Can Telomere Length Serve as a Biomarker in Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis?
Telomere length and its distribution can serve as valuable biomarkers in cancer. Short telomeres are often associated with genomic instability and poor prognosis in various cancers. Conversely, the presence of long telomeres maintained by telomerase or ALT can indicate aggressive tumor behavior. Measuring telomere length could aid in the early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of cancer progression and response to treatment.
