Recent advances in the electrochemical sensing of lung cancer biomarkers

Abstract

In the current scenario, about 25% of all cancer deaths reported globally are related to lung cancer. Despite the development of different diagnosing techniques, including X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, biopsy, etc., there is still a significant challenge in dealing with lung cancer mortality and morbidity. Therefore, the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer is essential and holds a considerable place in lung cancer research. Biomarkers, an indicator, are overexpressed in the malignant tissues and are found in the body fluids. The existence of these biomolecules beyond the cut-off level can be used as an indicator for sensing tumour markers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and clinical management of lung cancer. Hence, fast and precise detection of biomarkers is helpful in the early detection of cancer. Moreover, the redox materials used for sensing biomarkers play a critical role in the sensitivity of electroanalytical devices. Therefore, we critically review the early diagnosis of lung cancer using an electrochemical biosensor. First, the importance of biomarkers and their application in determining various stages are discussed. A detailed section is devoted to recent electrochemical electrode materials, including graphene (Gr), carbon nanotube (CNT), and metal-based nanomaterials. Finally, the limitations and future prospects of electrochemical sensors are elaborated.