Biossensores eletroquimicos aplicados à detecção de gene específico para câncer de Próstata: uma Revisão Bibliográfica

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men in Brazil, behind only non-melanoma skin cancer, according to data from the National Cancer Institute (INCA). The disease mainly affects men over 65 years of age and is associated with risk factors such as advanced age, family history, overweight and obesity. Current diagnosis involves tests such as digital rectal examination and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) measurement. Although digital rectal examination is a quick and minimally invasive procedure, it still faces significant resistance among Brazilian men due to sociocultural barriers and taboos related to masculinity and the body. This resistance can lead to a late diagnosis of the disease. In view of this, the development of less stigmatized, more accessible and equally effective diagnostic methods has been the subject of research. In this context, electrochemical biosensors emerge as a promising alternative for the early detection of prostate cancer. These devices use biological reactions to identify specific targets, such as genes associated with cancer, and convert this information into readable signals, facilitating diagnosis without compromising quality. This study aims to conduct a literature review on the use of electrochemical biosensors in the detection of genes specific for prostate cancer, evaluating the efficiency of these devices in the diagnosis of the disease. The review is based on the analysis and synthesis of published bibliographic sources, with the aim of contributing to the advancement of less invasive and more accurate diagnostic methods.