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Detection of Cell-Free DNA in Blood Plasma Samples of Cancer Patients
Published on: September 9, 2020
Circulating nucleic acids as a potential source for cancer biomarkers
V V Vlassov1, P P Laktionov, E Y Rykova
1Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SD RAS, 8, Lavrentjeva Prospect, Novosibirsk, Russia.
Current Molecular Medicine
|March 4, 2010
Summary
Circulating cell-free DNA and RNA in blood show promise for early cancer diagnostics. Recent studies highlight tumor-derived microRNAs as a key biomarker for minimally invasive cancer detection and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Oncology
Background:
- Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and tumor-derived RNA in plasma/serum are being explored for early cancer diagnostics.
- Quantification of genomic and mitochondrial cfDNA has been evaluated for cancer therapy monitoring.
- Tumor-specific DNA markers in circulation indicate potential for minimally invasive diagnostic tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on circulating DNA and RNA in cancer patients.
- To assess the clinical application potential of these biomarkers.
- To evaluate the impact of recent research on advancing cancer diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Review of recently reported studies on circulating DNA and RNA.
- Analysis of diagnostic and prognostic utility of cfDNA quantification.
- Evaluation of tumor-derived microRNAs in plasma/serum for cancer diagnostics.
Main Results:
- Circulating DNA and RNA show potential as diagnostic and prognostic tools.
- Cell-free DNA with tumor-specific alterations is detectable in cancer patients.
- Tumor-derived microRNAs in plasma/serum are emerging as highly promising cancer markers.
Conclusions:
- Circulating DNA and RNA represent a promising frontier for minimally invasive cancer diagnostics.
- Recent advancements, particularly with microRNAs, are bringing these tests closer to clinical application.
- Further research is crucial to fully realize the potential of circulating nucleic acids in oncology.
