Current applications of chromatographic methods for diagnosis and identification of potential biomarkers in cancer

• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2013.12.007
• Publication Date: 2014-01-26T04:16:07Z
• Authors: Joanna Kałużna-Cz...; Jagoda Jóźwik
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; 3. Good health

Abstract Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. However, its early diagnosis and treatment improve survival. Due to the asymptomatic properties of almost all types of cancer, some patients are misdiagnosed or the disease is overlooked. Despite the availability of well-known diagnostic tools, such as computed tomography, a wide range of factors can limit a successful application of these techniques. The search for new alternative methods that would be able to diagnose cancer definitively has aroused scientific interest. Many coupled techniques have been employed for this purpose. Nevertheless, chromatographic platforms are considered to be among the most powerful diagnostic tools, which have enabled metabolic profiling, and, as a result, identified cancer biomarkers, which are essential in the treatment process. Rapid advances in technologies have made it possible to introduce new methods of treatment, based on individual predisposition.