Progress of Novel Biomarkers and Molecular Targets in Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer research is rapidly evolving from morphology-based and organ-centered classifications toward integrated molecular models that combine genomic, transcriptomic, epigenetic, proteomic, spatial, and microenvironmental information. In this context, novel biomarkers and molecular targets are increasingly relevant for cancer diagnosis, risk stratification, prognostic assessment, prediction of therapeutic response, and the development of precision oncology strategies.

Recent advances in next-generation sequencing, liquid biopsy, single-cell technologies, spatial profiling, artificial intelligence-assisted biomarker discovery, and multi-omics integration have expanded our understanding of tumor biology. These approaches have enabled the identification of actionable alterations, resistance mechanisms, immune-related signatures, and tumor–microenvironment interactions across a wide range of malignancies. However, the translation of these discoveries into clinically robust biomarkers remains challenging and requires rigorous molecular validation, mechanistic interpretation, and assessment of clinical utility.

This Special Issue aims to collect high-quality original research articles and reviews focused on emerging biomarkers and molecular targets in cancer. The subject is closely aligned with the scope of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, particularly its emphasis on molecular biology, molecular medicine, and translational molecular research. Contributions addressing mechanistic, diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and therapeutic aspects of cancer biomarkers are especially welcome.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Novel diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive cancer biomarkers;
• Molecular targets for precision oncology;
• Genomic, transcriptomic, epigenetic, proteomic, and metabolomic biomarkers;
• Liquid biopsy and circulating tumor DNA/RNA;
• Biomarkers of response and resistance to targeted therapies;
• Cancer immunotherapy biomarkers and immune microenvironment signatures;
• Tumor heterogeneity, clonal evolution, and treatment resistance;
• Molecular pathology and integrated diagnostic approaches;
• Artificial intelligence and multi-omics approaches for biomarker discovery;
• Translational studies linking molecular alterations to therapeutic opportunities.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Pietro Tralongo
Guest Editor

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