Abstract

REVIEW ARTICLE: THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF CANCER BIOMARKERS FOR EARLY DETECTION

*Rushil Mohan

Abstract

Early detection remains the most critical strategy for improving patient survival and treatment efficacy across various malignancies. While traditional screening tools like mammography and colonoscopy have established benefits, they are often limited by invasiveness, low sensitivity, or a lack of multi-cancer detection capabilities. This review explores the transformative potential of liquid biopsy and advanced "omics" technologies in addressing these unmet clinical needs. We examine the role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and extracellular vesicles (exosomes) as non-invasive biomarkers that provide real-time insights into tumor biology and mutational profiles. Furthermore, the integration of multi-omics strategies— encompassing genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics— combined with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is discussed as a powerful paradigm for identifying complex disease patterns with unprecedented accuracy. While significant progress has been made in developing biomarkers for specific cancers such as breast, prostate, and colorectal, challenges regarding standardization, clinical validation, and global cost-effectiveness remain. Ultimately, the convergence of these technologies promises to shift oncology from reactive diagnosis to preemptive health management.

Keywords: Cancer Biomarkers, Early Detection, Liquid Biopsy Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA), Multi-Omics, Artificial Intelligence (AI).