# Cervical Cancer Biomarkers in Non-Cervical Samples: Emerging Tools for Diagnosis and Prognosis

## TL;DR

This review explores new biomarkers for cervical cancer that can be detected in non-cervical samples like blood or urine, offering easier and less invasive diagnostic options.

## Contribution

The paper highlights novel biomarkers detectable in non-cervical samples, offering less invasive alternatives for cervical cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

## Key findings

- Biomarkers in non-cervical samples show high sensitivity and specificity for cervical cancer detection.
- Using non-cervical samples could reduce discomfort and increase participation in gynecological healthcare.
- A variety of biomarkers have been proposed for early detection and monitoring of cervical cancer.

## Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) is the gynecological cancer with the highest incidence and mortality worldwide. High-risk oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) genotypes 16 and 18 are the primary risk factors for developing this female neoplasm, with them being the etiological agents of 70% of cervical cancers. Despite the availability of various prevention strategies, laboratory tests capable of detecting the disease in its previous and early stages, and multiple treatment schemes, CC incidence and mortality rates remain high, due in part to the population’s rejection or disinterest in the current type of sampling. An alternative that could encourage women to take better care of their gynecological health is the availability of tests that detect biomarkers in non-cervical samples with high sensitivity and specificity. The detection of biomarkers in non-cervical samples (blood, serum, plasma, urine, and vaginal fluids) may help reduce the discomfort associated with cervical sampling in patients, therefore promoting gynecological healthcare. This review discusses current diagnostic methods and recent advances in CC biomarkers detected in non-cervical samples, emphasizing their potential for diagnosis, prognosis, and patient monitoring. We further discuss the challenges and future perspectives of applying these biomarkers in clinical practice. The results of this review show that there is a considerable range of biomarkers proposed as alternative tools with high efficacy. Their identification in previous stages of the disease and routinely in non-cervical samples could help reduce the incidence and mortality rates of CC.