What are Common Biomarkers in Cancer Biomonitoring?
Biomarkers are indicators of biological processes, exposures, or diseases. In cancer biomonitoring, common biomarkers include: - DNA Adducts: Formed when carcinogens bind to DNA, these can indicate exposure to genotoxic chemicals. - Protein Adducts: Similar to DNA adducts, these are formed when carcinogens bind to proteins and can also be indicative of exposure. - Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are often found in exhaled breath and can be markers of exposure to environmental pollutants. - Genomic Alterations: Changes in DNA sequences, such as mutations or epigenetic modifications, can serve as early indicators of cancer development.
