Cancer Marker Antibodies

Cancer markers or tumor markers are proteins or antigens that are elevated in the body due to the presence of cancer. Such biomarkers can be detected in the blood, urine, stool, tumor tissue, or other tissues or bodily fluids samples to detect, screen, diagnose, and monitor the progression of specific cancers. Much work over the years have led to the identification of many cancer-specific tumor markers. Some of the most well-known include prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer and CA-125 for ovarian cancer. Many markers are also shared among different cancer types, such as HER2, estrogen receptor (ER), Ki-67, and beta hCG.

Antibodies have become well-established tools in measuring cancer markers. Their specificity is applicable in applications such as in immunostaining, flow cytometry, blotting, and immunoassays. However, it is important to acknowledge that cancer research is an actively evolving field. Previously identified markers have been found to be elevated in benign conditions. Thus new findings may present new markers, or question existing ones.