Are serum molecular markers more effective than the invasive methods used in the diagnosis of breast cancers?

Objectives The most effective method currently used in breast cancer diagnosis is fine-needle aspiration biopsy. However, if the superiority of serum molecular markers to invasive diagnostic methods can be proven, it will have a great impact on the diagnostic approach and screening programs for breast cancer. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of the serum molecular markers in the diagnosis of breast cancer with respect to invasive methods. Materials and Methods In this study, the literature on serum molecular markers and tissue molecular markers obtained using fine needle aspiration biopsy were collected. The absolute sensitivity rates obtained for serum molecular markers and for invasive needle biopsy methods were compared by systematic biostatistical analysis. Results In the diagnosis of breast cancer, the absolute sensitivity rates of serum molecular markers (90.6%) were found to be significantly higher than the absolute sensitivity rates of invasive methods (80.7%) (p<0.001). Conclusions These results indicate that, serum molecular markers, can be used safely in breast cancer screening, definitive diagnosis and follow-up. Therefore, in the near future, serum molecular markers are likely to take a higher priority in breast cancer diagnosis and screening.