Fig. 5

The use of Wnt signaling biomarkers in cancer research presents several challenges and future directions. One major challenge is the complexity of the Wnt signaling pathway, which involves numerous components and extensive crosstalk with other pathways, making biomarker interpretation difficult. Additionally, lack of methodological standardization is a critical issue, as variations in experimental techniques and analytical approaches across research groups often lead to inconsistent results. The heterogeneous nature of cancer types introduces additional challenges, requiring a nuanced comprehension of Wnt signaling's role in specific pathological contexts. Future research opportunities lie in the exploration and identification of novel biomarkers within the Wnt signaling pathway, aiming to enhance both specificity and sensitivity in cancer-related applications. Advancements in omics technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning offer promising avenues for discovering unknown components of Wnt signaling and improving data analysis. Efforts are also directed towards developing noninvasive methods, such as liquid biopsy techniques, for real-time monitoring of Wnt signaling dynamics. Interdisciplinary collaboration, facilitated by consortia and networks, is deemed essential to overcoming existing challenges and unlocking the full potential of Wnt signaling biomarkers in cancer research