A importância dos biomarcadores no diagnóstico de câncer: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is a public health issue, estimated by INCA in 2022 for the triennium of 2023 to 2025 in Brazil. It is a disorder of tissue characterized by the accelerated growth of cells that have undergone genetic mutations, leading to the formation of tumors with cancerous cells. Tumor markers are intrinsically associated with the origin of tumors and can manifest as proteins, genes, enzymes, hormones, and antigens located on the membranes of neoplastic cells. Analyzing the performance of tumor biomarkers in clinical practice is crucial for aiding in disease diagnosis, at the neoplasia stage and throughout its cycle in the body, as well as allowing for typification and selection of therapeutic options. METHODOLOGY: This study consists of an integrative literature review, utilizing the following sources: BVS - Virtual Health Library, LILACS - Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, MEDLINE - Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, and SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online. Articles were selected preferably with statistical data and publications dated between 2018 and 2024. Exclusion criteria included articles prior to 2018 and those not aligned with the theme. RESULTS: The ten main articles addressed in this study resulted in a framework that presents the specificity and sensitivity of each biomarker concerning specific types of cancer, as well as variations in the cancer cycle and their impact on biomarkers, signaling the presence of antigens. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Biomarkers have shown promise for diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic selection, treatment response evaluation, and cancer staging, demonstrating their specificity. However, their application in clinical practice should not be isolated; it requires the support of various complementary tests to ensure patient safety as well as accuracy and precision of results. With scientific advancements and more technological future research regarding biomarkers, it is expected that a robust methodology for cancer prognosis and prediction will be established, contributing to positive survival rates and reduced mortality associated with the disease.