Liquid biopsies: Potential and challenges

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Liquid biopsy (LB) offers non-invasive analysis of tumor cells or products in body fluids.
• LB provides comprehensive, real-time insights into tumor evolution, therapeutic targets, and resistance mechanisms.
• Clinical applications include early cancer detection, recurrence monitoring, risk assessment, and therapy management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical applications of prominent LB markers: circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA).
• To focus on breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers, the most frequent tumor types in Europe.
• To discuss recent clinical studies and highlight limitations hindering LB implementation.

Main Methods:

• Focus on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) as key LB markers.
• Review of technologies for detecting CTCs and ctDNA.
• Analysis of clinical studies for early detection, prognostication, and therapy monitoring.

Main Results:

• LB, particularly CTCs and ctDNA, shows potential in early cancer detection and recurrence monitoring.
• These biomarkers aid in assessing prognosis and predicting/monitoring cancer therapies.
• Current technologies and biological factors present limitations to widespread clinical adoption.

Conclusions:

• Liquid biopsy holds significant promise for advancing oncology care through non-invasive monitoring.
• Further research and technological advancements are needed to overcome current limitations.
• Successful implementation of LB can personalize cancer management and improve patient outcomes.