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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
05:26
A Standardized Liquid Biopsy Preanalytical Protocol for Downstream Circulating-Free DNA Applications
Published on: September 16, 2022
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Liquid biopsies
1Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Genes, Chromosomes & Cancer
|November 2, 2018
Summary
Liquid biopsy, a minimally invasive blood test, offers real-time molecular profiling for cancer patients. This powerful tool analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and cells (CTCs) to guide therapeutic strategies and monitor treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive approach to cancer diagnostics.
- It enables real-time molecular profiling of tumors through blood analysis.
- Current methods include analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in liquid biopsy techniques, focusing on CTCs and ctDNA.
- To discuss the potential of liquid biopsy in transforming cancer patient therapeutic strategies.
- To highlight the role of liquid biopsy in real-time monitoring of treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on liquid biopsy technologies.
- Analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
- Exploration of circulating miRNAs and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs).
Main Results:
- Liquid biopsy provides a reliable, noninvasive method for individual molecular profiling.
- Serial testing allows for real-time tumor information extraction.
- Identification of predictive biomarkers in blood aids in monitoring therapy response.
Conclusions:
- Liquid biopsy holds significant potential to revolutionize cancer care through personalized, real-time monitoring.
- Further research into CTCs and ctDNA will drive novel therapeutic management approaches.
- The minimally invasive nature of liquid biopsy facilitates repeated assessments for dynamic patient management.
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