Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.0
4.9
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
Molecular Biomarkers for Targeted Therapies
ijms-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Molecular Biomarkers for Targeted Therapies

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 4143

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Vija Lavinia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Nuclear Medicine Department, Oncopole Claudius Regaud, 31059 Toulouse, France
Interests: endocrine oncology; theragnostics; molecular targeted radiotherapy; Lu-177 dotatate; Lu-177 PSMA; thyroid cancer; prostate cancer; neuroendocrine tumors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the clinical paradigm shifts from “treat what you see” to more refined de-escalation strategies, and with the increasing number of clinical trials related to the development of new radiopharmaceuticals for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications across various oncology fields, new challenges are emerging.

Improving patients’ quality of life and survival while minimizing serious side effects is paramount, especially in aging populations often burdened with complex treatment histories and long-standing disease. Therefore, clinicians are seeking either single or composite biomarkers that can help identify patients with aggressive disease, a high likelihood of rapid progression, or those prone to developing clinical events (prognostic biomarkers), as well as biomarkers that can predict a high probability of response to a given therapy (predictive biomarkers).

This Special Issue is dedicated to original work on the advances in molecular biology, imaging, and translational fields of research aiming at identifying or confirming different biomarkers related to molecular targeted radiotherapies.

Dr. Vija Lavinia
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomarkers
  • molecular targeted radiotherapies
  • prognostic biomarkers
  • predictive biomarkers
  • single or composite biomarkers

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

29 pages, 3286 KB  
Article
Bioinformatic Approach to Identify Potential TGFB2-Dependent and Independent Prognostic Biomarkers for Ovarian Cancers Treated with Taxol
by Sanjive Qazi, Stephen Richardson, Mike Potts, Scott Myers, Saran Saund, Tapas De and Vuong Trieu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 11900; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262411900 - 10 Dec 2025
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is the most common and aggressive form of ovarian cancer, accounting for over 60% of cases and nearly 75% of deaths, mainly due to late diagnosis and tumor aggressiveness. Standard treatment is platinum-based chemotherapy with paclitaxel, but relapse is [...] Read more.
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is the most common and aggressive form of ovarian cancer, accounting for over 60% of cases and nearly 75% of deaths, mainly due to late diagnosis and tumor aggressiveness. Standard treatment is platinum-based chemotherapy with paclitaxel, but relapse is frequent. This study aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers for patients with poor survival outcomes after Taxol treatment using bioinformatics analysis. We examined the effects of TGFB2 mRNA expression and other markers on overall survival in serous ovarian cancer using the TCGA database, applying a multivariate Cox model that included interaction terms to identify TGFB2-dependent and independent prognostic markers, and controlling for age and treatment type. Candidate TGFB2-independent prognostic markers from TCGA were further validated using patient data from the KMplotter database. High TGFB2 mRNA expression emerged as a prognostic biomarker for three potential gene targets (TRPV4, STAU2, and HOXC4) associated with improved OS at low levels of gene target expression, we identified four additional markers (CLIC3, ANPEP/LAP1, RIN2, and EMP1) that exhibited a TGFB2-independent negative correlation between mRNA expression and OS across the full spectrum of gene expression values in the ovarian cancer cohort validated using independent dataset from KMplotter, for Taxol-treated ovarian cancer patients. This study proposes a panel of potential prognostic biomarkers for the treatment of ovarian cancer patients, particularly by leveraging TGFB2-dependent mRNA expression as a significant biomarker, alongside four additional TGFB2-independent prognostic markers, for patients undergoing Taxol-based therapies. Future prospective clinical trials will be required to validate these prognostic markers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers for Targeted Therapies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2305 KB  
Article
Reduced Activity of Soluble Fibroblast Activation Protein (sFAP) Represents a Biomarker of Aggressive Disease in Lymphoid Malignancies
by Jonas Klejs Hemmingsen, Marie Hairing Enemark, Anne Kathrine Nissen Pedersen, Emma Frasez Sørensen, Kristina Lystlund Lauridsen, Julie Bondgaard Løhde, Francesco d’Amore, Stephen Jacques Hamilton-Dutoit, Mette Bjerre and Maja Ludvigsen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311248 - 21 Nov 2025
Viewed by 261
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a transmembrane serine protease expressed primarily in pathological conditions, plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. Despite extensive studies on FAP in solid tumors, its role in hematologic cancers, particularly lymphoid malignancies, remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate [...] Read more.
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a transmembrane serine protease expressed primarily in pathological conditions, plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. Despite extensive studies on FAP in solid tumors, its role in hematologic cancers, particularly lymphoid malignancies, remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the level and activity of soluble FAP (sFAP) in pre-therapeutic serum samples from 120 lymphoma patients. We measured sFAP serum levels using time-resolved immunofluorometric assay and sFAP activity with Förster resonance energy transfer assay. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to analyze intratumoral FAP expression in tissue biopsies from a subset of B-cell lymphoma patients (n = 34). Notably, the results revealed significantly reduced circulating sFAP levels (p = 0.002) and activity (p < 0.001) in aggressive disease subtypes compared with indolent subtypes and healthy individuals. At the time of diagnosis, low sFAP activity correlated with inferior overall survival (both p < 0.001) in patients with the aggressive entities, suggesting altered FAP functionality in these tumors. Interestingly, measuring intratumoral FAP levels revealed an inverse pattern, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma showing higher tissue FAP localization compared with follicular lymphoma (p < 0.001). These findings provide new insights into the biological and clinical significance of FAP in lymphoid malignancies, particularly highlighting the importance of sFAP activity as a potential prognostic marker in aggressive lymphoid malignancies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers for Targeted Therapies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1111 KB  
Article
Metabolic Signatures in Lung Cancer: Prognostic Value of Acid–Base Disruptions and Serum Indices
by Florian Ponholzer, Marie-Christin Neuschmid, Helga Komi, Christina Bogensperger, Caecilia Ng, Herbert Maier, Paolo Lucciarini, Stefan Schneeberger and Florian Augustin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8231; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178231 - 25 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 984
Abstract
One characteristic of tumor cells is the increased anaerobic metabolism through glycolysis leading to an acidic environment of the tumor. This acidity is linked to tumor progression, invasion and metastasis, besides stimulated survival pathways in the malignant cells. The aim of our analysis [...] Read more.
One characteristic of tumor cells is the increased anaerobic metabolism through glycolysis leading to an acidic environment of the tumor. This acidity is linked to tumor progression, invasion and metastasis, besides stimulated survival pathways in the malignant cells. The aim of our analysis is to investigate the role of systemic acid–base parameters such as the pH, bicarbonate, baseexcess and lactate in lung cancer patients. Furthermore, alterations in electrolytes and hemoglobin were investigated regarding their impact on overall survival. Data of 937 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, who underwent anatomic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection, was collected in a prospectively maintained database and analyzed. To minimize confounding effects and due to the retrospective study design, we decided to use data from the first arterial blood gas analysis during surgery and the most recent lab results prior to surgery. We found significant correlations between low systemic bicarbonate (<20 mEq/L) and overall survival (p = 0.006). Hyponatremia (<135 mmol/L) correlated with lower 5-year overall survival (p = 0.004) and decreased disease-free survival (p = 0.017). Hypochloremia (<98 mmol/L) was linked to reduced overall survival (p = 0.003) and hypocalcemia (<1.15 mmol/L) with worse disease-free survival (p = 0.015). Hemoglobin under 12 g/dL for women and 13 g/dL for men was associated with poorer outcomes (p < 0.001). Other acid–base parameters such as the pH (p = 0.563), baseexcess (BE) (p = 0.290) and lactate (p = 0.527) did not show significant differences in overall or disease-free (pH: p = 0.130; BE: p = 0.148; lactate: p = 0.418) survival. Systemic bicarbonate, sodium, calcium, chloride and hemoglobin levels were found as prognostic markers and possible therapeutic targets to improve overall survival. Further investigations are necessary to develop therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers for Targeted Therapies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 2776 KB  
Review
Uric Acid in Cerebral Ischemia: A Systematic Review of Its Biomarker Value and Role in Neuroprotection
by Iulian Roman-Filip, Corina Roman-Filip, Valentin Morosanu, Sebastian Andone, Zoltan Bajko and Rodica Balasa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10268; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110268 - 22 Oct 2025
Viewed by 733
Abstract
Uric acid (UA), the end product of purine metabolism, exhibits dual roles in cerebral ischemia—it functions as a cerebroprotective antioxidant in acute settings and as a pro-oxidant contributor to vascular damage in chronic conditions. Some studies suggest that higher UA levels may confer [...] Read more.
Uric acid (UA), the end product of purine metabolism, exhibits dual roles in cerebral ischemia—it functions as a cerebroprotective antioxidant in acute settings and as a pro-oxidant contributor to vascular damage in chronic conditions. Some studies suggest that higher UA levels may confer protection during the acute phase of stroke, particularly in subgroups such as women, hyperglycemic patients, and thrombectomy recipients. In contrast, chronic hyperuricemia has been consistently linked to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, increased stroke recurrence, and poor recovery. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to April 2025. Eligible studies included adults with acute ischemic stroke in whom UA levels were reported within 72 h of onset. Primary outcomes were mortality, functional outcome (mRS), and neurological deterioration. Thirty-five studies involving over 15,000 patients were included. Evidence regarding UA’s prognostic value was heterogeneous. Approximately 80% of studies identified high UA levels as being associated with increased mortality, stroke recurrence, or disability. However, randomized trials—notably the URICO-ICTUS trial—suggested short-term neuroprotective effects in specific subgroups. Several studies also reported U- or J-shaped relationships, indicating that both low and high UA levels may adversely affect outcomes. Uric acid demonstrates a paradoxical role in cerebral ischemia. Acute-phase antioxidant effects may offer therapeutic potential, whereas chronic hyperuricemia is more often associated with vascular injury and worse long-term outcomes. UA may serve as a useful biomarker when incorporated into multifactorial prognostic models, but further well-controlled studies are needed to clarify its clinical utility in stroke prognosis and treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers for Targeted Therapies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 633 KB  
Review
A Systematic Review on Biomarkers for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Detection in Pregnancies Conceived Using Assisted Reproductive Technology: Current Trends and Future Directions
by Angeliki Gerede, Efthymios Oikonomou, Anastasios Potiris, Christos Chatzakis, Peter Drakakis, Ekaterini Domali, Nikolaos Nikolettos and Sofoklis Stavros
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(17), 8234; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178234 - 25 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequently encountered medical complication during pregnancy that is increasing at a rapid pace globally, posing significant public health concerns. Similarly, there is a rising trend in the number of women who have utilized assisted reproductive technology (ART). [...] Read more.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequently encountered medical complication during pregnancy that is increasing at a rapid pace globally, posing significant public health concerns. Similarly, there is a rising trend in the number of women who have utilized assisted reproductive technology (ART). Numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the relationship between GDM and ART. This comprehensive systematic review seeks to identify potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART. We conducted a PubMed search covering the past five years to identify studies that explore biomarkers associated with the development of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART. The outcome measures included human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), the body mass index (BMI), the Follicle Stimulating Hormone to Luteinizing Hormone (FSH/LH) ratio, increased hemoglobin A1c levels, fasting insulin concentrations, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride levels, total cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein (LDL/HDL), total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (TC/HDL), the estradiol/follicle ratio, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), Placental Growth Factor (PLGF), endometrial thickness, and psychological stress. Seventeen studies were included. The identification and development of serum or ultrasound biomarkers for the early detection of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART pose considerable challenges. These challenges arise from the multifactorial nature of GDM, the methodological variations in ART, and the limited availability of relevant studies. The most promising biomarker identified was the estradiol/follicle ratio. Women with a higher estradiol/follicle ratio exhibited significantly lower rates of GDM. There is a pressing necessity for biomarkers to enable the early detection of GDM in pregnancies conceived through ART. E2 levels, β-hCG, and the E2/F ratio, along with the TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios, show potential as reliable biomarkers for identifying GDM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers for Targeted Therapies)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop