Tumour markers - new aspects of an old discussion?
The knowledge about the molecular genetic features of cancer has been vastly increased within the last few years. Tumor markers used so far for diagnosis, monitoring, and follow-up of cancer patients are tumor-associated rather than tumor-specific. Therefore, the development of more sensitive and specific tumor markers is urgently needed. In this review, the possibilities of using molecular genetic characteristics of cancer as specific and sensitive tumor markers are discussed.
Fleischhacker
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Medizinische Klinik m.S., Hämatologie und Onkologie, Charité, Campus Mitte, Schumannstr. 20/21, D-10117 Berlin, Germany. michael.fleischhacker@charite.de
Beinert
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D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D016158:Genes, p53; D011905:Genes, ras; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000235:genetics; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D008967:Molecular Biology; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D007633:Keratins