The current status of cancer biomarker research using tumour-associated antigens for minimal invasive and early cancer diagnostics

► Serum tumour-autoautoantibody testing is suitable for minimal invasive diagnostics. ► TAA-identification by SEREX, SERPA, phage display and protein arrays are well established. ► Numerous panels of TAAs have been identified from many cancer entities. ► TAA serum testing enabled high diagnostic accuracy, however validation is missing. ► Technical improvements for standardization and reconfirmation are pending.