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Detection and Isolation of Circulating Melanoma Cells using Photoacoustic Flowmetry
Published on: November 25, 2011
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Current Trends in Circulating Biomarkers for Melanoma Detection
Nancy Huang1, Katie J Lee1, Mitchell S Stark1
1The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Dermatology Research Centre, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Frontiers in Medicine
|May 2, 2022
Summary
New liquid biomarkers show promise for monitoring melanoma, a leading cause of cancer death. These markers can track tumor burden and heterogeneity, aiding in early detection and personalized treatment strategies for melanoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Melanoma incidence is rising globally, causing significant mortality.
- While early-stage melanoma is often curable, ~5% of patients experience recurrence due to tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution.
- Current monitoring relies on limited biomarkers like lactate dehydrogenase, lacking specificity and sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on liquid biomarkers for melanoma.
- To explore the potential of circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, microRNA, and extracellular vesicles.
- To identify biomarkers for high-risk patient identification, relapse screening, early detection, treatment personalization, and response monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on liquid biomarkers in melanoma.
- Focus on circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), microRNA (miRNA), and extracellular vesicles (EVs).
Main Results:
- Liquid biomarkers offer real-time, non-invasive monitoring of tumor burden and heterogeneity.
- CTCs, ctDNA, miRNA, and EVs are being investigated as potential melanoma biomarkers.
- These markers could fulfill the need for comprehensive melanoma monitoring and management.
Conclusions:
- Liquid biomarkers hold significant potential for revolutionizing melanoma management.
- Further research is needed to validate and implement these biomarkers in clinical practice.
- Advanced liquid biopsy techniques can improve early detection, prognosis, and personalized treatment of melanoma.
