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Cancer Biomarker Concentration Changes During Tumor Progression.
Miyo K Chatanaka1, Eleftherios P Diamandis2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
EJIFCC
|November 7, 2024
Summary
Decreases in serum biomarkers during cancer progression may be a false discovery. This study suggests such inverse associations with tumor burden are likely epiphenomena, not true diagnostic indicators.
Area of Science:
- Biomarker Discovery
- Cancer Research
- Diagnostic Utility
Background:
- Most circulating disease biomarkers increase with disease progression and tumor burden.
- However, some studies report decreases in serum biomarkers upon diagnosis or progression compared to healthy controls.
- These decreases have been suggested for potential diagnostic applications.
Discussion:
- This study examines empirical data on serum cancer biomarker concentrations during disease progression.
- A proposed model suggests that biomarker decreases may often be artifacts or epiphenomena, leading to false discoveries.
- This is supported by limited examples of declining serum biomarkers during cancer development.
Key Insights:
- Serum biomarker decreases during cancer progression are likely epiphenomena.
- Inverse associations between biomarker levels and tumor burden may not be biologically significant.
- Rethinking the interpretation of declining biomarkers in cancer diagnostics is crucial.
Outlook:
- Further investigation into the mechanisms behind apparent biomarker decreases is warranted.
- Validation studies are needed to confirm whether these decreases represent true biological changes or artifacts.
- This research may refine diagnostic strategies and biomarker selection in oncology.
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