What role do biomarkers play in cancer diagnosis and treatment?
Biomarkers are biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that indicate a normal or abnormal process, or a condition or disease. In cancer, biomarkers are used for early detection, prognosis, and monitoring treatment response. Recent advancements focus on liquid biopsies, which detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and other cancer-related molecules in the blood. This non-invasive method provides real-time insights into the tumor's genetic landscape and can guide treatment decisions.