In the past, many tumor marker laboratory tests have not been sensitive enough for the very early detection of cancer. However, many of them have nonetheless proved useful in monitoring therapy, following the course of the tumor, and predicting prog- nosis. Today, cancer may be viewed as a genetic disease with various specific chromo- somal and nucleotide aberrations, such as mutations, deletions, gene amplification, gene rearrangements, and translocations occurring during the transformation of a nor- mal cell into a malignant cell. The considerable advances in technology during the past several years have greatly enhanced our ability to detect human cancers in the very early stages of tumor forma- tion. These technologies include: (1) nucleotide molecular assays (genomics); (2) proteomics (multiplex protein measurements); (3) DNA microarrays; and (4) bio- informatics. Many of these technologies are already helping in the integration and use of multiple biomarkers for tumors. Although the individual biomarkers may reveal only limited information, the use of multiple biomarkers can help markedly elevate the diagnostic capabilities for early detection of tumors.

This exciting new reference focuses on topics relating to present and future laboratory assays for cancer diagnosis. These techniques are useful for diagnosing disease; the early detection and screening of patients with specific types of cancer; the early detection of metastatic disease in cancer patients; and hereditary diseases of cancer. Coverage includes circulating protein and other serum markers, cellular markers, and nucleic acid molecular markers. Cancer Diagnostics: Current and Future Trends is a valuable and cutting-edge reference for clinical laboratory scientists interested in diagnostics, as well as physician oncologists and scientists who wish to learn about present and emerging diagnosis and evaluation of various cancers.

In the past, many tumor marker laboratory tests have not been sensitive enough for the very early detection of cancer. However, many of them have nonetheless proved useful in monitoring therapy, following the course of the tumor, and predicting prog- nosis. Today, cancer may be viewed as a genetic disease with various specific chromo- somal and nucleotide aberrations, such as mutations, deletions, gene amplification, gene rearrangements, and translocations occurring during the transformation of a nor- mal cell into a malignant cell. The considerable advances in technology during the past several years have greatly enhanced our ability to detect human cancers in the very early stages of tumor forma- tion. These technologies include: (1) nucleotide molecular assays (genomics); (2) proteomics (multiplex protein measurements); (3) DNA microarrays; and (4) bio- informatics. Many of these technologies are already helping in the integration and use of multiple biomarkers for tumors. Although the individual biomarkers may reveal only limited information, the use of multiple biomarkers can help markedly elevate the diagnostic capabilities for early detection of tumors.

This exciting new reference focuses on topics relating to present and future laboratory assays for cancer diagnosis. These techniques are useful for diagnosing disease; the early detection and screening of patients with specific types of cancer; the early detection of metastatic disease in cancer patients; and hereditary diseases of cancer. Coverage includes circulating protein and other serum markers, cellular markers, and nucleic acid molecular markers. Cancer Diagnostics: Current and Future Trends is a valuable and cutting-edge reference for clinical laboratory scientists interested in diagnostics, as well as physician oncologists and scientists who wish to learn about present and emerging diagnosis and evaluation of various cancers.