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The development of bioanalytical methods that provide early detection of the presence of cancer by sensitive and specific determination of biomarkers such as small biomolecules, nucleic acids, proteins, enzymes, and even whole cells are essential to improve opportunity for improved patient treatment and to diminish the rate of cancer mortality. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) methods have been increasingly used to develop bioassays that offer speed, selectivity and low detection levels with practicality that is appropriate for providing point-of-care measurements for screening. The unique optical and photophysical properties of fluorescent nanoparticles such as semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and other materials have been reported to operate as efficient donors and/or acceptors for replacement of fluorescent organic dye …