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Daniel M Hoefner

Publications and source records attributed to Daniel M Hoefner.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2) is an emerging inflammatory marker that is used to assess the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated events. Several epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an independent association between plasma Lp-PLA2 concentration and risk for cardiovascular events. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and fenofibrates can reduce Lp-PLA2 concentrations in plasma, and orally active, specific Lp-PLA2 inhibitors have been developed and are in clinical trials to evaluate the potential of Lp-PLA2 as a therapeutic target. This article reviews recent studies of Lp-PLA2 in the setting of CVD, discusses the proposed mechanisms of action of Lp-PLA2, and describes methods for measurement and their clinical application. Recent evidence that suggests Lp-PLA2's potential usefulness as a therapeutic target also is reviewed.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗
PubMed2006

Serum tumor markers: part II--practical considerations and limitations of testing.

The attributes of an ideal tumor marker are well beyond the capacity of the tests that are currently available. While some markers do an adequate job at the early detection of recurrence and as a means to monitor the efficacy of treatment, there are serious deficits regarding sensitivity and specificity. In addition, although they are easily measured and cost-effective, the limitations of immunoassays are also a detriment. PSA was used to illustrate many of the limitations and difficulties associated with tumor marker testing and cancer assessment. For the most part, however, it is a better marker than many of the other analytes examined for their corresponding malignancies. Nevertheless, PSA still has major limitations--as is the case for all tumor markers in current use. Although the use of tumor markers is widespread and they do have much to offer, clinicians need to be made aware of their limitations, which can be achieved through good communication between laboratorians and the caregivers who are ordering the tests.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed2005

Serum tumor markers. Part I: Clinical utility.

Most tumor markers in current use are glycoproteins that are measured by routine immunoassay techniques. The primary utility of serum tumor markers is for evaluating the effectiveness of therapy in advanced stages of cancer; in addition, they are used for monitoring "cured" patients for cancer recurrence. Regrettably, this latter use has not led to a significant improvement in patient outcomes when a recurrence is detected early. Sensitivity and/or specificity is frequently lacking for most tumor marker tests and their utility as screening tools to detect early cancer is extremely limited. For the most part, decisions based on the concentration of these cancer-associated molecules should always be made in light of the entire clinical picture. A monumental goal in cancer research is to find markers that are significantly more sensitive and specific for early cancer detection, as well as the other uses described herein. In Part II of this series, practical considerations and limitations regarding laboratory testing of tumor markers will be addressed.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗