Lectin-based biosensors as analytical tools for clinical oncology.

The review focus on the use of lectin-based biosensors in the oncology field, and ponders the potentialities of using these devices as analytical tools to monitor the levels of cancer glycobiomarkers in biological fluids, helping in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment assessment. Several examples of lectin-based biosensors directed for cancer biomarkers are described and discussed, and their potential application in the clinic is considered, taking into account their analytical features, advantages and performance in sample analysis. Technical and practical aspects in the construction process, which are specific for lectin biosensors, are debated, as well as the requirements in sample collection and processing, and biosensor validation. Today's challenges for real implementation of these devices in the clinic are presented, along with the future trends in the field.