Rafal Al-Rawi
Historically, clinicopathology (histopathology and cytopathology) is a test that used in diagnosis of tumors. This technique has been evolved from Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) based staining to Immunocytochemistry (IHC) to evaluate tumor histogenesis and subtype [1]. Most tumor biomarkers are protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells. However, they are made at much higher rate in cancerous cells. Some biomarkers are specific to one type of cancer, whereas others are associated with more than two cancer sites. No unique tumor marker can detect a specific site of cancer [2]. Recently, genomic profile of individuals with tumors has shown mutations in up to 100 protein encoded genes [3]. Tumor biomarkers played big role in diagnosis of cancer screening, during follow up therapy and after treatments [4]. The challenge of future importance of biomarkers will be not only facilitating diagnostics and therapeutics promises but also strengthen the guidance for implementation of cancer prevention strategies as well as the development of personalized medicine [5].
