Clinical Biochemistry

Clinical Biochemistry

A 2500 word essay on biochemical tumour markers for early
detection of cancer and monitoring of cancer treatment based on
extensive literature research.

AIDitional information
Your essay should include specific examples of certain cancers and
relevant clinical markers. Current analytical practice should be outlined
and critically evaluated. A good essay would also include a discussion
of ongoing research with the potential of identifying novel markers or
developing new analytical methods.
Identify specific biochemical markers which could be for example signal
proteins, enzymes, genetic markers, viruses, hormones or
developmental molecules that have been linked with specific tumours.
Summarise the role of such markers, evaluating their biological function,
diagnostic potential and the analytical methods that are used. Points to
consider include the prevalence rate of the cancer, its treatment success
in relation to diagnosis, specificity and sensitivity of the marker and
limitations of the analytical method as well as current research and
potential future developments.