Medical Health Encyclopedia

Biologic Markers. Elevated levels of certain cancer-associated molecules or compounds may be correlated with prognosis. For example, evidence of genetically mutated p53 indicates a poorer prognosis in younger patients with glioblastoma multiforme.

Elevations of epidermal growth factors (EGF) or vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) suggest aggressive tumors. High levels of the receptor for EGF (EGFR), in fact, are found in 70% of glioblastoma specimens.

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Genetic Profiles of Cancer Cells. Analyses that identify genetic types may soon help clinicians determine if patients with specific brain tumor cells might response to one treatment more than another. For example, specific genetic profiles of oligodendrogliomas have been associated with predictable responses to certain agents called nitrosourea alkylating agents (especially carmustine).