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Life
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Novel Approaches to Early Cancer Detection
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Novel Approaches to Early Cancer Detection

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 12414

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Frank Diehl

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Guest Editor
Exact Sciences, Madison, WI 53719, USA
Interests: cancer detection
Dr. Christopher Blair Douville

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
Interests: data science; machine learning in early detection
Dr. Johannes Fahrmann

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
Interests: cancer biomarkers; metabolomics; metabolic vulnerabilities; therapeutics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer is a leading cause of death, with over 10 million lives lost per year worldwide. Cancer screening has been instrumental in reducing cancer mortality. The foundational concept behind cancer screening is that cancer survival is more likely when cancers are diagnosed at earlier stages, when treatments have the potential to be more successful. Depending on the country, screening programs exist for a several cancer types. For example, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends (Grade A/B) the screening of four common cancers: breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancers. However, that leaves about 2/3 of incident cancers for which no recommended screening options are available today. One of the approaches to overcome this challenge is to apply novel biomarker detection technologies and strategies to the blood and other bodily fluid samples for the identification of early-stage cancers. These new technologies have the potential to boost clinical performance and lower testing costs for single-organ screening. In addition, they enable the simultaneous detection of numerous cancer types via multi-cancer early detection (MCED) within a single sample.

This Special Issue is dedicated to the topic of early cancer detection and welcomes articles from experts in the field of single- and multi-cancer screening. The goal is to compile broad perspectives and the latest advances related to this field, including areas such as clinical development and biomarker research. This Special Issue should inspire readers to get involved in this impactful and rapidly changing field. Together, we can save lives by making novel and better cancer screening tests part of routine medical care.

Dr. Frank Diehl
Dr. Christopher Blair Douville
Dr. Johannes Fahrmann
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • multi-cancer early detection
  • screening
  • early detection

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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19 pages, 1172 KiB  
Review
Unlocking the Potential of Circulating miRNAs as Biomarkers in Glioblastoma
by Sanika Suvarnapathaki, Antolin Serrano-Farias, Jonathan C. Dudley, Chetan Bettegowda and Jordina Rincon-Torroella
Life 2024, 14(10), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101312 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2546
Abstract
Using microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential circulating biomarkers in diagnosing and treating glioblastoma (GBM) has garnered a lot of scientific and clinical impetus in the past decade. As an aggressive primary brain tumor, GBM poses challenges in early detection and effective treatment with significant [...] Read more.
Using microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential circulating biomarkers in diagnosing and treating glioblastoma (GBM) has garnered a lot of scientific and clinical impetus in the past decade. As an aggressive primary brain tumor, GBM poses challenges in early detection and effective treatment with significant current diagnostic constraints and limited therapeutic strategies. MiRNA dysregulation is present in GBM. The intricate involvement of miRNAs in altering cell proliferation, invasion, and immune escape makes them prospective candidates for identifying and monitoring GBM diagnosis and response to treatment. These miRNAs could play a dual role, acting as both potential diagnostic markers and targets for therapy. By modulating the activity of various oncogenic and tumor-suppressive proteins, miRNAs create opportunities for precision medicine and targeted therapies in GBM. This review centers on the critical role and function of circulating miRNA biomarkers in GBM diagnosis and treatment. It highlights their significance in providing insights into disease progression, aiding in early diagnosis, and potential use as targets for novel therapeutic interventions. Ultimately, the study of miRNA would contribute to improving patient outcomes in the challenging landscape of GBM management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches to Early Cancer Detection)
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14 pages, 751 KiB  
Review
Shifting the Cancer Screening Paradigm: Developing a Multi-Biomarker Class Approach to Multi-Cancer Early Detection Testing
by John B. Kisiel, Jon O. Ebbert, William R. Taylor, Catherine R. Marinac, Omair A. Choudhry, Seema P. Rego, Tomasz M. Beer and Michelle A. Beidelschies
Life 2024, 14(8), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14080925 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1886
Abstract
Guideline-recommended screening programs exist for only a few cancer types. Although all these programs are understood to lead to reductions in cancer-related mortality, standard-of-care screening tests vary in accuracy, adherence and effectiveness. Recent advances in high-throughput technologies and machine learning have facilitated the [...] Read more.
Guideline-recommended screening programs exist for only a few cancer types. Although all these programs are understood to lead to reductions in cancer-related mortality, standard-of-care screening tests vary in accuracy, adherence and effectiveness. Recent advances in high-throughput technologies and machine learning have facilitated the development of blood-based multi-cancer cancer early detection (MCED) tests. MCED tests are positioned to be complementary to standard-of-care screening and they may broaden screening availability, especially for individuals who are not adherent with current screening programs and for individuals who may harbor cancers with no available screening options. In this article, we outline some key features that should be considered for study design and MCED test development, provide an example of the developmental pathway undertaken for an emerging multi-biomarker class MCED test and propose a clinical algorithm for an imaging-based diagnostic resolution strategy following MCED testing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches to Early Cancer Detection)
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12 pages, 495 KiB  
Review
Understanding the Landscape of Multi-Cancer Detection Tests: The Current Data and Clinical Considerations
by Cody E. Cotner and Elizabeth O’Donnell
Life 2024, 14(7), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070896 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1468
Abstract
Multi-cancer detection (MCD) tests are blood-based assays that screen for multiple cancers concurrently and offer a promising approach to improve early cancer detection and screening uptake. To date, there have been two prospective interventional studies evaluating MCD tests as a screening tool in [...] Read more.
Multi-cancer detection (MCD) tests are blood-based assays that screen for multiple cancers concurrently and offer a promising approach to improve early cancer detection and screening uptake. To date, there have been two prospective interventional studies evaluating MCD tests as a screening tool in human subjects. No MCD tests are currently approved by the FDA, but there is one commercially available MCD test. Ongoing trials continue to assess the efficacy, safety, and cost implications of MCD tests. In this review, we discuss the performance of CancerSEEK and Galleri, two leading MCD platforms, and discuss the clinical consideration for the broader application of this new technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches to Early Cancer Detection)
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11 pages, 585 KiB  
Review
Technology and Future of Multi-Cancer Early Detection
by Danny A. Milner, Jr. and Jochen K. Lennerz
Life 2024, 14(7), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070833 - 29 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4662
Abstract
Cancer remains a significant global health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection is essential for improving patient outcomes, yet current diagnostic methods lack the sensitivity and specificity needed for identifying early-stage cancers. Here, we explore the potential of [...] Read more.
Cancer remains a significant global health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection is essential for improving patient outcomes, yet current diagnostic methods lack the sensitivity and specificity needed for identifying early-stage cancers. Here, we explore the potential of multi-omics approaches, which integrate genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, to enhance early cancer detection. We highlight the challenges and benefits of data integration from these diverse sources and discuss successful examples of multi-omics applications in other fields. By leveraging these advanced technologies, multi-omics can significantly improve the sensitivity and specificity of early cancer diagnostics, leading to better patient outcomes and more personalized cancer care. We underscore the transformative potential of multi-omics approaches in revolutionizing early cancer detection and the need for continued research and clinical integration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches to Early Cancer Detection)
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13 pages, 2300 KiB  
Brief Report
Methylated DNA Markers in Voided Urine for the Identification of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer
by Paras Shah, William R. Taylor, Brianna J. Negaard, Benjamin R. Gochanour, Douglas W. Mahoney, Sara S. Then, Mary E. Devens, Patrick H. Foote, Karen A. Doering, Kelli N. Burger, Brandon Nikolai, Michael W. Kaiser, Hatim T. Allawi, John C. Cheville, John B. Kisiel and Matthew T. Gettman
Life 2024, 14(8), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14081024 - 18 Aug 2024
Viewed by 974
Abstract
Introduction: Non-invasive assays are needed to better discriminate patients with prostate cancer (PCa) to avoid over-treatment of indolent disease. We analyzed 14 methylated DNA markers (MDMs) from urine samples of patients with biopsy-proven PCa relative to healthy controls and further studied discrimination of [...] Read more.
Introduction: Non-invasive assays are needed to better discriminate patients with prostate cancer (PCa) to avoid over-treatment of indolent disease. We analyzed 14 methylated DNA markers (MDMs) from urine samples of patients with biopsy-proven PCa relative to healthy controls and further studied discrimination of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) from healthy controls and Gleason 6 cancers. Methods: To evaluate the panel, urine from 24 healthy male volunteers with no clinical suspicion for PCa and 24 men with biopsy-confirmed disease across all Gleason scores was collected. Blinded to clinical status, DNA from the supernatant was analyzed for methylation signal within specific DNA sequences across 14 genes (HES5, ZNF655, ITPRIPL1, MAX.chr3.6187, SLCO3A1, CHST11, SERPINB9, WNT3A, KCNB2, GAS6, AKR1B1, MAX.chr3.8028, GRASP, ST6GALNAC2) by target enrichment long-probe quantitative-amplified signal assays. Results: Utilizing an overall specificity cut-off of 100% for discriminating normal controls from PCa cases across the MDM panel resulted in 71% sensitivity (95% CI: 49–87%) for PCa detection (4/7 Gleason 6, 8/12 Gleason 7, 5/5 Gleason 8+) and 76% (50–92%) for csPCa (Gleason ≥ 7). At 100% specificity for controls and Gleason 6 patients combined, MDM panel sensitivity was 59% (33–81%) for csPCa (5/12 Gleason 7, 5/5 Gleason 8+). Conclusions: MDMs assayed in urine offer high sensitivity and specificity for detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. Prospective evaluation is necessary to estimate discrimination of patients as first-line screening and as an adjunct to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Approaches to Early Cancer Detection)
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