Biomarkers and Corresponding Biosensors for Childhood Cancer Diagnostics

Although tremendous progress has been made in treating childhood cancer, it is still one of the leading causes of death in children worldwide. Because cancer symptoms overlap with those of other diseases, it is difficult to predict a tumor early enough, which causes cancers in children to be more aggressive and progress more rapidly than in adults. Therefore, early and accurate detection methods are urgently needed to effectively treat children with cancer therapy. Identification and detection of cancer biomarkers serve as non-invasive tools for early cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. Biosensors have emerged as a potential technology for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective biomarker detection and monitoring. In this review, we provide an overview of important biomarkers for several common childhood cancers. Accordingly, we have enumerated the developed biosensors for early detection of pediatric cancer or related biomarkers. This review offers a restructured platform for ongoing research in pediatric cancer diagnostics that can contribute to the development of rapid biosensing techniques for early-stage diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of children with cancer and reduce the mortality rate.

Automated summary

Despite progress in treating childhood cancer, it remains a leading cause of death among children globally. Due to overlapping symptoms with other diseases, early tumor prediction is difficult, leading to more aggressive and rapid progression in pediatric cancer. Early and accurate detection methods are urgently needed, and biosensors have emerged as potential tools for biomarker detection. This review provides an overview of important biomarkers and biosensors for early detection of pediatric cancer, offering a platform for ongoing research and the development of rapid diagnostics and treatment, ultimately reducing mortality rates.