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Review
. 2025 Mar 25:6:1002301.
doi: 10.37349/etat.2025.1002301. eCollection 2025.

Bladder cancer biomarkers

Dominik Godlewski  1 , Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher  2 , Sara Czech  3 , Jakub Szpara  3 , David Aebisher  4
Affiliations
Review

Bladder cancer biomarkers

Dominik Godlewski et al. Explor Target Antitumor Ther. .

Abstract

Bladder cancer (BCa) is among the most frequently diagnosed urinary tract cancers, characterized by a high recurrence rate and significant clinical heterogeneity. Effective diagnosis and treatment of BCa demand continuous advancements in medical technologies, particularly given the limitations of classical methods such as cystoscopy and urine cytology. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted using relevant keywords to structure this narrative review. Additionally, specialist journals were reviewed. Only articles in English were included, with selection based on titles, abstracts, and availability of full texts. In recent years, biomarkers have emerged as crucial tools complementing traditional techniques, providing more precise, sensitive, and non-invasive methods for early detection, prognosis, and monitoring treatment response in BCa. Molecular, genetic, and protein biomarkers enable a deeper understanding of BCa biology, creating opportunities for personalized therapy tailored to individual patient needs. However, despite their potential, certain challenges remain, including standardization, validation, and integration into routine clinical practice. This review highlights recent advancements in BCa biomarkers and their transformative potential in oncological care. It underscores the importance of incorporating these innovations to refine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Modern diagnostic and prognostic tools for BCa can enhance treatment outcomes by enabling early disease detection and reducing recurrence risks. This progress promises to improve patients' quality of life by minimizing disease burden and fostering effective, tailored care strategies.

Keywords: Bladder cancer; biomarkers; diagnostic; monitoring; predictive biomarkers; prognostic; urothelial cancer.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Graph shows the global distribution of new cases of bladder cancer in 2022
Figure 2
Figure 2
Illustration shows key risk factors for developing bladder cancer
Figure 3
Figure 3
Summary of biomarkers used in the diagnosis of bladder cancer in urine samples. miR: microRNA; BTA: bladder tumor antigen; NMP22: nuclear matrix protein 22; FDP: fibrinogen degradation products; IL-8: interleukin 8; FDA: Food and Drug Administration
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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