Cancer remains one of the most complex and challenging diseases of our time, with its heterogeneity and adaptability posing significant hurdles for effective treatment. In the era of precision oncology, the identification and utilization of cancer biomarkers have emerged as pivotal tools in transforming cancer care. Biomarkers — ranging from genetic mutations and protein expressions to metabolic signatures and circulating tumor DNA — enable clinicians to tailor therapies to individual patients, optimizing outcomes and minimizing unnecessary treatments.
This thematic series in Military Medical Research investigates into the latest advancements in cancer biomarker research, with a focus on their application in precision oncology. By exploring cutting-edge technologies, novel biomarker discovery, and their integration into clinical practice, this series aims to highlight how these tools are revolutionizing cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Additionally, the series will address the unique challenges and opportunities in translating biomarker research into actionable strategies, where rapid, accurate, and personalized care is often critical.
Through a collection of original research articles, reviews, and expert perspectives, this series seeks to foster a deeper understanding of cancer biomarkers and their role in advancing precision oncology, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and the global fight against cancer.
Here is a list of topics for the thematic series "Cancer Biomarkers for Precision Oncology":
1. Biomarker Discovery and Validation
- Novel technologies for biomarker identification (e.g., next-generation sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics).
- Challenges in validating biomarkers for clinical use.
- Multi-omics approaches for integrative biomarker discovery.
2. Genetic and Epigenetic Biomarkers
- Role of somatic mutations, germline variants, and gene fusions in cancer.
- Epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modifications) as biomarkers.
- Liquid biopsies for detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and RNA.
3. Protein and Metabolic Biomarkers
- Proteomic profiling for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
- Metabolic signatures as indicators of tumor behavior and treatment response.
- Post-translational modifications and their role in biomarker development.
4. Immunotherapy and Immune Biomarkers
- Predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) as biomarkers.
- Immune cell profiling and its role in personalized immunotherapy.
5. Imaging-Based Biomarkers
- Radiomics-driven imaging for cancer detection and monitoring.
- PET/CT and MRI-based biomarkers for treatment response assessment.
- Integration of imaging biomarkers with molecular data.
6. Biomarkers for Early Detection and Screening
- Non-invasive biomarkers for early cancer detection (e.g., blood-based, urine-based).
- Role of biomarkers in population screening and risk stratification.
- Challenges in implementing early detection biomarkers in clinical practice.
7. Biomarkers for Treatment Selection and Monitoring
- Companion diagnostics for targeted therapies.
- Real-time monitoring of treatment response using dynamic biomarkers.
- Resistance mechanisms and biomarkers for adaptive therapy.
- Minimal residual disease monitoring.
8. Biomarkers in Rare and Aggressive Cancers
- Unique challenges in identifying biomarkers for rare cancers.
- Biomarkers for aggressive cancers (e.g., glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer).
9. Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Cancer Biomarker
- Radiomics and AI-driven imaging for cancer detection and monitoring.
- AI and machine learning for biomarker discovery and interpretation.
10. Emerging Technologies and Future Directions
- Single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics in biomarker research.
- The role of digital pathology in advancing biomarker applications.
11. Clinical Trials and Translational Research
- Biomarker-driven clinical trial designs (e.g., basket trials, umbrella trials).
- Challenges in translating biomarker research into clinical practice.
- Success stories and lessons learned from biomarker-based therapies.
12. Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of Biomarker Research
- Data privacy and ethical considerations in biomarker studies.
- Equity and disparities in precision oncology.
Guest Editor:
William Cho
Biomedical Researcher, Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
Email: williamcscho@gmail.com
Interest: cancer research, cancer biomarkers, precision medicine, genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics
- Chartered Scientist of the Science Council, United Kingdom
- Fellow member of the Institute of Biomedical Science, United Kingdom
- Fellow member of the Hong Kong Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Hong Kong
- Fellow member of the Hong Kong Society for Molecular Diagnostic Sciences, Hong Kong
H-index is about 95
Top 2% most influential scientist globally since 2017
2023 and 2024 Global Highly Cited Researchers list by Clarivate
Dr. Cho has published more than 630 peer-reviewed papers (Lancet, Lancet Oncology, Annals of Oncology, Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Advanced Science, Nature Communications, PNAS, Molecular Cancer, Journal of Thoracic Oncology, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, Clinical Cancer Research, Clinical Chemistry, Theranostics, etc.) covering cancer biomarkers, proteomics, non-coding RNA, traditional Chinese medicine, and dozens of books (including “An Omics Perspective on Cancer Research”, “MicroRNAs in Cancer Translational Research”, “Drug Repurposing in Cancer Therapy: Approaches and Applications”, “Supportive Cancer Care with Chinese Medicine” and “Resistance to Anti-CD20 antibodies and approaches for their reversal”, etc).