Una mirada general a los biomarcadores para la tamización y el diagnóstico temprano del cáncer de próstata

Prostate specific antigen and digital rectal examination are diagnostic tools that currently fall short when differentiating between malignant processes, such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. New biomarkers with high sensitivity in the diagnosis of prostate malignancies have come to play a significant role in the early identification of prostate cancer (PC). Prostate cancer gene 3 is involved in cancer cell survival. It can be identified in urine and used to differentiate between cancer and chronic prostatitis/. Furthermore, b2-microglobulin is a protein that complexes with major histocompatibility complex type 1 prostate cancer cell, and through this interaction is part of the molecular processes that end up generating bone metastases. Serum levels can be determined by laboratory tests and as such can be used to differentiate between benign processes and cancer. Kallikreins (4K score test), mucins, the leucine rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing protein, circulating tumour DNA, the alpha methyl acyl coenzyme A racemase, and Stem Cells are promising molecules, both for the early diagnosis of PC, as well as for the prognosis and response to treatment. The importance of the discovery of new biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis of PC not only can reduce mortality from this disease, but will also foster new fields of research for more effective treatment in the same therapeutic targets.