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Glossary

Glossary of terms

This glossary includes terms used on the DiviTum website relating to breast cancer and biomarker testing. The definitions and information contained within this glossary have been derived from sources stated on each individual page. Search for a term by scrolling down the list alphabetically or by clicking on the letter groupings below to go directly to the relevant section.

C | K | M

C

CA 15-3

Short definition 

CA 15-3 is a glycoprotein derived from Mucin short variant S1 and encoded by the Mucin 1 (MUC1) gene. It is naturally produced by the body to help protect cells from pathogens. It serves as a marker for many types of tumors, with elevated levels (above 30 U/mL) potentially indicating breast, ovarian, or lung cancer. 

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CA 27.29 

Short definition  

Cancer Antigen 27.29 (CA 27.29) is a mucin short variant S1 glycoprotein encoded by the MUC1 gene and expressed on the surface of epithelial cells to prevent pathogen invasion. Due to certain cancers causing excessive production of CA 27.29, it can be used as a biomarker for monitoring the condition. 

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K

Ki-67

Short definition  

Ki-67, also known as antigen Kiel 67 and MKI67, is a nuclear protein encoded by the MKI67 gene in humans. Ki-67 is essential for cell cycle progression and is found in the body only during the active phases of the cell cycle—G1, S, G2, and mitosis. Its presence correlates strongly with the rate of cell division, making it a valuable biomarker for cancer. 

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M

Metastasis

Short definition  

Metastasis is the process by which a pathogenic agent, primarily cancer cells, spreads from its primary site to non-adjacent tissues in the body. This spread can result in the formation of secondary tumors at new sites, known as metastases or mets, which consist of cancer cells identical to those of the primary tumor. Metastasis is one of the hallmarks of malignant tumors and cancers, distinguishing them from benign tumors, which do not spread to other regions of the body. 

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List of abbreviations

  • ABEMA – The CDK4/6 inhibitor from Eli Lilly called Abemaciclib
  • BC – Breast Cancer
  • BL – Base Line – prior to treatment
  • C1 – Treatment cycle 1
  • C2 – Treatment cycle 2
  • C2/D1 – Treatment cycle 2, day 1
  • CDK4/6i – CDK4/6 inhibitor treatments
  • CPS-EG score – The CPS (Clinical and Pathological Score) + EG (Estrogen and Grade) scoring system
  • ctDNA – Circulating tumor DNA
  • D15 – Day 15
  • D28 – Day 28
  • DuA – DiviTum units of activity
  • EBC – Early breast cancer
  • HER2 – Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2
  • HR – Hormone receptor
  • HR+ – Hormone receptor-positive
  • MBC – Metastatic breast cancer
  • mo – Months
  • OS – Overall survival
  • PALBO – The CDK4/6 inhibitor from Pfizer called Palbociclib
  • PFS – Progression-free survival
  • Pts – Patients
  • RIBO – The CDK4/6 inhibitor from Novartis called Ribociclib
  • TKa – Thymidine Kinase activity

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