Novel Biomarkers and Liquid Biopsy in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

Gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), remain a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite major advances in screening, diagnostics, and systemic therapies, the management of gastrointestinal malignancies is still challenged by pronounced molecular heterogeneity, late-stage diagnosis, and variable therapeutic response. In this context, novel biomarkers and liquid biopsy approaches have emerged as powerful tools with the potential to revolutionize cancer detection, prognostication, and personalized treatment strategies.

This Special Issue will showcase high-quality basic, translational, and clinical research focused on the identification, validation, and clinical implementation of circulating biomarkers and liquid biopsy platforms in gastrointestinal cancers. We welcome original research articles and comprehensive reviews addressing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), extracellular vesicles, circulating RNA species (including miRNAs and lncRNAs), and proteomic and metabolomic signatures, as well as immune- and inflammation-related biomarkers detectable in peripheral blood and other biofluids.

A particular emphasis will be placed on studies exploring the integration of liquid biopsy biomarkers with molecular and immunological tumor features, including mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor microenvironment remodeling, and mechanisms of resistance to systemic therapies. We also encourage contributions investigating host–microbiota interactions, microbial-derived metabolites, and their reflection in circulating biomarker profiles, as well as their impact on tumor progression and treatment response.

This Special Issue will provide a multidisciplinary platform for advancing minimally invasive, biomarker-driven approaches to gastrointestinal cancer management, fostering the translation of liquid biopsy technologies into clinical practice and supporting the development of precision medicine strategies.

Dr. Vlad Alexandru Ionescu
Dr. Gina Gheorghe
Guest Editors

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