Wearable Sensors for Continuous Monitoring of Tumor Markers: A Paradigm Shift in Cancer Diagnostics and Management

Abstract

Background: Cancer remains a leading global health challenge, with early detection and continuous monitoring of tumor 
markers critical to improving outcomes. Conventional serum-based assays such as ELISA, while sensitive, are limited by 
their intermittent and invasive nature. Wearable biosensors offer a non-invasive, real-time alternative for monitoring 
biomarkers such as PSA, CEA, CA-125, and CA 15-3 in peripheral biofluids. 
Materials and Methods: Flexible, nanomaterial-enhanced wearable biosensors were fabricated using graphene-coated 
gold nanoparticle electrodes functionalized with monoclonal antibodies. Biofluids (sweat, saliva, interstitial fluid) were 
collected via skin patches, unstimulated drooling, and microneedle-assisted extraction. Calibration was performed with 
recombinant standards, and results were benchmarked against ELISA. 
Subjects and Methods: The study enrolled 60 cancer patients (prostate, ovarian, colorectal, breast) and 20 healthy 
controls, aged 18–75 years, under IEC/IRB approval (IEC/ONC/2025/014) with informed consent. Participants wore the 
sensors continuously for 7 days, with skin compatibility and user comfort assessed. 
Interpretation and Statistical Analysis: Wearable biosensors achieved high concordance with ELISA (r ≥ 0.89) and 
detection limits between 0.15–0.30 ng/mL. Machine learning-assisted data analysis improved classification accuracy for 
early detection (91.9%), treatment monitoring (89.0%), and recurrence detection (90.7%). Statistical analyses were 
performed using SPSS v27 and ROC curve evaluation, with p < 0.05 considered significant.  
Conclusion: Wearable biosensors demonstrate strong potential for accurate, continuous tumor marker monitoring, offering 
a non-invasive, patient-friendly approach that supports proactive oncology care and precision medicine, particularly in 
resource-limited settings...