Progress of Breast Cancer Biomarkers for Optimized Management: Are We There Yet?

Breast cancer continues to be a significant global health burden, necessitating constant advancements in biomarker discovery and management strategies. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made in breast cancer biomarkers and their clinical implications, as well as the current state of breast cancer management. We begin by highlighting the importance of biomarkers in breast cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment response. Various molecular markers, including hormone receptors (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and Ki67 are mentioned. Moreover, we explore emerging biomarkers in breast cancer, including circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and particularly, breast cancer stem cells, which show promising potential for improved diagnostics, personalized treatment selection, and monitoring of disease progression. Accordingly, we address the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and the integration of biomarkers into clinical decision-making processes. In conclusion, this review article provides a comprehensive assessment of the progress in breast cancer biomarkers. By examining the current state of biomarker discovery for optimized clinical application and treatment modalities, we aim to shed light on the advancements achieved thus far and identify the remaining gaps in order to pave the way for improved breast cancer care and patient outcomes.