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Updated: Jan 21, 2026
05:26
A Standardized Liquid Biopsy Preanalytical Protocol for Downstream Circulating-Free DNA Applications
Published on: September 16, 2022
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How liquid biopsies can change clinical practice in oncology
G Siravegna1, B Mussolin2, T Venesio2
1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
Summary
Liquid biopsies analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for cancer applications. Advances in ctDNA analysis improve cancer detection and treatment monitoring, though technical challenges remain for widespread clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Tumor cells release cell-free DNA fragments into the bloodstream.
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis, or liquid biopsy, offers non-invasive cancer detection and monitoring.
- Liquid biopsies are emerging in clinical practice, notably for guiding lung cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in ctDNA analysis sensitivity and accuracy.
- To discuss requirements for routine clinical deployment of liquid biopsies.
- To identify technical challenges hindering widespread adoption.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on ctDNA analysis techniques.
- Analysis of clinical applications and performance of liquid biopsies.
- Identification of preanalytical and analytical challenges in ctDNA detection.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in ctDNA analysis sensitivity and accuracy have been achieved.
- Liquid biopsies are increasingly used for non-invasive cancer genotyping and tracking treatment resistance.
- Clinical applications are expanding, with some already integrated into patient care.
Conclusions:
- Liquid biopsies hold transformative potential for clinical practice, complementing or replacing imaging.
- Detecting minimal residual disease after surgery is a key future application.
- Overcoming technical hurdles is crucial for the routine diagnostic use of liquid biopsies.
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