Technologies for Identification and Validation of Cancer Biomarkers

Abstract

With the recent advances in genomic profiling, high-throughput technologies and improved treatment strategies based on personalized medcines, biomarkers have emerged with an important role in the early detection and clinical management of cancer patients. Genetic-based biochemical analysis has developed to examine specific molecular pathways with abnormal expression of regulatory proteins and has been evaluated as potential predictive biomarkers for therapeutic decision in various cancer treatments. Genome-based prognostic biomarkers can measure and detect the risk of developing cancer in various tissues or, alternatively, assess the progression of cancer following clinical staging or potential response to the available therapeutic strategies. The development of novel cancer biomarkers for clinical utilization including diagnosis, prognosis, and drug therapy response is hindered by various challenges including scientific validation, regulatory, and legislation for the efficient translation to the clinics. This chapter underpins the different stages of biomarker development, identification and validation of cancer biomarkers, and successful implementation in the cancer management. With challenges, time is no far when biomarkers will shape the future of personalized medicine and cancer therapy.