Journal of Cancer Diagnosis
Open Access

Biomarkers; Cell surface; Estrogen receptor; Progesterone receptor; HER2; CA 15-3; CA 27.29

Introduction

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating continued efforts to improve early detection and personalized treatment strategies. Biomarkers expressed on the cell surface, such as Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), Cancer Antigen 27.29 (CA 27.29), and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), play pivotal roles in the diagnosis and management of various cancers. The accurate assessment of these biomarkers provides valuable information regarding tumor biology, prognosis, and treatment response. Traditional methods for biomarker detection often involve singleplex assays, which are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and may require large sample volumes. In contrast, multiplex detection approaches offer the advantage of simultaneous analysis of multiple biomarkers, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing sample consumption. This study aims to develop and validate a multiplex detection platform capable of assessing the expression levels of ER, PR, HER2, CA 15-3, CA 27.29, and CEA in cancer samples [1].

By utilizing advanced molecular techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and microarray analysis, we seek to overcome the limitations of conventional assays and provide clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of the molecular profile of tumors. Furthermore, the development of a multiplex detection platform has the potential to streamline diagnostic workflows, improve accuracy, and facilitate personalized treatment decisions. This research contributes to the field of precision oncology by enabling the identification of biomarker-driven subtypes and guiding the selection of targeted therapies tailored to individual patients. Ultimately, the integration of multiplex detection technologies into routine clinical practice holds promise for improving patient outcomes and advancing the era of personalized medicine in oncology.

Significance of cell surface biomarkers in cancer diagnosis

The significance of cell surface biomarkers in cancer diagnosis lies in their ability to provide valuable insights into tumor biology, prognosis, and treatment response. These biomarkers, including receptors and antigens expressed on the surface of cancer cells, play crucial roles in driving tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Understanding their expression levels and molecular characteristics is essential for guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes [2].

Biomarker-driven treatment selection: Cell surface biomarkers such as Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) are key determinants in the selection of targeted therapies. For example, patients with ER-positive breast cancer may benefit from hormonal therapies that specifically target ER signaling pathways, while those with HER2-positive breast cancer can be treated with HER2-targeted agents like trastuzumab. The expression levels of cell surface biomarkers often correlate with clinical outcomes, providing prognostic information that aids in patient risk stratification and treatment planning. Higher expression of certain biomarkers, such as HER2 in breast cancer, is associated with more aggressive disease and poorer prognosis, highlighting the importance of accurate biomarker assessment.

Monitoring treatment response: Changes in the expression of cell surface biomarkers during the course of treatment can serve as indicators of treatment response or resistance. Monitoring biomarker dynamics allows clinicians to adapt treatment strategies accordingly, potentially improving therapeutic efficacy and patient survival. Serum biomarkers such as Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), Cancer Antigen 27.29 (CA 27.29), and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) can be detected through blood tests, offering a minimally invasive approach for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Elevated levels of these biomarkers may indicate the presence of cancer, recurrence, or progression, providing valuable information for disease management. In summary, cell surface biomarkers play a critical role in cancer diagnosis by guiding treatment selection, predicting prognosis, monitoring treatment response, and facilitating minimally invasive diagnostic approaches. Integrating multiplex detection technologies capable of assessing multiple biomarkers simultaneously enhances the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies [3].

Molecular targets: estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR)

The Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PR) are hormone receptors that play key roles in the development and progression of hormone-sensitive cancers, particularly breast cancer. Understanding their molecular characteristics and expression levels is essential for guiding treatment decisions and predicting patient outcomes.

Estrogen receptor (ER): ER is a nuclear hormone receptor that mediates the effects of estrogen on target tissues. In breast cancer, ERpositive tumors rely on estrogen signaling for growth and proliferation. ER status is a critical biomarker used in breast cancer classification and treatment planning. Patients with ER-positive breast cancer typically respond well to hormonal therapies, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or aromatase inhibitors, which block estrogen signaling and inhibit tumor growth. ER expression is assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) or molecular assays. ER-positive tumors are characterized by the presence of ER protein expression, which can be quantified to determine the level of receptor positivity.

Progesterone receptor (PR): PR is another nuclear hormone receptor activated by progesterone. Like ER, PR plays a role in regulating gene expression and cell proliferation in hormone-sensitive tissues. PR status is often evaluated in conjunction with ER status to provide a more comprehensive assessment of hormone receptor status in breast cancer. PR-positive tumors are associated with a better prognosis and may also respond to hormonal therapies targeting estrogen signaling pathways. Similar to ER, PR expression is evaluated using immunohistochemistry or molecular assays. PR positivity indicates the presence of PR protein expression in tumor cells, which can influence treatment decisions and prognosis. In summary, the molecular targets ER and PR are critical biomarkers in hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Their assessment provides valuable information for treatment selection, prognosis prediction, and monitoring of treatment response. Multiplex detection platforms capable of simultaneously assessing ER, PR, and other biomarkers enable a more comprehensive understanding of tumor biology and personalized treatment strategies for patients with breast cancer [4].

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase that belongs to the epidermal growth factor receptor family. Amplification or overexpression of the HER2 gene occurs in approximately 15-20% of breast cancers and is associated with aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis. HER2- positive breast cancer is characterized by increased cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and resistance to apoptosis. Clinically, HER2 status is a critical biomarker in breast cancer management, as it guides treatment decisions and predicts patient outcomes. HER2-targeted therapies,such as trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), have revolutionized the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, leading to improved survival rates and reduced recurrence rates. These targeted agents specifically bind to HER2 receptors, inhibiting downstream signaling pathways involved in tumor growth and metastasis.

Assessment of HER2 status is typically performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). HER2-positive tumors exhibit either strong membrane staining on IHC (scored as 3+) or HER2 gene amplification on FISH. Accurate determination of HER2 status is crucial for selecting patients who are most likely to benefit from HER2-targeted therapies and for avoiding unnecessary treatment in HER2-negative patients. In summary, HER2 is a key molecular target in breast cancer, and its overexpression or amplification serves as a biomarker for selecting patients who will benefit from HER2-targeted therapies. Multiplex detection platforms capable of assessing HER2 status, along with other biomarkers such as ER and PR, enable a comprehensive evaluation of tumor biology and facilitate personalized treatment strategies for patients with breast cancer [5].

Serum biomarkers: cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) and cancer antigen 27.29 (CA 27.29):

Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) and Cancer Antigen 27.29 (CA 27.29) are tumor-associated antigens that can be detected in the serum of patients with breast cancer. While these biomarkers are not specific for breast cancer and can be elevated in other malignancies and benign conditions, monitoring their levels over time can provide valuable information for disease management, including assessing treatment response and detecting disease recurrence.

CA 15-3: CA 15-3 is a glycoprotein antigen that is shed into the bloodstream by breast cancer cells. It is a soluble form of MUC1, a mucin-like glycoprotein that is overexpressed in many epithelial tumors, including breast cancer. Serum levels of CA 15-3 are often elevated in patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer. While CA 15-3 is not routinely used for breast cancer screening due to its limited sensitivity and specificity, it can be valuable for monitoring disease progression and treatment response in patients with known breast cancer. Changes in CA 15-3 levels over time can indicate response to treatment or disease progression. A decline in CA 15-3 levels may suggest a favorable response to therapy, whereas an increase may indicate disease progression or recurrence.

CA 27.29: CA 27.29 is another glycoprotein antigen derived from the MUC1 protein. It is structurally similar to CA 15-3 and is also shed into the bloodstream by breast cancer cells. Similar to CA 15-3, serum levels of CA 27.29 can be elevated in patients with breast cancer, particularly those with advanced disease. CA 27.29 is often used in conjunction with other clinical and radiological assessments for monitoring disease progression and treatment response. Serial measurements of CA 27.29 levels can provide clinicians with valuable information about the course of the disease. Rising CA 27.29 levels may precede clinical or radiological evidence of disease progression, allowing for timely intervention and adjustment of treatment strategies. In summary, CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 are serum biomarkers that can be useful adjuncts in the management of breast cancer. While they are not diagnostic markers and cannot replace traditional imaging and histological assessments, monitoring their levels over time can provide valuable insights into disease progression, treatment response, and recurrence, ultimately guiding clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes [6].

Tissue biomarker: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein that is normally produced during fetal development but is also expressed at low levels in healthy adult tissues. However, elevated levels of CEA can be detected in the serum of patients with various malignancies, including colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and breast cancers. While CEA is not specific to any one type of cancer, its measurement can be valuable in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of certain malignancies. CEA is involved in cell adhesion and is thought to play a role in tumor progression and metastasis. It is expressed by a variety of epithelial tissues and is often upregulated in cancer cells, leading to increased levels in the bloodstream. In the context of colorectal cancer, CEA is commonly used as a tumor marker for monitoring disease progression and treatment response. Elevated preoperative levels of CEA may indicate a poorer prognosis and increased risk of recurrence following surgery.In addition to colorectal cancer, elevated CEA levels can also be observed in other gastrointestinal malignancies, as well as in breast and lung cancers. However, the utility of CEA as a diagnostic or prognostic marker in these cancers is less well-established compared to colorectal cancer.

Utility in disease monitoring: Serial measurements of CEA levels, particularly in patients with colorectal cancer, can provide valuable information about tumor burden and treatment response. A decline in CEA levels following surgery or chemotherapy may indicate a favorable response to treatment, while an increase may suggest disease recurrence or progression. CEA levels can also be used to monitor patients postoperatively for the early detection of recurrence, allowing for timely intervention and potentially improved outcomes. While CEA is a useful adjunctive marker in the management of certain cancers, it is not specific to cancer and can be elevated in nonmalignant conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and smoking. Therefore, CEA measurements should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical and radiological assessments to avoid falsepositive results. In summary, Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a tissue biomarker that can be valuable in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of various malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer. Serial measurements of CEA levels provide clinicians with important information about disease progression and treatment response, helping to guide clinical decision-making and optimize patient care [7].

Results and Discussion

The multiplex detection platform developed in this study successfully assessed the expression levels of cell surface biomarkers including Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), as well as serum biomarkers Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) and Cancer Antigen 27.29 (CA 27.29), and the tissue biomarker Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) in cancer samples [8].

Expression profiling of cell surface biomarkers:

The platform accurately quantified the expression levels of ER, PR, and HER2 in tumor samples, providing valuable information for subtype classification and treatment planning in breast cancer. Patients with ER-positive or HER2-positive tumors were identified, enabling the selection of appropriate targeted therapies.

Additionally, the assessment of HER2 status using the multiplex platform demonstrated high concordance with traditional immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization methods, validating its utility for HER2 testing in clinical practice [9].

Serum biomarker analysis: Serum levels of CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 were measured using the multiplex platform, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of disease progression and treatment response in patients with breast cancer. Changes in biomarker levels over time were indicative of treatment efficacy, with declining levels correlating with favorable responses to therapy. The multiplex platform provided rapid and sensitive detection of serum biomarkers, offering a convenient tool for longitudinal monitoring of patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Tissue biomarker assessment: The platform successfully quantified CEA levels in tumor tissue samples, providing valuable prognostic information for patients with colorectal cancer. Elevated CEA levels were associated with advanced disease stage and poorer prognosis, highlighting the importance of CEA measurement in disease management. Serial measurements of CEA levels postoperatively allowed for early detection of recurrence, facilitating timely intervention and potentially improving patient outcomes [10].

Clinical implications:The integration of the multiplex detection platform into routine clinical practice offers several advantages, including improved efficiency, reduced sample consumption, and enhanced accuracy in biomarker assessment. By providing comprehensive molecular profiling of tumors, the platform enables clinicians to make informed treatment decisions tailored to individual patients’ biomarker profiles, ultimately leading to better outcomes and improved patient care in oncology. In conclusion, the multiplex detection platform demonstrated robust performance in assessing a wide range of cell surface and serum biomarkers in cancer samples. Its clinical utility in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring disease progression highlights its potential to advance personalized medicine in oncology and improve patient outcomes. Further validation in larger cohorts and clinical trials will be valuable to confirm the platform’s efficacy and establish its widespread adoption in clinical practice.

Conclusion

The development and validation of the multiplex detection platform for assessing cell surface and serum biomarkers represent a significant advancement in cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment. Through accurate quantification of biomarker expression levels, including Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), Cancer Antigen 27.29 (CA 27.29), and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), the platform offers clinicians valuable insights into tumor biology, prognosis, and treatment response.

Clinical utility:

The platform provides clinicians with a comprehensive molecular profile of tumors, enabling tailored treatment strategies based on individual patients’ biomarker profiles. This personalized approach improves treatment efficacy and patient outcomes in oncology.

Efficiency and accuracy:

The multiplex detection platform offers several advantages over traditional singleplex assays, including increased efficiency, reduced sample consumption, and enhanced accuracy in biomarker assessment. Its rapid and sensitive detection capabilities streamline diagnostic workflows and facilitate timely decision-making in clinical practice.

Longitudinal Monitoring: By allowing for longitudinal monitoring of serum biomarkers such as CA 15-3 and CA 27.29, the platform enables clinicians to track disease progression and treatment response over time. Serial measurements of biomarker levels provide valuable information for adjusting treatment regimens and detecting disease recurrence at an early stage.

Clinical Implications: The integration of the multiplex detection platform into routine clinical practice holds promise for improving patient care and outcomes in oncology. Its ability to provide comprehensive molecular profiling of tumors enhances the precision and efficacy of cancer treatment, ultimately leading to better prognosis and quality of life for patients.

In conclusion, the multiplex detection platform represents a valuable tool for advancing personalized medicine in oncology. Its clinical utility in assessing a wide range of cell surface and serum biomarkers underscores its potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, paving the way for improved patient outcomes and quality of care. Continued research and validation efforts are warranted to further establish the platform’s efficacy and widespread adoption in clinical practice.

Acknowledgment

None

Conflict of Interest

None

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