Biomarkers have become a crucial part of modern diagnostics and therapeutics. The precision in identification and quantification in a given sample and the ability to get detected in non-invasive assays of blood or serum samples make biomarkers a promising tool in cancer management. The National Cancer Institute defines biomarkers used in oncology (more specifically tumor markers) [1] as proteins, tissues, or any typical molecules produced by the tumor cells or other body cells in response to the tumor that can provide information about the type, stage, and spread of the tumor in the body.

Types of biomarkers: Cancer biomarkers are categorized into several segments based on their utility in various steps of oncology practice [2]. These are depicted in figure 1. Figure 1: Various roles of biomarkers in cancer treatment Diagnostic : A very common use of biomarker is for a confirmed…