The Complementary Role of Imaging and Tumor Biomarkers in Gynecological Cancers: An Update of the Literature

Abstract

Gynecological tumors, including endometrial, cervical and ovarian cancer, have increased in incidence over<br />time. The widespread introduction of screening programs and advances in diagnostic imaging methods has lead to a<br />progressive increase in gynecological cancer detection. Accurate diagnosis and proper monitoring of disease remain<br />the primary target for a successful treatment. In the last years, knowledge about cancer biomarkers has considerably<br />increased providing great opportunities for improving cancer detection and treatment. In addition, in the last few years<br />there has been an important development of imaging techniques. Nowadays, a multimodal approach including the<br />evaluation of serum tumor biomarkers combined with imaging techniques, seems to be the best strategy for assessing<br />tumor presence, spread, recurrence, and/or the response to treatment in female cancer patients In this review we provide<br />an overview of the application of biomarkers combined with novel imaging methods and highlight their roles in female<br />cancer diagnosis and follow-up.