Analysis of pleural fluid biomarkers for diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion and molecular characterization of lung cancer: a review

Pleural fluid biomarker analysis offers a minimally invasive, clinically relevant approach for diagnosing MPE and identifying molecular targets in lung cancer. Further standardization and validation of testing protocols are needed, but these advances hold potential to refine early diagnosis, guide targeted therapies, and personalize management strategies for patients with lung cancer-related effusions.