I have recently become interested in Cancer Biomarkers and would like to both share this information and make the testing available to those who have either personal or family member interest. This may be of particular interest with those who have either cancer risk factors or a family history of cancer.

 Biomarkers are essentially blood assays that can correlate with certain specific cancers. A very compelling panel of tests for cancer biomarkers has been developed by Biophysical Corporation www.biophysicalcorp.com and performed at Rules Based Medicine www.rulesbasedmedicine.com. This battery of tests is called BiophysicalCA™. The 12 Biomarkers included in the test are included below.

 I am currently offering this test panel thru my office. For information or to obtain testing please call the office and speak to Kristen or Celeste 207-774-1356. The cost of the test is $ 395.00 plus a $25.00 drawing fee.

 According to the company, “Biomarkers associated with cancer are routinely used by cancer specialists to aid in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment, gauging the extent of disease and determining the prognosis.”

 It is important to understand that biomarker testing is a screening tool and you should be aware of the following:

 • This is not a definitive test for cancer. None of these biomarkers are “cancer-only” biomarkers and each can be elevated for other reasons and in fact many people with elevations have a disease or condition other than cancer.

 • Some healthy people will have slightly elevated biomarker levels.

 • Not all people who have cancer have elevated levels of cancer-associated biomarkers and having a result within the normal range is not a guarantee of being cancer free. 

 The testing is a simple office blood draw and the results come back to the client directly with an easy to read and understand BiophysicalCA report with a full explanation of the biomarkers and their interpretation.

 Again it is VERY IMPORTANT to understand that lab tests, even sophisticated ones like these, are meant to be used alongside a thorough medical history (including a family history), a physical exam, and other screening modalities.

 REMEMBER: Nothing can replace the value of sharing your information with your physician or other trusted health care professional.

 Michael Bedecs DO 

 

 

 

More About Biomarkers and Cancer Risk Factors

[Taken directly from the BiophysicalCA literature]

 There are many different kinds of cancer, yet they share a common trait. They are all difficult to diagnose, especially in the early, more treatable stages. Most cancers are not detected until an outward sign or symptom appears – a lump, a pain, or abnormal bleeding, to name a few. Great strides have been made in treating early stage cancers, and now more efforts are being directed by scientists to blood-based biomarkers that can allow the earliest possible detection of cancer. Biomarkers that may indicate cancer are best understood and most effective when monitored routinely (at least annually). If elevations occur, your physician is best able to determine the appropriate action based on your individual risk and health history.

 In some situations, large changes may be more meaningful than a single value. The National Cancer Institute has established the Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) to focus on biomarkers and other methods to detect cancer. An intense area of their research is on biomarker discovery. Biomarker surveillance in conjunction with recommended screening techniques, such as mammography and colonoscopy, is expected to improve the accuracy of early detection. Your results should be used along with other screening techniques and preventive measures.

 The use of cancer-associated biomarkers is most valuable in individuals who have increased risk for cancer. Therefore, you may want to understand your cancer risk factors. Anything that may increase your chance of developing cancer is a risk factor. These can be grouped into four types: behavioral, environmental, biological, and genetic.

 • Behavioral risk factors are risk factors that you can change, such as, smoking, diet, exercise, etc.

• Environmental risk factors include sun, secondhand smoke, etc.

• Biological risk factors include gender, race, and age.

• Genetic risk factors are primarily identified when multiple members of a family have been diagnosed with cancer

Cancer-Associated Biomarkers included in the BiophysicalCA Testing Panel

Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) is a protein made by many different cells in the body, including uterine, cervical, and abdominal cells.  Researchers believe that in the near future CA-125, when combined with other biomarkers, will help detect ovarian cancer much earlier than is currently possible.  It is elevated in:

Some healthy individuals.

Some non-cancerous conditions, such as endometriosis and ovarian cysts.

50% of women with early stage ovarian cancer and 85% of women with late stage ovarian cancer.

Some individuals with breast and lung cancer.

Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a protein that is produced by normal and cancerous cells.  It is typically used to monitor breast cancer treatment and recurrence.  It is elevated in:

Some healthy individuals.

Some non-cancerous conditions, such as liver disease, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and lupus.

21% of people with early stage breast cancer and 95% of people with late stage breast cancer.

Some individuals with ovarian, prostate, lung, colon, liver and pancreatic cancer.

Cancer Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is used to monitor treatment and recurrence of pancreatic cancer.  It is elevated in:

Some healthy individuals.

Some non-cancerous conditions, such as pancreatitis, biliary disease, and cirrhosis.

80-90% of individuals with pancreatic cancer and 60-70% of individuals with biliary tract cancer.

Some individuals with liver, stomach, and colorectal cancer.

Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein that exists normally in the fetus.  After birth, the presence of CEA essentially disappears.  It is elevated in:

Some non-cancerous conditions, such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, recent infections, and generalized inflammation.  Heavy smoking is also associated with slightly elevated CEA levels.

10%-28% of individuals with early stage colorectal cancer and 75% of those with late stage colorectal cancer. 

10% of individuals with stage I breast cancer and 64% of individuals with stage IV breast cancer. 

Some people with biliary, pancreatic, liver, and stomach cancer.

Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein normally produced by the fetus.  Soon after birth, AFP levels decrease.  It is typically measured to aid in the diagnosis of some liver disorders and to monitor liver cancer.  It is elevated in:

Some non-cancerous conditions, such as liver disease including cirrhosis and hepatitis.

80% of individuals with liver cancer.

60% of men with early stage testicular cancer.

Some individuals with stomach, biliary, and pancreatic cancer.

Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) is a substance whose level primarily becomes elevated in a type of lung cancer known as small cell lung cancer (SCLC).  NSE levels may become elevated in:

Small cell lung cancer.  Levels are elevated in approximately 50-70% of people with limited SCLC and almost all people with advanced SCLC disease.  Levels of NSE tend to reflect the amount of tumor present. 

Other cancers such as medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Non-malignant conditions such as thymoma, teratoma, and non-cancerous lung conditions.

 Prostate Specific Antigen, Total (PSA) is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland.  A PSA level in conjunction with a digital rectal exam is used to help detect prostate cancer in men 50 years of age and older.  PSA levels are normally higher in older men compared with younger men, even when there is no cancer.  PSA is elevated in:

Some healthy men.

Some non-cancerous conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis.

75% of men with prostate cancer.

 Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone normally found in the blood, but in trace levels.  Elevations may indicate:

Pregnancy – levels rise very sharply.

Some non-cancerous conditions, such as solitary testes and hydatidiform mole of the uterus.

Men with testicular cancer, women with ovarian cancer.

Other, rare forms of cancer.  

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein involved in the formation and growth of blood vessels.  Elevated levels can be seen in a variety of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and angiosarcoma.  Because cancer needs nutrients to survive, tumors will develop their own blood supply.  Therefore, elevated VEGF levels in cancer are thought to be related to the blood vessel development by the tumor. 

 Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) are enzymes that are involved in the breakdown of proteins that hold tissues together.  Levels can be elevated in atherosclerosis, wound healing, pregnancy, periodontal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and certain autoimmune diseases.  These biomarkers can also be elevated in various cancers.   

 Interleukin-6 is a cell signaling biomarker that stimulates the immune system to respond to conditions such as infection, trauma and tissue damage.  It may become elevated in association with inflammation.  Commonly it may be elevated in response to conditions such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, obesity, burns, and wound healing.

We have known for years that testosterone deficiency is a major contributing cause and related to many undesirable conditions in both men and women. Low testosterone has been linked to decrease in energy, thinning bones, loss of muscle mass, poor skin and hair texture, increased visceral fat, depression, impaired sexual function, hypertension, obesity and increased risk of heart disease.  Multiple studies have shown that testosterone is vital for muscle mass, sexual energy, bone strength, mood, and heart health.

Now there is evidence that low testosterone may be a significant factor in Alzheimer’s disease in men ages 55 and older according to a recent article by Leung-Wing Chu MD, a Hong Kong based researcher, who just published the article noted below in the September issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. The study pointed to testosterone deficiency as one of the risk factor in Alzheimer’s. This study is consistent with previous studies of older men that demonstrate that low testosterone is associated with impaired thinking and Alzheimer’s disease. It appears that optimal testosterone may indeed be a protective factor against Alzheimer’s disease.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101005171202.htm

Journal Reference

1. Leung-Wing Chu, Sidney Tam, Rachel LC Wong, Ping-Yiu Yik, Youqiang Song, Bernard MY Cheung, John E Morley, Karen SL Lam. Bioavailable Testosterone Predicts a Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in Older Men. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2010; 21 (4)  http://www.j-alz.com/issues/21/vol21-4.html