Emerging Biomarkers in Early Disease Detection: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The early diagnosis of diseases is a fundamental aspect of contemporary medicine, crucial for enhancing patient prognosis and alleviating healthcare system burdens. Biomarkers—measurable indicators of biological processes or disease states—have emerged as pivotal tools in diagnostics. This review focuses on novel biomarkers for early detection in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory conditions, with a special emphasis on liquid biopsies, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), cardiac troponins, cytokines, and exosome-based markers. Furthermore, advancements in omics technologies and artificial intelligence are highlighted as transformative in this field. Despite their potential, challenges such as validation, standardization, and practical integration into clinical workflows persist. Addressing these challenges through collaborative research will ensure these biomarkers play a central role in disease diagnostics, ultimately advancing global healthcare outcomes.