Diagnostics and Therapy for Malignant Tumors

Abstract

Malignant tumors remain one of the most significant global health challenges and contribute to high mortality rates across various cancer types. The complex nature of these tumors requires multifaceted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review explores current advancements in diagnostic methods, including molecular imaging, biomarkers, and liquid biopsies. It also delves into the evolution of therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and novel targeted therapies such as immunotherapy and gene therapy. Although significant progress has been made in the understanding of cancer biology, the future of oncology lies in the integration of precision medicine, improved diagnostic tools, and personalized therapeutic approaches that address tumor heterogeneity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of cancer diagnostics and treatments while highlighting emerging trends and challenges that lie ahead.

Keywords: cancer diagnostics; molecular diagnostics; personalized therapy; tumor biomarkers.

Figure 1

A variety of immunotherapies are employed to treat cancer, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, cytokines, viruses, and adoptive cell transfer.

Figure 2

Schematic depiction of diagnostics and therapy for malignant tumors. The cancer development pathway includes three stages. First, genetic and epigenetic mutations in oncogenes (e.g., RAS and MYC) and tumor suppressor genes (e.g., TP53 and BRCA1) are shown in the initiation step. The second step shows the illustrated mechanisms like evasion of apoptosis, sustained angiogenesis, and immune evasion within the tumor microenvironment. Finally, visualize invasion and metastasis processes, with tumor cells spreading through the blood or lymphatic systems in the metastasis step. The diagnostic tools are highlight imaging techniques (e.g., CT, MRI, and PET) and molecular diagnostics (e.g., biomarkers and liquid biopsies) as they aid early detection and monitoring. Therapeutic interventions involve various therapeutic strategies. One is traditional therapies that include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Another is targeted therapies that include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. The other is immunotherapy that includes immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy.