Multiple Biochemical Markers for Cancer: A Statistical Approach

Abstract

In the past few years there has been growing interest in the identification and characterization of tumor-associated substances, such as antigens, antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and other proteins, that can be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Ideally, a tumor associated marker to aid in identifying tumor appearance and monitoring its growth, should be available in body fluids and/or in tissue specimens (i.e., fine needle biopsy specimens) and, obviously, undetectable in non cancer patients, as well as specific for the type and location of the neoplasia, and quantitatively measurable. Despite remarkable advances recently achieved in this field, none of the substances described up until now completely meets all these requirements.