Navigating towards precision: evaluating the clinical value of non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of endometriosis

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects millions of women worldwide, causing dysmenorrhea, chronic pain, and infertility, and has a significant impact on the healthcare system. Despite efforts to understand its pathogenesis, endometriosis is a disease with heterogeneous presentations and phenotypes which is manifested in part by the lack of a non-invasive biomarker available for its diagnosis. This review aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by summarizing the most promising areas of study for developing a reliable biomarker or combination of biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using the electronic databases PubMed and MEDLINE. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: This review summarizes the potential biomarkers for endometriosis, including glycoproteins, inflammatory markers, immunologic markers, angiogenic cytokines, micro RNAs and the microbiome. Each of these biomarkers' role in the development and progression of endometriosis, and their diagnostic potential are discussed in detail. CONCLUSIONS: Endometriosis is a complex and underdiagnosed disease with significant health impact. The development of non-invasive biomarkers for its diagnosis would be immensely valuable, and promising research is being done in this area. While no single biomarker has yet emerged as a reliable diagnostic tool, this review highlights the potential of several biomarkers and the importance of continued research in this field. By improving the diagnosis of endometriosis, we can improve the lives of millions of women worldwide.