Cervical Cancer Biomarkers

Overview

Cervical Cancer biomarkers are measurable biological indicators used to detect, diagnose, characterize, and monitor cancer of the cervix and its precursor lesions. They include molecular, cellular, viral, and protein markers found in cervical cells, tissue, blood, or other fluids, and they serve diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive roles. Because most Cervical Cancer arises from persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection, virus-related markers are central: detection and genotyping of high-risk HPV DNA and RNA, and tissue markers reflecting oncogenic activity such as p16 overexpression and proliferation indices like Ki-67, help distinguish transient infection from transforming disease and improve the specificity of screening and triage. Additional biomarkers reflect the molecular pathways disrupted during carcinogenesis, including alterations in the p53 and retinoblastoma tumor-suppressor axes and activation of signaling cascades such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, which may indicate aggressiveness, therapeutic vulnerability, or resistance. Prognostic and predictive markers can inform risk of progression, recurrence, and treatment response, while emerging circulating and methylation markers are explored for noninvasive detection and surveillance. Biomarker evaluation depends on validated assays applied to cytology, histology, and molecular specimens, with attention to sensitivity, specificity, and clinical utility. By enabling earlier detection of precancerous change and more precise risk stratification, biomarkers complement vaccination and screening in care. Research examines viral, molecular, and pathway-based markers of cervical carcinogenesis and their application to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection.

Research published in this journal

6 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.

This page summarises published research for orientation; it is not medical or professional advice.

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