[Liquid Biopsy: Challenges and Possibilities Regarding Its Clinical Application.]

Area of Science:

• Molecular Oncology
• Clinical Pathology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) circulates in blood, with tumor-derived cfDNA termed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
• Liquid biopsy analyzes ctDNA for genetic alterations, offering a minimally invasive approach to cancer diagnostics.
• Current liquid biopsy primarily targets cfDNA and circulating tumor cells (CTCs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state and future potential of liquid biopsy in oncology.
• To highlight the need for improved circulating tumor cell (CTC) retrieval and culturing techniques.
• To emphasize the importance of quality control and management in liquid biopsy applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and technological advancements in liquid biopsy.
• Discussion of the role of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in pharmacogenomics (PGx) and pharmacogenetics (PGt).
• Exploration of the integration of liquid biopsy into clinical trials and laboratory medicine practices.

Main Results:

• Acquisition of cfDNA and CTCs is becoming less challenging due to technological progress.
• Pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics using NGS are promising future clinical applications.
• Liquid biopsy is being introduced into clinical trials, necessitating quality management standards.

Conclusions:

• Liquid biopsy holds significant potential in cancer care, clinical trials, and personalized medicine.
• Overcoming challenges in CTC retrieval, culturing, and establishing quality control measures is crucial.
• Collaboration between clinical and surgical pathologists is essential for harmonizing expertise in biopsy analysis.