The role of biomarkers in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment continues to rapidly evolve. Biomarkers, which are also referred to as tumor or molecular markers, are biological changes occurring in the body in response to cancer. These changes can be reflected in protein expression, receptors, hormones, and enzymes, as well as in both somatic and germline genetic mutations. Biomarkers have enabled researchers to better understand cancer subtypes and to develop targeted anti-cancer therapies. As knowledge about the molecular biology of cancer continues to expand, identification of actionable biomarkers continues to increase. The National Cancer Institute has compiled a list of commonly used biomarkers, their associated cancer types, and how each marker is used.
