Biomarkers that could change the way cancer is treated

• Cancer treatment: determine tumor characteristics and select targeted drugs.
• Cardiovascular disease : Troponin is an important indicator of myocardial infarction.
• Diabetes: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reflects long-term blood sugar control.
• Neurological disease : β-amyloid is an important diagnostic marker for Alzheimer’s disease.
• Liver disease: ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are routine indicators of liver damage, and elevated levels indicate liver inflammation or damage. AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) is often used for screening and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Kidney disease: Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are basic markers of renal impairment and are used to assess the kidney’s ability to remove waste.

As technology advances, biomarker testing will play a role in more disease areas and bring more hope to patients.