Biomarkers for predicting bladder cancer therapy response.

Abstract

The advent of precision medicine has underscored the importance of biomarkers in predicting therapy response for bladder cancer, a malignancy marked by considerable heterogeneity. This review critically examines the current landscape of biomarkers to forecast treatment outcomes in bladder cancer patients. We explore a range of biomarkers, including genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, and transcriptomic indicators, from multiple sample sources, including urine, tumor tissue and blood, assessing their efficacy in predicting responses to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Despite promising developments, the translation of these biomarkers into clinical practice faces significant challenges, such as variability in biomarker performance, the necessity for large-scale validation studies, and the integration of biomarker testing into routine clinical workflows. We also highlight the need for standardized methodologies and robust assays to ensure consistency and reliability. Future directions point towards longitudinal studies and the development of combination biomarker panels to enhance predictive accuracy. This review emphasizes the transformative potential of predictive biomarkers in improving patient outcomes and advocates for continued collaborative efforts to overcome existing barriers in this rapidly evolving field.