Recent advances in detection techniques regarding predictive, prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in body fluids and its future challenges.

Abstract

Cancer remains a major health concern worldwide owing to deceased millions of individuals annually. Therefore, early detection and precise diagnosis of this deadly threat is primarily concern of the scientific community to reduce the treatment complications and improve the survival rate of individual. In this context, molecular biomarkers found in body fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, tears and cerebrospinal fluid have become important tools for predicting, diagnosing, and monitoring different cancers. These biomarkers include DNA, RNA, protein, exosomes and metabolites etc., provide valuable information about tumour development and progression. Additionally, continuous progress and advancement in molecular biology and analytical sciences playing a pivotal role in identification, real time monitoring and validation of these biomarkers with greater accuracy, sensitivity and less invasiveness approach. Techniques such as next-generation sequencing, quantitative PCR, proteomics, and liquid biopsy are increasingly being used to detect circulating tumour DNA, microRNAs, and other disease-related molecules. Even though, after these encouraging advances, few limitations still persist such as variation in biomarker levels among individuals, limited standardization of analytical methods, and the need for large-scale clinical validation. This book chapter concise the overview of predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic biomarkers in body fluids, highlighting their biological origins, numerous detection technologies, as well as their clinical significance across major cancer types. Additionally, it also includes the recent progress in integrating nanotechnology, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence to strengthen cancer diagnostics. Besides to the above discussed major points, this chapter concludes by emphasizing the future potential of multi-omics integration and body fluid-based diagnostics in advancing precision oncology and improving patient outcomes.