Activated Leucocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule (CD166): A Biomarker in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Breast Cancer

Abstract

The global incidence of breast cancer and associated mortality is rising annually despite advanced diagnostic aids and treatment methods. This is due to the failure and difficulty in detecting the disease at an early stage. Due to an increase in the breast cancer mortality rate, biomarkers associated with early and prompt detection are being extensively studied, owing to their sensitivity, specificity, cost-effectiveness, and minimally invasive or non invasive analysis. Among those carbohydrate antigens, carcinoembryonic antigens, and circulating tumour cells are the most commonly observed serum biomarkers in the detection of cancer. In recent years, extensive research is carried out on cell adhesion molecules and their role in the process of cell adhesion which is essential for the development and homeostasis in multicellular organisms. These cell adhesion molecules accelerate appropriate cell response and intercellular communication. Activated Leucocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule (ALCAM) or Cluster of Differentiation 166 (CD166) is a transmembrane glycoprotein and emerging as a promising biomarker for primary detection of tumour cells with metastatic potential and is also upregulated in breast tumours. This review ascertains the usefulness of the ALCAM as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for early detection, classification, and prognosis of breast cancer and also elucidates the role of the various other biomarkers.