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Biomarkers in Oncology

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 1044

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Pathology, FMABC University Center, Santo André 09060-870, SP, Brazil
Interests: biomarkers; molecular oncology; liquid biopsy; early diagnosis biomarkers; prognosis biomarkers; circulating biomarkers

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, posing significant challenges to healthcare systems and clinical practice. Despite substantial progress in diagnosis and treatment, tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance continue to limit patient outcomes. In this context, the identification and validation of robust and clinically relevant biomarkers are essential for improving early detection, prognosis, therapeutic decision-making, and treatment monitoring. Recent advances in molecular biology, high-throughput technologies, and multiomics approaches have provided unprecedented insights into cancer biology. Genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and liquid biopsy platforms have accelerated the discovery of novel biomarkers with potential translational and clinical applications. These developments support the implementation of precision oncology and personalized therapeutic strategies. This Special Issue, entitled “Biomarkers in Oncology”, aims to provide a forum for high-quality research on the discovery, validation, and clinical utility of cancer biomarkers. We welcome original research articles and comprehensive reviews addressing molecular, genetic, epigenetic, immune-related, and circulating biomarkers, as well as integrative multiomics and translational studies bridging basic research and clinical practice.

Dr. Beatriz da Costa Aguiar Alves
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cancer biomarkers
  • precision oncology
  • liquid biopsy
  • circulating tumor DNA
  • molecular diagnostics
  • multiomics
  • translational research
  • personalized medicine
  • prognostic and predictive markers

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 911 KB  
Article
REST and RASSF1A Tumor Suppressor Genes in Peripheral Blood: Potential Molecular Markers in Breast Cancer
by Maria Eduarda R. de Oliveira, Marina P. Silva, Estella F. Silvestri, Samia F. Sanches, Isabella D. R. Trufelli, Ludmila F. B. Fabbrini, Glaucia L. da Veiga, Fernando Luiz A. Fonseca and Beatriz da C. A. Alves
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2752; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062752 - 18 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Tumor suppressor genes, such as RASSF1A and REST, play a central role in regulating cell proliferation. RASSF1A is frequently inactivated in various cancers, being associated with poor prognosis and metastasis. REST loss promotes the activation of genes related to invasion and estrogen [...] Read more.
Tumor suppressor genes, such as RASSF1A and REST, play a central role in regulating cell proliferation. RASSF1A is frequently inactivated in various cancers, being associated with poor prognosis and metastasis. REST loss promotes the activation of genes related to invasion and estrogen sensitivity. We aimed to evaluate the expression of REST and RASSF1A in peripheral blood of breast cancer patients at different treatment stages and to associate the results with clinical and laboratory variables. Peripheral blood samples from breast cancer patients were collected at diagnosis and at 3 and 6 months after the start of chemotherapy; blood samples from healthy women were also collected. Gene expression was quantified by qPCR and associated with clinical variables. REST expression was significantly lower in patients (p < 0.0001), showing a negative correlation with the BIRADS classification and an AUC of 0.72. RASSF1A showed no significant difference between groups but was negatively correlated with heparanase (r = −0.4213; p < 0.0001). No relevant variations in gene expression were observed among the serial collections, nor associations with histological type. Downregulation of REST expression in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients suggests its potential as an auxiliary biomarker for diagnosis and risk stratification. RASSF1A was correlated with mechanisms associated with tumor progression but did not differentiate patients from controls. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarkers in Oncology)
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Review

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16 pages, 925 KB  
Review
High-Throughput Sequencing Decodes tsRNA Landscapes: Insights into Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets
by Miaoyan Pu, Luyu Shi, Chuanlin Shen, Haimei Cheng, Weijie Ding, Jiaxin Tian, Junhong Ye, Youquan Bu and Ying Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041949 - 18 Feb 2026
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Abstract
Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) represent an emerging category of small non-coding RNAs generated through specific cleavage of precursor or mature tRNAs. Increasingly recognized as pivotal players in the pathogenesis of complex malignancies, tsRNAs not only regulate cancer progression but also hold promising [...] Read more.
Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) represent an emerging category of small non-coding RNAs generated through specific cleavage of precursor or mature tRNAs. Increasingly recognized as pivotal players in the pathogenesis of complex malignancies, tsRNAs not only regulate cancer progression but also hold promising clinical potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment. This review highlights recent advances in the application of high-throughput sequencing technologies in the systematic identification of tsRNAs, with a focus on their roles in cancer diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and targeted therapy. Delving into the translational medicine dimensions of tsRNAs may provide novel strategies for molecular diagnosis and therapeutic interventions in oncology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarkers in Oncology)
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