Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) form a cancer-related ensemble of serine proteases. This multigene family hosts the most widely used cancer biomarker that is PSA-KLK3, with millions of tests performed annually worldwide. The present report provides an overview of the biomarker potential of the extended KLK family (KLK1-KLK15) in various disease settings and envisages approaches that could lead to additional KLK-driven applications in future molecular diagnostics. Particular focus is given on the inclusion of KLKs into multifaceted cancer biomarker panels that provide enhanced diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive accuracy in several human malignancies. Such panels have been described so far for prostate, ovarian, lung and colorectal cancers. The role of KLKs as biomarkers in non-malignant disease settings, such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis, is also commented upon. Predictions are given on the challenges and future directions regarding clinically oriented KLK research.
ΘΑΛΗΣ – ΕΚΠΑ – Ταυτοποίηση και αξιολόγηση νέων μοριακών δεικτών για την έγκαιρη διάγνωση, πρόγνωση και παρακολούθηση της ανταπόκρισης στη θεραπεία, των ασθενών με καρκίνο του μαστού και του προστάτη, μέσω ανάπτυξης υπερευαίσθητων μοριακών μεθοδολογιών
