Exploration of biomarkers for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cervical cancer: a review

Abstract

As the fourth most diagnosed cancer, cervical cancer (CC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality affecting females globally, particularly when diagnosed at advanced stage. Discoveries of CC biomarkers pave the road to precision medicine for better patient outcomes. High throughput omics technologies, characterized by big data production further accelerate the process. To date, various CC biomarkers have been discovered through the advancement in technologies. Despite, very few have successfully translated into clinical practice due to the paucity of validation through large scale clinical studies. While vast amounts of data are generated by the omics technologies, challenges arise in identifying the clinically relevant data for translational research as analyses of single-level omics approaches rarely provide causal relations. Integrative multi-omics approaches across different levels of cellular function enable better comprehension of the fundamental biology of CC by highlighting the interrelationships of the involved biomolecules and their function, aiding in identification of novel integrated biomarker profile for precision medicine. Establishment of a worldwide Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) system helps accelerating the pace of biomarker translation. To fill the research gap, we review the recent research progress on CC biomarker development from the application of high throughput omics technologies with sections covering genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.

Advanced detection of cervical cancer biomarkers using engineered filamentous phage nanofibers

“…Then, the cervical cancer group exhibited high concentrations of these markers, suggesting that serum VEGF and sPD-L1 may act as predictive biomarkers for cervical cancer. The combined measurement of these biomarkers holds potential applications in the diagnosis and management of cervical cancer (Arip et al 2022 ; Liu et al 2018 ; Yang et al 2014 ). To enhance the sensitivity of diagnosing cervical cancer, the combined measurement of VEGF and sPD-L1 was employed.…”

Advancements in the Management of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Comprehensive Review

“…These molecular biomarkers furnish clinicians with valuable insights into diagnosing cervical cancer, prognosticating, and guiding treatment decisions. Their identification and validation propel the advancement of precision medicine in cervical cancer management, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and alleviate the global burden of this disease [ 27 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) in Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Cervical Cancer and Its Impact on Disease Progression: Single Institution Experience

“…An elevated level of VEGF-A is associated with a higher stage of the disease and with metastases in the lymph nodes [ 12 ]. So far, it has been shown that an elevated level of VEGF-A is responsible for poor survival in patients with lung, colorectal, as well as ovarian and endometrial cancer [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. However, there are only a few studies that have studied the prognostic significance of VEGF-A in cervical cancer and they are all inconclusive [ 16 ].…”

“…Previous studies described an elevated level of VEGF-A in cervical cancer, but none of them showed the difference in VEGF-A expression in adenocarcinoma and in squamous cell cervical cancer. It is possible that VEGF-A is more significantly elevated in adenocarcinoma than in squamous cell cervical cancer, and it could be related to its more aggressive behavior and poor survival, as well as poor response to adjuvant therapy [ 10 , 15 , 17 ].…”