Comprehensive Metabolomic Profiling in Urinary Bladder Cancer: Emerging Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring

ABSTRACT Urinary bladder cancer (UBCa) is a recurrent malignancy with a significant global health burden. Early and accurate detection is vital for improving outcomes. Metabolomics, the study of small molecules in biological systems, offers a powerful approach to reveal biochemical alterations in UBCa. Analysis of urine, tumor tissue, and blood highlights metabolic reprogramming, with mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as key profiling tools. Metabolites such as valine, tryptophan, taurine, uridine, and phosphocholine have emerged as potential biomarkers. Common alterations include reduced citrate and elevated lactic acid and fatty acids, reflecting dysregulated energy metabolism. The noninvasive nature of urine and blood sampling enhances clinical applicability. Overall, metabolomics provides valuable insights and a promising platform for early diagnosis and personalized therapy in UBCa.