Conventional and novel diagnostic biomarkers and approaches for detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Honglin Chen, Mingfang Ji, Jing Feng Zong, Josephine Mun Yee Ko, Wei Dai, Maria Li Lung, Jaap M. Middeldorp

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is key to curing or improving the prognosis of this disease. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an etiological factor for NPC, and as such, EBV and its expression products are also unique NPC biomarkers, since EBV rarely infects normal epithelial cells and EBV in NPC cells exhibits a different expression profile to that observed in persistently infected B cells. It is important to strategize the use of EBV serology and tests for plasma EBV DNA and the newly identified extracellular EBV microRNAs to optimize the sensitivity and specificity of NPC detection. Exploration of novel approaches, such as assessing methylation, telomere lengths, and circulating tumor cells, which are being used in other cancers, will provide additional advances in NPC detection and management. This chapter focuses on reviewing current diagnostic methods and discussing new strategies for using viral and cellular biomarkers for early recognition and management of NPC.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Etiology to Clinical Practice
PublisherElsevier
Pages129-153
Number of pages25
ISBN (Electronic)9780128149362
ISBN (Print)9780128149379
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2019

Keywords

  • Circulating tumor cells
  • Ct dna
  • Diagnosis
  • Ebv bart mirnas
  • Ebv serology
  • Methylation
  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
  • Ngs analysis
  • Plasma ebv dna
  • Telomere length

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