Current Perspectives in Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Cancer-Specific Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets.

Abstract

As a rapidly-evolving area of scientific research with undeniable significance to public health, the early detection of disease for favorable prognostic outcomes has taken on greater importance. Herein, we describe how such a detection paradigm takes aim at how cancer-retina antigens have the potential to be detected with greater accuracy through their isolation and ultra-sensitive detection as novel biomarkers and potential targets. However, the detection limitations of this approach are defined by the detection of nanogram quantities of antigen, thus highlighting a novel requirement for sensitive assays with enhanced specificity and reproducibility. Indeed, this technology can potentially enable the monitoring of antigen levels at earlier stages of cancer progression, as well as during treatment and remission. However, the applicability of this method may be significantly limited by the high cost of dyes, the need for a fluorimeter, as well as the purity of the T7 RNA polymerase. In summary, the detection and utilization of novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets with technological advances have co-evolved with some very encouraging findings, most notably in precision medicine.