Biomarkers for the Detection of Cancer and Monitoring Response to Treatment

A special issue of Onco (ISSN 2673-7523).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 January 2027 | Viewed by 2004

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
Interests: antigen identification; biomarker validation; acute leukaemia; ovarian cancer; endometriosis; targets for therapy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on biomarkers in cancer focusses on the latest advancements and applications of biomarkers, in all of their forms, that can facilitate the detection, inform best practice treatment, and monitor responses. The scope of this Special Issue includes their discovery, validation, and clinical implementation. We hope to promote the advancement of cancer biomarker research through the dissemination of the latest cancer biomarker research, facilitating the translation of laboratory finding into clinical tools and, ultimately, improved patient outcomes.

Other literature exists on biomarker research across cancer, but sits side-by-side with biology and clinical therapy trials; here. we focus on the key role that cancer biomarkers can play in developing precision medicine and personalised approaches.

We aim to provide a platform for researchers to share their findings and foster collaboration and an outlet for the description of new and emerging biomarkers, including those related to the tumour microenvironment, immune response, and genetic alterations. To examine methodologies and challenges associated with validating biomarker performance and ensuring their reliability, we are investigating the utility of biomarkers in clinical settings and how biomarkers are driving individualised treatment plans and targeted therapy for difference cancer subtypes. Finally, we want to highlight the latest developments in biomarker detection, analysis, and sample preparation.

We hope that this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive resource for scientists, clinicians, and anyone interested in the latest advancements in cancer biomarkers, with the aim of advancing cancer treatment and improving patient care through targeted personalised treatments.

Dr. Barbara Guinn
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • biomarkers
  • diagnostic
  • prognostic
  • personalised therapy
  • cancer
  • blood
  • urine
  • tissue

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

26 pages, 1802 KB  
Review
Established and Emerging Less Invasive Biomarkers and Technologies for Lung Cancer Screening: Puerto Rican Context
by Keisy Rodriguez-Villafañe, Clara Santiago, Juan E. Figueroa, Edwin Figueroa and Yamixa Delgado
Onco 2026, 6(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/onco6020018 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1039
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In Puerto Rico (PR), lung cancer mortality remains high because diagnoses frequently occur at advanced stages. Although low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lowers lung cancer–specific mortality, this screening is difficult to operationalize locally due to high false-positive rates, radiology capacity constraints, payer limitations, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In Puerto Rico (PR), lung cancer mortality remains high because diagnoses frequently occur at advanced stages. Although low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lowers lung cancer–specific mortality, this screening is difficult to operationalize locally due to high false-positive rates, radiology capacity constraints, payer limitations, and geographic barriers affecting rural populations. Methods: We performed a narrative review on the literature from 2001–2026 of established and emerging detection strategies—LDCT; serum biomarkers (CEA, CYFRA-21-1, NSE, ProGRP, SCC-Ag, HE4, Hp, TAAb); breath analysis (FeNO and VOCs); and liquid biopsy (ctDNAs/CTCs/miRNAs). We assessed technical performance, feasibility, and health-system fit in PR and then synthesized these findings into an implementable biomarker-first triage workflow for are. Results: Multiplex serum panels analyzed with machine learning outperform single markers and TAAb provide high specificity with biological lead time, supporting their use as a triage gateway before LDCT. Breathomics is also feasible at the point of care. Liquid biopsy has modest sensitivity in very-early disease yet provides molecular adjudication for indeterminate nodules. A stepwise pathway—expanded risk assessment, integrated multi-panel testing in primary care, LDCT reserved for biomarker-positive individuals, and liquid biopsy when imaging is inconclusive—can enrich pre-test probability, reduce unnecessary scans, align with capitation, and protect limited radiology capacity. Conclusions: An integrated, non-invasive, biomarker-first triage model offers a pragmatic, equitable route to earlier lung cancer detection in PR and resource stewardship, while reducing disparities. Full article
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