Biomarkers in onco-orthopaedics: A systematic review

Abstract

Author(s): I. Praveen, B. Aditya, Tushar Mishra, M.R. Suchitra*

Biomarkers are very instrumental in monitoring treatment response to therapies in cancer care. Biomarker concentration measurements at the beginning of and during treatment enabled assessment of therapeutic efficacies, which were appropriately adjusted subsequently. Insulin-like growth factor 1, platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha and osteonectin are among the effective biomarkers used in assessing the efficacy of treatment in patients with primary bone neoplasms. This therefore provided the basis for individualized treatment plans based on how each patient responded to treatment.

Furthermore, biomarkers allow for onco-orthopedic personalized treatments. Application of the identified biomarkers characterizing the various subtypes of the tumor or molecular profiles will help a health team offer targeted therapy against abnormal functions that cancer cells acquire and hence provide more effective treatment to patients.

Thus, within the framework of onco-orthopedics already, biomarkers have established a basis for their potential application in diagnosis and patient management, such as with their advantages in early diagnosis, prognosis, assessment of therapy response and individualization of therapy. Further research and the discovery of new biomarkers raise the level of experience and outcome for the patients undergoing musculoskeletal cancer treatment.

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