Biomarker Discovery and Molecular Diagnostics in Cancer
Biomarkers and molecular diagnostics are at the forefront of modern oncology, enabling early detection, accurate prognosis, patient stratification, and personalized treatment selection. Advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have facilitated the identification of molecular signatures that predict disease progression, therapy response, and potential resistance mechanisms. Liquid biopsy technologies, analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), exosomes, and microRNAs, are increasingly used for minimally invasive monitoring of tumor dynamics, early relapse detection, and therapy optimization. Companion diagnostics are now essential in guiding targeted therapies, such as EGFR inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapies, ensuring treatments are matched to the molecular profile of the tumor. Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning with molecular diagnostics enhances the interpretation of complex datasets, improves predictive accuracy, and supports precision oncology decision-making. Multi-omic approaches are uncovering novel biomarkers for rare and aggressive cancers, while high-throughput screening platforms accelerate biomarker discovery and validation. Challenges remain in clinical implementation, regulatory approval, standardization, and global accessibility of advanced diagnostic tools. This session will explore the latest breakthroughs in biomarker research, emerging molecular diagnostic technologies, translational applications, and clinical strategies that are shaping personalized cancer care and enabling more effective, data-driven oncology practices worldwide.