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A Standardized Liquid Biopsy Preanalytical Protocol for Downstream Circulating-Free DNA Applications
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Liquid Biopsy in Head and Neck Cancer: Promises and Challenges.
T Nonaka1,2, D T W Wong1,2
11 Center for Oral/Head and Neck Oncology Research, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Journal of Dental Research
|March 8, 2018
Summary
Liquid biopsies show promise for early head and neck cancer detection using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and other biomarkers. While promising, no validated biomarkers are yet in clinical practice for this cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Head and neck cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the sixth most common cancer worldwide.
- Early detection is critical for improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
- Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive approach for cancer detection and monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on circulating biomarkers for head and neck cancer.
- To evaluate the feasibility, limitations, and clinical applications of these biomarkers.
- To highlight advances in salivary diagnostics for head and neck cancer.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on circulating biomarkers in head and neck cancer.
- Focus on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and exosomal miRNAs.
- Analysis of recent developments in salivary diagnostics.
Main Results:
- Circulating biomarkers like ctDNA, CTCs, and exosomal miRNAs show potential for detection, treatment planning, response monitoring, and prognosis.
- Despite extensive research, no validated circulating biomarkers have been integrated into clinical practice for head and neck cancer.
- Salivary diagnostics present emerging opportunities for non-invasive head and neck cancer assessment.
Conclusions:
- Circulating biomarkers hold significant promise for precision medicine in head and neck cancer management.
- Further validation and standardization are required before clinical implementation.
- Advances in liquid biopsy and salivary diagnostics may revolutionize early detection and monitoring of head and neck cancers.
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