Recent studies spotlight novel biomarkers and targets shaping cancer diagnosis and therapy. Circulating Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) has been identified as an early signal for thoracic cancer progression and relapse. A new cachexia index (CXI) offers predictive insights into gastric cancer impact and patient survival. Molecular investigations reveal critical roles of ADAR1 RNA editing in breast cancer and DHCR24's lipid metabolic reprogramming in cervical cancer progression. Therapeutic advances include combining Tanshinone IIA with olaparib to enhance breast cancer cell killing and new USP28 inhibitors targeting cancer and autoimmune diseases. Together, these findings not only deepen understanding of tumor biology but pave new avenues for precision oncology.