TUMOR MARKERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE

Several biochemical events are performed in tumor formation and during changing of normal cell to transformed cell. The reactions carried out in either molecular level or cellular level must be known in order to follow performing biochemical reaction. The reason of intensive studies of scientists is be able to determine these variations easily and early. Although tumor markers are not sufficiently sensitive in diagnosis, they carry importance in point of show the tumor burden. Some compounds that find somewhat or not find in normal cells are expressed during malign transformation of cells and secreted to body fluids. These molecules binding to tumor can determine by immunological methods by using reactive that react with the tumor specific antigens. In tumor marker group, Tumor binding antigens, enzymes, specific proteins metabolites and oncogenes can be counted. Tumor markers are very crucial parameters in early diagnosis for clinic, the prediction of patient prognosis, determination of answer to the therapy and following of disease. Tumor markers are important tests in the point of patients' future, life quality and the prediction of therapy cost. Hence tumor diagnostic tests are necessary to do in extent of standardization.

Keywords: Tumor markers, sensitivity, specificity