Emerging Biomarkers of the Future: Changing Clinical Practice for 2020

Abstract

Progress in biomarker development has greatly enhanced our ability to categorize breast cancer into several clinical subtypes and to deliver better personalized therapies. Technological advances in gene expression profiling, signaling pathways, proliferation markers and tumor monitoring through detection of circulating tumor cells and free DNA, and measurements of genomic instability and germline mutations are being vigorously pursued in breast cancer research. Their application in routine clinical practice is increasing and helping further development of precision medicine. Ongoing challenges include assessing the utility and feasibility of these tests, interpreting the large amounts of genomic data that are being generated, translating the information to clinical practice, and constructing clinical trials on molecularly driven approaches. In this article, we will review current and emerging promising biomarkers and their roles in the management of patients with breast cancer. © 2016, Springer Science+Business Media New York.