Liquid biopsies in patients with diffuse glioma
Myron G Best1, Nik Sol, Sebastiaan Zijl
1Neuro-oncology Research Group, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, CCA Room 3.20, Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Acta Neuropathologica
|February 28, 2015
Summary
Liquid biopsies offer promising blood-based biomarkers for diffuse gliomas, aiding diagnosis and monitoring. This approach may overcome tumor heterogeneity and sampling issues for better patient management.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular diagnostics
- Biomarker discovery
Background:
- Diffuse gliomas are common malignant brain tumors.
- Gliomas release molecular information into circulation.
- Liquid biopsies offer non-invasive monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review blood-based biomarkers for diffuse gliomas.
- To assess their potential in patient management.
- To highlight the role of liquid biopsies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of blood-based biomarkers.
- Analysis of circulating tumor molecules, vesicles, platelets, and cells.
- Evaluation of diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive potential.
Main Results:
- Circulating biomarkers (proteins, nucleic acids, EVs, CTCs) are identified in glioma patients.
- These biomarkers can be found in plasma, serum, urine, and CSF.
- Liquid biopsies may help overcome tumor heterogeneity and sampling errors.
Conclusions:
- Blood-based biomarkers show potential for diffuse glioma management.
- Liquid biopsies enable serial monitoring of treatment response and molecular changes.
- Further clinical trials are essential to validate liquid biopsy applications.
