Lung cancer biomarkers

Global cancer incidence and mortality are rising, with lung cancer (LC) being the most common. LC is the biggest cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80-85 % of cases and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) for 10-15 %. The most frequent LC diagnostic methods are computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and fluorescence bronchoscopy. Biomarkers increasingly predict illness risk, prognosis, and medication response. Many national and international projects standardize and catalog disease biomarkers. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) classifies these biomarkers as category I (A, B, C) on the ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of molecular Targets (ESCAT) classification. This review covers molecular, protein, cell-free DNA (cfDNA), cfDNA fragment length, methylation of cfDNA, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), microRNA, autoantibodies and inflammation, microsatellite markers, exosomes and non-code RNA, imaging biomarkers, immune cells and serological biomarkers, and microbiota. Biomarkers for first-line targeted therapy resistance, particularly tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are being studied. At multiple stages, biomarkers affect lung cancer treatment and prognosis. Biomarkers can impact lung cancer risk assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, recurrence, and monitoring. Biomarker research, a relatively new discipline, addresses cancer as a complex and heterogeneous disease, adding to the ambiguity. Initial testing and use of most biomarkers fail. Also, different biomarker studies have different populations, risk factors, and uses. In order to evaluate potential biomarkers in the future and choose the best one, blood samples need to be bio-banked. Similar platforms are being built by multiple projects.