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Site Map angiogenesis: Cell biology antimetabolites: Anticancer drugs that closely resemble substances needed by cells for normal growth. The rumor cells uses the drug instead and "starves" for lack of proper substance. Hartford Hospital, US, Glossary of Cancer Terms, taken from NIH Publication No. 93-2378 http://www.harthosp.org/cancer/glossary.html apoptosis: Cell biology artificial neural nets: Algorithms & data management Used for classifying cancers. biological therapy: A type of treatment that works with your immune system. It can help fight cancer or help control side effects (how your body reacts to the drugs you are taking) from other cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Biological therapy and chemotherapy are both treatments that fight cancer. While they may seem alike, they work in different ways. Biological therapy helps your immune system fight cancer. Chemotherapy attacks the cancer cells directly. National Cancer Institute, Biological Therapy http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/biologicaltherapy#1 biological tumor markers: Molecular products metabolized and secreted by neoplastic tissue and characterized biochemically in cells or body fluids. They are indicators of tumor stage and grade as well as useful for monitoring responses to treatment and predicting recurrence. Many chemical groups are represented including hormones, antigens, amino and nucleic acids, enzymes, polyamines, and specific cell membrane proteins and lipids. MeSH, 1988 CGAP Cancer Genome Anatomy Project: The goal of the NCI's Cancer Genome Anatomy Project is to determine the gene expression profiles of normal, precancer, and cancer cells, leading eventually to improved detection, diagnosis, and treatment for the patient. [CGAP, National Cancer Institute, NIH, US] http://cgap.nci.nih.gov/ cancer antibodies: PEGS April 27- May 2 2008, Boston MA Cancer antibodies cancer biomarker validation: Rigorous validation of biomarkers for early detection of cancer differs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) from similar processes common among research laboratories. As a newly discovered biomarker assay makes the transition from a research setting to the clinical diagnostic laboratory, it should progress through defined stages of assay confirmation. The first task of a validation laboratory is evaluation of research assay technology, performance, and specifications (analytical validation). However, the ultimate goal is initial validation of the test to identify early stage cancer (clinical validation). Upon technical and clinical confirmation, assays are moved systematically toward a standardized, reproducible, high-throughput format for clinical diagnostic implementation. Peter Barker, Cancer Biomarker Validation: Standards and Process: Roles for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 983:142-150 (2003) http://www.annalsnyas.org/cgi/content/abstract/983/1/142 cancer biomarkers: Sessions include cancer biomarker development, Case histories in serum based markers, Understanding epigenetics and methylation patterns of disease, panel on Steps needed to translate methylation biomarkers to clinical chemistry, Expanding world of microRNAs, Correlating imaging with clinical experience. Molecular Medicine: Cancer Molecular Markers February 28-March 2, 2007, San Francisco CA "Cancer" biomarkers may also be present in benign neoplastic disease, which careful longitudinal clinical study has shown does not proceed to malignancy (13)(14). A vitally important and humbling example is the demonstration that oncogene markers such as c-erbB-2, p53, and cyclin D1, commonly thought to be cancer biomarkers, are also present in patients with benign breast disease who have been followed clinically for 15 years or longer without neoplastic progression. ... Even after more than 150 years of cell science, it must be recognized that our conceptual framework of cancer biology remains inadequate to recognize the ideal or optimal biomarker for most cancers. Furthermore, even if, as expected, our perspectives will change over time, we need to understand what we are looking for before investments in the search and evaluation for cancer biomarkers will be effective. KP Pritzker, Cancer biomarkers: Easier said than done, Clinical Chemistry, 48 (8): 1147- 1150 Aug. 2002 http://www.clinchem.org/cgi/content/full/48/8/1147 Cancer Biomarkers Study Section CBSS, NIH, Center for Scientific Review http://cms.csr.nih.gov/PeerReviewMeetings/CSRIRGDescription/ONCIRG/CBSS.htm Cancer Biomedical Information Grid caBIG: http://cabig.nci.nih.gov/ A common, extensible informatics platform that integrates diverse data types and supports interoperable analytic tools. This platform will allow research groups to tap into the rich collection of emerging cancer research data while supporting their individual investigations. cancer diagnostics: This report examines the current status of in vivo imaging applications and in vitro cancer diagnostic tests, as well as their future potential as important screening tools. Cancer diagnostic technologies and assays are essential for the detection, diagnosis, and management of cancer. For certain cancers, methods are available for screening apparently healthy (asymptomatic) average-risk individuals. In addition, some cancers, such as cervical and colorectal cancers, can be detected in an even earlier, precancerous stage of development. Insight Pharma Reports, Cancer Diagnostics: Technology and Business Trends, 2005 http://www.insightpharmareports.com/reports/2005/54_CancerDx/overview.asp cancer fragmentomics: http://www.imss.nl/imsc17/abstracts/abstractc398.html?ID=1037 cancer genomics: Cancer is a disease of the genome initiated by genetic mutations that alter the functions of certain genes and their products, and advanced by accumulating mutations that eventually transform a normal cell into a tumor cell. Using genomics technologies such as DNA microarrays, which allow us to quantitate the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously, we can comprehensively profile gene expression patterns in human tumors and experimental models of cancer to gain insight into the hierarchy of genes and biochemical pathways that contribute to oncogenesis and disease progression. Cancer genomics at GIS, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 2007 http://www.a-star.edu.sg/astar/biomed/action/biomed_project_details.do?id=291d284511Jv Herceptin is an example of a drug for which specific suitable patients can now be identified. Oncogenomics appears to be a synonym, but less frequently used than cancer genomics. (Glossary FAQ question # 3 outlines methodology.) Related terms: CGAP Cancer Genome Anatomy Project, familial cancer, family history, germline mutations, oncogenomics, somatic cells, sporadic cancer Narrower terms: cancer proteomics; familial cancer, family history, hereditary cancer, sporadic cancer. cancer imaging, quantitative: Molecular Imaging cancer immunome: The entire panel of expressed genes and gene products with a proven cancer associated immunogenicity. [Ozlem Türeci, Cancer Research Institute, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Germany] http://www.cancerresearch.org/immune99/ozlem_tureci.html Towards a Cancer Immunome Database, Victor Jongeneel, http://www.cancerimmunity.org/v1p3/010203.htm Broader term: -Omes & -omics immunome; Related terms: Expression gene & protein cancer immunomics: The goal of our breast cancer immunomics project is to identify new antigens that can be used for diagnostics and therapy. We have developed a technique that allows us to efficiently identify candidate antigens among millions of potential antigens. we are using two approaches for this project; the first is to use blood serum from patients with breast cancer to identify antigens that produce an immune response in patients with breast cancer. These might be good candidates for vaccines, because the body already creates a response, and we just have to enhance the effect. the second approach stems from the question: Does pregnancy immunize against breast cancer?...Finally we have been studying immunological deficits in patients with breast cancer. Michael Campbell, Breast Care Center, Univ. of California San Francisco http://breastcarecenter.his.ucsf.edu/newsletters/winter_2000.pdf Broader term: -Omes & -omics immunomics cancer immunotherapeutics: Recent developments have shown successful results for an active and passive immunotherapeutic approach to fight cancer. Modulating the immune system by either changing the immune cells or by creating patient specific vaccines offer good opportunities for novel pharmaceutical drug developments. Advancements in challenging areas such as humanized monoclonal antibodies, soluble receptors, immunorepressants and tumor treatment are being addressed in this focused conference, Cancer Immunotherapeutics, Aug 22-23, 2007, Cambridge MA Cancer continues to pose a major health burden worldwide. Prevailing therapies are extremely limited in terms of safety, tolerability, and efficacy. Meanwhile, the morbidity and mortality associated with cancer is fueling interest in novel therapeutic approaches. Foremost among these are therapies that enhance the ability of the body's own immune system to fight and destroy abnormal cancer cells. CHA Cancer Immunotherapies and Vaccines: Pipelines Analysis and Competitive Dynamics, 2006 See also Biomarkers cancer resources - for patients cancer vaccines: While the common goal for cancer immunotherapeutics is to boost the immune system and thereby fight cancer in various stages, what is needed most for treating cancer successfully are more precisely-targeted therapies. The approaches vary widely and ideally it may be reached by using the patient’s own immune system or by inducing T-cells or “vaccines”, however, many obstacles and challenges still need to be overcome. Cancer Immunotherapeutics/Vaccines, Aug. 22-23, 2006, Cambridge MA Cancer vaccines are intended either to treat existing cancers (therapeutic vaccines) or to prevent the development of cancer (prophylactic vaccines). National Cancer Institute, Treating and Preventing Cancer with Vaccines: Introduction 2004 http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learning/cancervaccines Broader terms: cancer immunotherapeutics cellular oncogene (proto-oncogene): A normal gene that when mutated or improperly expressed contributes to the development of cancer. (See Oncogene.) chemoprediction: Involves predicting the response of a specific tumor to a range of chemotherapeutic agents. Utilizing genetic markers developed in the collaboration should allow cancer treatments to be selected on an individual patient basis, enabling physicians to select the most effective and least toxic chemotherapeutic agent for each patient. Mayo Clinic and Millennium Predictive Medicine establish strategic alliance, press release Nov, 9, 1998 Related terms: cancer genomics, oncogenomics Biomarkers Circulating Tumor Cells CTCs: Presents Basic tumor biology and the role of CTCs in the metastatic process. The criteria for validating prospective biomarkers and the FDA’s control of their commercial use. Current methodologies used to assay for CTCs and their clinical significance. Designing clinical trials that Incorporate CTCs as biomarkers. Case studies of how rare cells have been incorporated into drug studies Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) as Biomarkers and their use in Oncology Clinical Trial Design Molecular Medicine Short course, Feb 27, 2008 San Francisco CA clinomics: Molecular Medicine comparative oncology: The study of naturally developing cancers in animals as models for human disease. A significant and under- utilized group of naturally occurring cancers develops in pet animals, primarily cats and dogs. These large animal cancers share many features with human cancers including tumor histology, genetics, response to conventional therapy and biological behavior. Comparative Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, US http://ccr.nci.nih.gov/resources/cop/ cryochemotherapy: By combining freezing with chemotherapy, he [Boris Rubinsky] and his colleagues [radiologist Gary Onik and scientists from the Institut Gustave- Roussy in Villejuif, France] hope to more precisely target malignant cells, while sparing healthy tissue around them. Cryosurgery is performed by inserting one or more cryoprobes, thin needles cooled with either argon gas or liquid nitrogen, into a tumor, turning the malignant mass into an ice ball. Doctors see where they are operating and monitor the freezing using ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Rachele Kanigel, Giving Cancer the Cold Shoulder, Forefront, College of Engineering, Univ. of California- Berkeley http://www.coe.berkeley.edu/forefront/fall02/cancer.html Google = about 93 Sept. 23, 2004, about 390 Jan 25, 2008 diagnostics: See molecular diagnostics dominant (-acting) oncogene A gene that stimulates cell proliferation and contributes to oncogenesis when present in a single copy. See oncogene [FAO glossary] endpoints, cancer drug clinical trials: Guidance for Industry, Clinical Trial Endpoints for the approval of cancer drugs and biologics, Draft, FDA, 2005 http://www.fda.gov/cber/gdlns/clintrialend.pdf epigenetics: Genetic Manipulation & disruption extreme phenotype selection studies: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/98516956/ABSTRACT familial cancer: The expression 'familial cancer' is used by some as a synonym of hereditary cancer, however, many (including the authors of this program) use it simply to refer to the familial occurrence of cancer (> 1 case in a family), not necessarily due to an inherited cancer predisposition. Some proven hereditary disorders include the word ‘familial’ in their name. [Familial Cancer Database On-line Manual. R.H. Simons & G.T.N. Burger, Groningen, The Netherlands, 2000] http://facd.uicc.org/manual.shtml Related terms: hereditary cancer, sporadic cancer FDA Oncology Tools: http://www.fda.gov/cder/cancer/index.htm fragmentome: -Omes & -omics galectinomics: Knowledge about galectin expression by human tumor cells is mainly restricted to galectins-1 and -3. This study was conducted to define the gene expression pattern of all presently known human galectins in tumor cell lines of various histogenetic origin. H Lahm, S Andre, A Hoeflich, JR Fischer, B Sordat, H Kaltner, E Wolf, HJ Gabius, Comprehensive galectin fingerprinting in a panel of 61 human tumor cell lines by RT-PCR and its implications for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 127(6): 375- 386, 2001 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11414198&query_hl=28 Google = about 85 Nov. 5, 2005; about 288 June 25, 2007 Gleevec: An early example of a drug that targets a genetic change that is characteristic of the disease being treated ... approved for treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Gleevec inhibits Bcr- Abl tyrosine kinase, a protein that is created by the Philadelphia chromosome abnormality that is characteristic of CML. Gleevec.com http://www.gleevec.com/index.jsp hematological cancer pipelines: Blood cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Collectively, these cancers are the fifth most commonly occurring cancers and the second leading cause of cancer death. The report reviews the activities of the leading companies in this arena and provides a market assessment for all companies currently competing in or contemplating entering the field. The major strides are being made in small specialist companies with a broad range of compounds in Phases I– III. Insight Pharma Reports, Hematological Cancer Therapeutics: Pipelines and Competition, 2005 http://www.insightpharmareports.com/reports/2005/53_BloodCancer/overview.asp Herceptin: Herceptin.com, Genentech, US http://www.herceptin.com/ A preliminary (and promising) example of pharmacogenomics coming into clinical use. hereditary cancer: The hallmark of hereditary cancer is that the associated germ- line mutation confers a high lifetime risk of cancer (often >50 %, but no precise risk percentage has been defined in the literature). As a general rule, tumor development is a multi- step process in which in addition to the germline mutation in a gene, the normal ("wild type") copy of that gene and/ or other genes need to undergo somatic mutations before cancer develops. [Familial Cancer Database On- line Manual. R.H. Simons & G.T.N. Burger, Groningen, The Netherlands, 2000] http://facd.uicc.org/manual.shtml Related terms: familial cancer, sporadic cancer immortalizing oncogene A gene that upon transfection enables a primary cell to grow indefinitely in culture. [FAO glossary] mathematical oncology: Clinical oncologists and tumour biologists possess virtually no comprehensive model to serve as a framework for understanding, organizing and applying their data... Fortunately, there are some signs of increasing acceptance of mathematical methods in experimental oncology. "Mathematical oncology: Cancer summed up" RA Gatenby, PK Maini, Nature 421 (6921): 321, Jan. 23, 2003 Related term: oncologic mathematics metagenes: Expression gene & protein methylation: Proteins methylation specific PCR: Gene amplification & PCR methylome, methylomics: -Omes & omics molecular events: Identifying the molecular alterations that distinguish any particular cancer cell from a normal cell will ultimately help to define the nature and predict the pathologic behavior of that cancer cell, as well as the responsiveness to treatment of that particular tumor. By understanding the profile of molecular changes in any particular cancer it will become possible to correlate the resulting phenotype of that cancer with molecular events. Resulting knowledge will offer the potential for a better understanding of cancer biology; the discovery of new tools and biomarkers for detection, diagnosis, and prevention studies; and new targets for therapeutic development. INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF CANCER: SBIR/STTR INITIATIVE, National Cancer Institute, Release Date: May 14, 1999 http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-99-101.html molecular imaging: Molecular imaging molecular targets for cancer: The Molecular Targets Development Program (MTDP) is a new organizational entity recently launched within the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) at NCI. ,,, The initial goal of the MTDP is to facilitate the discovery of compounds that may serve as bioprobes for functional genomics, proteomics and molecular target validation research, as well as leads or candidates for drug development. Compounds of interest include not only classical, "drug-like" organic small-molecules, but also peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and other bioactive chemical classes. Future implementation phases of the MTDP concept may support preclinical and clinical development of promising new molecularly targeted investigational drugs. Molecular Targets Development Program, NCI, Center for Cancer Research, 2003 http://home.ncifcrf.gov/mtdp/intro2.html Related terms: molecularly targeted cancer therapies See also Drug targets molecular taxonomy: There has been a lack of uniform terminology for the precancerous and non- invasive lesions. Reasons for this lack relate in part to changing concepts about the biology of these lesions, subjective interpretation of criteria, heterogeneity of the neoplastic cell population, less than optimal interobserver reproducibility, and even changes in treatment. Very often descriptive terms applied to these lesions contain a mixture of diagnostic and prognostic meanings. Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Meeting Summary Molecular Classifications for Precancerous Lesions, EDRN Working Group, Feb. 2001, Rockville MD http://www3.cancer.gov/prevention/cbrg/molclass.html See also Phylogenetics molecular taxonomy Broader term: Information management & interpretation taxonomy molecularly targeted cancer therapies: Drugs that selectively attack specific cancer-associated molecular receptors or pathways, impeding the growth and progression of cancer. Insight Pharma Reports, Oncogenomics, 2006 http://www.insightpharmareports.com/reports/2006/60_Oncogenomics/overview.asp See also molecular targets for cancer neosis: W Dr. (Raj) Rengaswami Rajaraman, Dalhousie Univ. NuTech, Nova Universities Technology, Canada, Cancer Biology & Therapy, Feb. 2004 http://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/cbt/abstract.php?id=663 oncogene: A normal cellular gene which, when inappropriately expressed or mutated, can transform eukaryotic cells into tumour cells. [IUPAC Medicinal Chemistry] Genes which can potentially induce neoplastic transformation. They include genes for growth factors, growth factor receptors, protein kinases, signal transducers, nuclear phosphoproteins, and transcription factors. When these genes are constitutively expressed after structural and/or regulatory changes, uncontrolled cell proliferation may result. Viral oncogenes have prefix "v-" before the gene symbol; cellular oncogenes (PROTO- ONCOGENES) have the prefix "c-" before the gene symbol. MeSH, 1983 Narrower terms: cellular oncogenes, dominant oncogene, immortalizing oncogene, proto-oncogene, recessive oncogene, viral oncogenes oncogene proteins: Proteins coded by oncogenes. They include proteins resulting from the fusion of an oncogene and another gene (ONCOGENE PROTEINS, FUSION). [MeSH, 1993] oncogenomics: The emergence of oncogenomics promises a new era of cancer care. Over the next decade or so, biomedical researchers hope to have fully catalogued all genetic alterations associated with cancer, greatly expanding the number of "druggable" anticancer molecular targets. Oncogenomics has already seen clinical and market success with a handful of "first-generation" oncogenomic therapeutics such as Herceptin, raising hope and expectations that safer and more effective patient-selected targeted therapeutics will revolutionize cancer therapy and transform cancer into a manageable chronic disease. Insight Pharma Reports, Oncogenomics, 2006 http://www.insightpharmareports.com/reports/2006/60_Oncogenomics/overview.asp Insight Pharma Reports, Oncogenomics, 2006 http://www.insightpharmareports.com/reports/2006/60_Oncogenomics/overview.asp Google = about 332 July 24, 2002; about 1,700 Sept. 8, 2003, about 7,510 Jan. 14, 2005; about 29,400 Nov 5, 2005; about 42,100 June 25, 2007 oncologic mathematics: HYPOTHESIS: Mathematical methods and their derivatives have practical applications to oncology. They can be used to describe fundamental aspects of tumor behavior, such as loss of genetic stability, tumor growth, immunologic identity, genesis of diversity, and methods of prognosticating cancer. DATA SOURCES: Descriptive models and published literature in the fields of oncology and applied mathematics. DATA SYNTHESIS: Cancer does not conform to simple mathematical principles. Its irregular mode of carcinogenesis, erratic tumor growth, variable response to tumoricidal agents, and poorly understood metastatic patterns constitute highly variable clinical behavior. Defining this process requires an accurate understanding of the interactions between tumor cells and host tissues and ultimately determines prognosis. Applying time- tested and evolving mathematical methods to oncology may provide new tools with inherent advantages for the description of tumor behavior, selection of therapeutic modes, prediction of metastatic patterns, and providing an inclusive basis for prognostication. ... CONCLUSION: Experimentally testable, oncologic mathematics may provide a framework to determine clinical outcome on a patient- specific basis and increase the growing awareness that mathematical models help simplify seemingly complex and random tumor behavior. "Oncologic mathematics: evolution of a new specialty" RY Chandawarkar, DP Guyton, Archives of Surgery 137(12): 1428- 1434, Dec. 2002 Related term: mathematical oncology oncology target discovery and validation: Related terms: Genetic manipulation & disruption gene silencing, knockdowns, RNAi Oncology Tools: http://www.fda.gov/cder/cancer/index.htm oncopharmacogenomics: Pharmacogenomics oncoproteomics: Proteomic technologies are now being incorporated in oncology in the post- genomic era. Cancer involves alterations in protein expression and provides a good model not only for detection of biomarkers but also their use in drug discovery. Proteomics has an impact on diagnostics as well as drug discovery. Genomics still remains an important approach but the value of proteomics lies in the fact that most of the diagnostics and drugs target proteins. Kewal K. Jain, Oncoproteomics, Technology in cancer research and treatment 1(4), Aug. 2002 http://www.tcrt.org/index.cfm? CFID ontologies- breast cancer: Information management & interpretation operomics: -Omes & -omics p53: Tumor suppressor genes located on the short arm of human chromosome 17 and coding for the phosphoprotein p53. [MeSH, 1991] Broader term: tumor suppressor gene pharmacomethylomics: -Omes & - omics predictive oncology: Essentially promotes primary cancer prevention by assessment of cancer susceptibility and control of genotoxic exposures and of the basic mechanisms that may lead to the development of neoplastic diseases. Predictive oncology incorporates also identification of cancer prone individuals and prognostic evaluation of tumor development and progression as well as lifestyle modification. Cancer Prediction and Prevention Online, International Society for Preventive Oncology http://www.cancerprev.org/ISPO/About/Definition preventive oncology: For secondary prevention focuses on routine clinical and laboratory procedures for early detection and treatment of cancer, patient management and education, management of curable lesions, education and lifestyle modification. Involves: screening modalities and their cost effectiveness, methodological issues of cancer detection, public awareness and professional education, screening guidelines for cancer detection, clinical and laboratory aspects of cancer detection, management of patients with preneoplastic alterations, management of early curable neoplasms, novel therapeutic approaches. Cancer Prediction and Prevention Online, International Society for Preventive Oncology http://www.cancerprev.org/ISPO/About/Definition proto-oncogene: See cellular oncogene proto-oncogene proteins: Products of proto-oncogenes. Normally they do not have oncogenic or transforming properties, but are involved in the regulation or differentiation of cell growth. They often have protein kinase activity. MeSH, 1991 recessive oncogene; recessive-acting oncogene; anti-oncogene A single copy of this gene is sufficient to suppress cell proliferation; the loss of both copies of the gene contributes to cancer formation. See oncogene [FAO glossary] sporadic cancer: Cancer that occurs randomly and is not inherited from parents. Caused by DNA changes in one cell that grows and divides, spreading throughout the body. [DOE] Related terms: familial cancer, family history, hereditary cancer targeted cancer therapies: Targeted cancer therapies use drugs that block the growth and spread of cancer. They interfere with specific molecules involved in carcinogenesis (the process by which normal cells become cancer cells) and tumor growth. Because scientists call these molecules “molecular targets,” these therapies are sometimes called “molecular-targeted drugs,” “molecularly targeted therapies,” or other similar names. By focusing on molecular and cellular changes that are specific to cancer, targeted cancer therapies may be more effective than current treatments and less harmful to normal cells. National Cancer Institute, Targeted Cancer Therapy Q & A, 2004 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/targeted tumor markers: A substance sometimes found in an increased amount in the blood, other body fluids, or tissues and which may mean that a certain type of cancer is in the body. Examples of tumor markers include CA 125 (ovarian cancer), CA 15-3 (breast cancer), CEA (ovarian, lung, breast, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract cancers), and PSA (prostate cancer). Also called biomarker. [Cancer.gov dictionary] Tumor markers are substances, usually proteins, that are produced by the body in response to cancer growth or by the cancer tissue itself. Some tumor markers are specific for one type of cancer, while others are seen in several cancer types. Many of the well-known markers are seen in non-cancerous conditions as well as cancer. Consequently, these tumor markers are not diagnostic for cancer. Lab Tests Online, American Association for Clinical Chemistry in collaboration with ACLA, ASCLS, ASM, CLMA, ASH, AMP, ASCP, NCCLS, CAP, CSLMS, CSCC, CLAS, NACB and ACB. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/tumor_markers/glance.html tumor suppressor gene: A protective gene that normally limits the growth of tumors. When a tumor suppressor is mutated, it may fail to keep a cancer from growing. BRCA1 and p53 are well- known tumor suppressor genes. [NHGRI] Genes that inhibit expression of the tumorigenic phenotype. They are normally involved in holding cellular growth in check. When tumor suppressor genes are inactivated or lost, a barrier to normal proliferation is removed and unregulated growth is possible. MeSH, 2002 Ken Kinzler and Bert Vogelstein distinguish between "gatekeeper" tumor suppressor genes (classical) and "caretakers" (in DNA repair and genome integrity, whose action lies outside the pathway). KW Kinzler, B. Vogelstein "Cancer- susceptibility genes. Gatekeepers and caretakers" Nature 386 (6627): 761, 763 Apr. 24, 1997 Narrower terms: caretaker tumor suppressor genes, gatekeeper tumor suppressor genes, p53; Related term: Gene categories suppressor gene unapproved drugs, access to: Drug approvals Bibliography Cancer and statistics Stephen Jay Gould's essay "The Median isn't the Message" is a wonderful essay on interpreting statistics and the medical literature, and particularly useful for those of us who quickly head to a library and/ or the web with very specific and personal interest in a medical topic. http://cancerguide.org/median_not_msg.html Robert Weinberg's Racing to the Beginning of the Road : The Search for the Origin of Cancer 1998 is a very readable account of top rate biomedical research, a good reminder that these "races" are marathons and not 100 yard dashes. The title is one of my favorite metaphors for the complexity of biology. This explanation of how nonlinear progress from lab to clinic can be is highly recommended. Welch, Gilbert H. Should I Be Tested for Cancer? Univ of California Press, 2004. http://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/10079.html Other patient and disease related websites Genetic & genomic testing, Patient resources How to look for other unfamiliar terms IUPAC definitions are reprinted with the permission of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. |
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