Cancer Summit

Early Cancer Detection and Liquid Biopsy Technologies

Early cancer detection remains one of the most critical strategies for reducing cancer-related mortality, as survival rates significantly improve when malignancies are diagnosed at localized stages. Current trends focus on non-invasive and minimally invasive diagnostic approaches, particularly liquid biopsy technologies that analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, and other cancer-related biomarkers from blood samples. These advanced molecular techniques enable early tumor identification, real-time disease monitoring, assessment of minimal residual disease, and detection of therapy resistance without the need for repeated tissue biopsies. Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, powered by next-generation sequencing and methylation profiling, are gaining attention for their potential to screen multiple cancer types simultaneously in asymptomatic individuals. Integration of artificial intelligence with molecular diagnostics further enhances sensitivity and specificity, reducing false positives and improving clinical decision-making. Screening innovations in breast, lung, colorectal, and cervical cancers are increasingly incorporating biomarker-based strategies alongside traditional imaging methods. Preventive oncology is also advancing through risk stratification models that combine genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and environmental exposures to identify high-risk populations. Despite these breakthroughs, challenges remain in clinical validation, regulatory approval, reimbursement policies, and ensuring equitable global access to screening technologies. This session will explore emerging diagnostic platforms, biomarker discoveries, large-scale clinical trials, and policy frameworks that are shaping the future of early cancer detection and redefining preventive oncology worldwide.