Serum (Circulating) Tumor Markers for Breast Cancer

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Abstract
Tumor markers are defined as substances or processes that can be assayed in order to predict risk, presence, and/or current or future behavior of malignancy (Hayes 1994). These substances or processes differ from the nonmalignant state as a result of the malignant process. A variety of specimen types might be assayed for tumor markers for breast cancer (Table 1). In this regard, germ-line genetic markers in all cells of the body might predict a relative susceptibility to the development of breast cancer. Markers of early malignant transformation might be assayed within breast tissue itself, either through biopsy or needle aspirate of epithelial tissue or by aspiration of nipple ductule contents. In patients who have established malignancy, markers can be monitored in breast cancer tissue in order to develop categories of presumed biological behavior or in distant, non-breast tissue to detect the presence of metastatic disease. However, soluble, circulating tumor-associated markers that can be detected in plasma and/or serum might reflect a more immediate status of both tumor burden and biology.