Circulating Biomarkers in Sarcoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biomarker Discovery
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Sarcomas encompass over 100 histologic subtypes, necessitating improved diagnostic and monitoring tools.
• Current cancer detection methods require adjuncts for comprehensive patient management.
• A critical need exists for easily retrievable circulating biomarkers in sarcoma patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current progress in identifying and utilizing circulating biomarkers for sarcoma.
• To describe various types of biomarkers and their testing modalities.
• To explore the clinical utility of specific biomarkers in sarcoma diagnosis and monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on circulating biomarkers in sarcoma.
• Analysis of genomic, proteomic, and metabolic biomarker candidates.
• Examination of diagnostic and prognostic utility of identified biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Genomic circulating biomarkers include circulating tumor DNA and micro-RNA.
• Genomic expressions and oncogenes are highlighted for different sarcoma subtypes.
• Investigational biomarkers include proteins, extracellular vesicles, and dysregulated metabolites.

Conclusions:

• Soft tissue sarcomas currently lack a clinically validated circulating biomarker.
• Ongoing research focuses on establishing genomic, proteomic, or metabolic biomarkers for sarcomas.
• Circulating biomarkers hold promise for improved sarcoma evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.