The Clinical Application and Development of Tumor Biomarkers in China

Tumor biomarkers play an increasingly prominent role in early screening, auxiliary diagnosis, efficacy evaluation, and prognosis assessment, becoming an essential component of the precision oncology system. This article systematically reviews the nearly two-century development history of tumor markers, from early protein-based markers to the genomics era. It focuses on the fundamental principles of standardized application of tumor markers in China, the current laboratory application status, and clinical application recommendations for key cancer types such as lung cancer and liver cancer. Additionally, it delves into multidimensional marker research supported by liquid biopsy technologies, including ctDNA genetic markers, DNA methylation, exosomes, and circulating tumor cells, as well as cutting-edge advancements and clinical translation challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence model construction. This review aims to provide insights for the innovative development and standardized application of tumor markers in China, thereby enhancing the precision of cancer prevention and control.