Affinity-Based Clinical Biomarkers for Early Disease Detection

Precision medicine emphasizes early illness identification with minimal risks, enhancing treatment results and reducing unwanted effects. Biomarkers, which indicate molecular interactions at the cellular level, enable proactive diagnostic procedures. This chapter discusses the potential applications of affinity-based biomarkers, specifically proteinaceous and nucleic acid affinity-based biomarkers, in different illnesses. Proteinaceous biomarkers, which rely on antibody–antigen complexes, can help diagnose cancer and autoimmune diseases. Nucleic acid biomarkers, particularly genetic variations, can reveal disease vulnerability. Moreover, RNA analysis can offer better understanding toward the function of gut microbiota in health and illness. Thus, various microbial genome-based biomarkers can effectively benefit clinical diagnostics and treatments. In this regard, despite challenges in creating accurate diagnostic tests, novel affinity-based biomarkers show great potential for improving patient outcomes by facilitating early intervention. This chapter discusses the importance of such biomarkers in improving diagnostic accuracy and progressing customized treatment.