Biomarkers routinely used in clinical settings

Ki-67

A nuclear protein, which is a marker of proliferation. The protein is present during all active phases of the cell cycle (G₁, S, G₂, mitosis) but absent in resting cells (G₀).

 

 

ER

Marker for estrogen receptor, which are activated by the hormone estrogen. Information is used to assess the receptor status in breast cancer.

 

 

 

PR

Marker for progesterone receptor, which are activated by the hormone progesterone. Information is used to assess the receptor status in breast cancer.

 

 

 

Her-2

Her-2 is a member of the human epidermal growth factor receptor family. It is a prognostic and predictive marker for breast cancer.

 

 

Innovative biomarkers with solid (pre)clinical evidence for their role in cancer

HIF-1a

Marker for hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha. HIF-1a controls oxygen delivery via angiogenesis and metabolic adaption to hypoxia via glycolysis.

 

 

 

CA IX

Marker for carbonic anhydrase 9, a zinc metalloenzyme catalyzing the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide. It is overexpressed in hypoxic solid tumors.

 

 

PD-L1

Marker for programmed death ligand 1 (B7-H1). A type 1 transmembrane protein, which is a key player in immune evasion.

 

 

 

B7-H3

Marker for a type I transmembrane glycoprotein (CD276), which is expressed in solid tumors. As B7-H3 is a potent inhibitor of human T-cell activation, it is a target of anticancer candidates.

 

 

Emerging biomarkers with a potential role in cancer progression

MECA-79

Marker for high-endothelial venules (HEVs). HEVs are specialized venous swellings, which enable diapedesis of circulating lymphocytes.

 

 

 

CD8

Marker for CD8 receptor, which is the hallmark of cytotoxic CD8⁺ T-cells.