Liquid Biopsy in Primary Brain Tumors: Looking for Stardust!

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Personalized Medicine

Background:

• Primary malignant brain tumors present significant challenges to patient survival and quality of life.
• Molecular biology integration is crucial for diagnosis, relapse assessment, treatment planning, and monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role and potential of liquid biopsy in managing primary malignant brain tumors.
• To highlight advancements in utilizing minimally invasive tumor material analysis for improved patient care.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and vitreous humor as sources for liquid biopsy.
• Identification of key tumor components in biofluids: circulating tumor cells, DNA, RNA, miRNA, and extracellular vesicles.

Main Results:

• Liquid biopsy enables the detection of various tumor-derived materials in biofluids.
• The efficacy of liquid biopsy is contingent upon the specific tumor type and employed detection methodologies.
• Current liquid biopsy techniques show potential for enhancing patient management in neuro-oncology.

Conclusions:

• Liquid biopsy represents a promising tool for personalized medicine in primary malignant brain tumors.
• Further improvements in the sensitivity of liquid biopsy assays are necessary for routine clinical implementation.
• Advancing liquid biopsy diagnostics can significantly contribute to better patient outcomes in neuro-oncology.