Tumour markers and evidence-based pathology

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biomarker Discovery
• Pathology

Background:

• Tumor biomarkers are vital in oncology for diagnosis, classification, and patient management.
• Clinical application of cancer biomarkers is currently limited despite their potential.
• Emerging biomarkers, including meta-biomarkers, offer new diagnostic avenues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the development of tumour biomarkers from classical to emerging types.
• To highlight challenges in biomarker development, reporting, and clinical implementation.
• To discuss the relevance of biomarkers in evidence-based pathology and cancer classification.

Main Methods:

• Literature-based analysis.
• Incorporation of insights from ongoing research.
• Evaluation of biomarker development and implementation processes.

Main Results:

• Numerous potential biomarkers and meta-biomarkers are being discovered.
• Many innovations lack rigorous methodologies and standardized reporting for clinical translation.
• Significant gaps exist in the validation and implementation of tumour biomarkers.

Conclusions:

• Improved research, validation methods, and adherence to reporting standards are essential for biomarker utility.
• A framework, the Hierarchy of Evidence for Tumour Pathology, is proposed for evaluation.
• The framework aims to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities in biomarker development.