Leukobiopsy - A Possible New Liquid Biopsy Platform for Detecting Oncogenic Mutations

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cancer diagnosis traditionally relies on intracellular tumor analysis.
• Oncogenic alterations can be detected in biofluids via circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA).
• Tumor-related molecules are also found in extracellular vesicles (EVs), protein complexes, and platelets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of liquid biopsy for non-invasive cancer detection and monitoring.
• To highlight the importance of understanding the biology of circulating cancer markers.
• To emphasize the need for improved performance in liquid biopsy diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Detection of oncogenic alterations in circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
• Analysis of cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) in biofluids.
• Characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and other circulating macromolecules.

Main Results:

• Liquid biopsy enables remote access to tumor-specific molecular signatures.
• Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key analytes.
• Regulated processes influence the abundance and nature of circulating cancer signals.

Conclusions:

• Liquid biopsy offers a non-invasive window into the evolving molecular landscape of cancer.
• Understanding the biology of liquid biopsy analytes is crucial for diagnostic advancement.
• Further research into regulated shedding and biological activity of these signals will enhance cancer management.