This collection of papers speaks for the diversity of the approaches, technologies, and studies focused toward translating biomarkers into clinical application. Progress reflected through these abstracts testifies that the Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) is successfully building and implementing a vertically integrated pipeline of biomarkers for cancer early detection and risk assessment. The EDRN attracts excellent academic and industrial scientists by providing access to diverse top-quality scientific assays, clinical specimens, methodological expertise, industrial resources, and financial resources that are not organized or are not readily available through other governmentally based or industry based funding mechanisms. Investigators have fully engaged the EDRN resource, generating extensive collaborative research, opening the pathway to translation of innovative technologies to validation and generalization to the public. Consequently, the EDRN's portfolio of biomarkers is now expanding.