about the clinic and its services.
