Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Time to focus on circulating blood nucleic acids?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous cancer requiring improved diagnostic and prognostic tools.
• Current diagnosis relies on invasive tissue biopsies, with limited biomarkers for predicting patient outcomes or treatment response.
• Personalized medicine approaches are needed for effective DLBCL management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the potential of circulating nucleic acids as non-invasive biomarkers for DLBCL management.
• To explore the utility of cell-free DNA and microRNAs in liquid biopsies for DLBCL.
• To assess the feasibility of developing an integrated biomarker network for DLBCL.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review conducted in accordance with PRISMA criteria.
• Focused on studies investigating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and microRNAs in liquid biopsies for DLBCL.
• Analyzed data on genetic and epigenetic markers in circulating nucleic acids.

Main Results:

• Circulating nucleic acids, including cfDNA and microRNAs, show potential as biomarkers in DLBCL.
• Liquid biopsies offer a non-invasive method to capture the tumor's genetic landscape.
• Combining genetic (cfDNA) and epigenetic (microRNAs) information is suggested.

Conclusions:

• Circulating nucleic acids represent a promising avenue for non-invasive DLBCL biomarker development.
• An integrated network of cfDNA and microRNA biomarkers could enhance personalized medicine for DLBCL patients.
• Liquid biopsies facilitate dynamic monitoring and management of DLBCL.