AI-assisted liquid biopsies hold promise for early cancer detection
The idea of diagnosing cancer through painless methods—such as a simple AI-powered blood or urine test that detects tiny particles called exosomes—is becoming increasingly plausible. Scientists expect this approach could one day enable rapid, straightforward identification of cancer biomarkers.
This insight emerges from a comprehensive narrative review of existing research, offering an interpretive summary and analysis of published studies on the topic.
Led by Mohammad Harb Semreen, a Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Sharjah, the review was published in Clinica Chimica Acta. It evaluated findings from more than 100 studies, synthesizing four major associations and providing interpretation, analysis, and expert insights.
The review covers research published between 2018 and 2025 and concentrates on exosomes—tiny vesicles released by nearly all cells that carry molecular messages between cells. In cancer, these vesicles change dramatically: they become enriched with proteins, genetic material, lipids, and metabolites that reflect the tumor’s state.
"By decoding the molecular cargo of these exosomes through a multi-omics approach—combining proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics—we can map how cancers communicate, grow, and evade treatment," explained Prof. Semreen. "This provides researchers with a new way to discover precise, reliable biomarkers that can detect cancer earlier, predict its potential aggression, and monitor how patients respond to therapy."
Exosomes are minute particles released by cells and circulating in body fluids. Because they carry cancer-related molecular signatures, a routine blood or urine test may one day offer an early, non-invasive method for cancer detection.
Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are accelerating progress by scanning vast molecular datasets to reveal patterns invisible to the human eye, aiding faster and more accurate identification of dependable cancer biomarkers.
Prof. Semreen characterizes this approach as powerful because exosomes can be collected from simple fluids like blood or urine, suggesting that cancer could be tracked through a non-invasive liquid biopsy rather than painful tissue sampling.
Exosomes are not passive bystanders; they influence tumor spread, immune evasion, and drug resistance, acting as both messengers and manipulators in cancer progression, the authors emphasize.
The paper highlights how integrating multi-omics data with AI can unravel the complexity of these vesicles to identify clinically meaningful signals. This fusion brings scientists closer to personalized and predictive cancer diagnostics, where a routine blood test could reveal the earliest signs of disease and guide treatment decisions with unprecedented precision.
With cancer remaining a leading global cause of death, the review underscores the potential of AI-assisted blood or urine tests to detect disease quickly and non-invasively—before symptoms arise and cancer cells spread—facilitating early intervention and improving outcomes.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), there were about 20 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million deaths in 2022. Roughly 53.5 million people were living within five years of a cancer diagnosis. Statistically, about one in five people will develop cancer in their lifetime, and about one in nine men and one in twelve women die from the disease.
Lead author Fatima Maher Al-Daffaie, a PhD candidate in drug design and discovery at the University of Sharjah’s College of Pharmacy, added, "Exosomes carry the whispers of cancer cells—we’re learning how to listen. By decoding exosomes, we can detect cancer earlier and tailor treatment more intelligently. Our aim is to turn a simple blood test into a powerful diagnostic tool. These nano-messengers provide a real-time view of tumor activity. What once required surgery may soon be achievable with a drop of blood."
On the practical implications, Prof. Semreen stated that the findings could reshape how cancer is detected and treated in the future. "The most immediate application is the development of liquid biopsies—simple blood or urine tests that analyze exosomes to detect cancer at its earliest stages, monitor treatment response, and even predict relapse before symptoms appear."
He added, "Because exosomes carry the same molecular fingerprints as their parent tumor cells, they offer a real-time, non-invasive snapshot of internal activity. This could allow physicians to move away from traditional tissue biopsies toward safer, faster, and more repeatable tests that track disease over time."
A second promising frontier is using exosomes as natural drug delivery vehicles. "These nanoscale vesicles can be engineered to carry anti-cancer drugs, RNA molecules, or even gene-editing tools directly to tumor cells. Their inherent compatibility with the human body enables precise delivery, reducing side effects and boosting efficacy," the authors note.
Ahmad Abuhelwa, Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics at the University of Sharjah and a co-author, commented, "Exosomes provide a living snapshot of cancer behavior. By analyzing their molecular signatures, treatments can be personalized, and each patient’s tumor evolution can be monitored over time."
He continued, "What makes this research so exciting is its potential to revolutionize diagnostics. By integrating multi-omics data with AI, it’s possible to interpret the vast complexity of cancer biology in a clinically actionable way, moving precision oncology from concept to routine medical care."
When asked about industry or institutional interest, the authors noted that formal collaborations have not yet been established, though the field is drawing substantial global attention. Exosome-based diagnostics and liquid biopsy technologies are among the fastest-growing areas in precision medicine, attracting major investments from biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
"As the work progresses from discovery to clinical application, new partnerships are expected—especially with firms and research centers focused on next-generation cancer diagnostics and personalized monitoring tools," said Prof. Semreen.
