Electrochemical detection of fusion genes: Advancing cancer diagnosis and therapy

Fusion genes are formed by joining segments of two different genes through translocations, deletions, chromosomal insertions, or aberrant gene splicing. These fusions, detectable at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels, are diagnostically and prognostically relevant molecular indices for the selection of targeted therapies, monitoring of minimal residual disease after treatment, and prediction of relapse. In contrast to traditional determination techniques, electroanalytical technologies provide affordable, versatile, portable, and rapid detection methods that do not comprise specificity, sensitivity, robustness, or accuracy. These advantages make them highly promising for advancing research, enabling clinical adoption, supporting pharmaceutical development, and expanding access to accurate diagnostics and effective therapies. In this context, this review article addresses the potential and opportunities offered by electroanalytical technologies for fusion gene detection. It provides a brief description of the most common fusion genes in hematological malignancies and solid tumors, an explanation of frequently used standard techniques, a critical overview of recent electrochemical (EC)-based studies targeting the most common fusion genes, and highlights the challenges faced by current EC bioassays.