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Updated: Aug 2, 2025
A Standardized Liquid Biopsy Preanalytical Protocol for Downstream Circulating-Free DNA Applications
Published on: September 16, 2022
Recent advances in the use of liquid biopsy to fight central nervous system tumors
Carlos Pilotto Heming1, Paulo Niemeyer Filho1, Vivaldo Moura-Neto1
1Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (IECPN), R. do Rezende, 156 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, 20231-092, Brazil.
Abstract:
Brain tumors are considered one of the deadliest types of cancer, being challenging to treat, especially due to the blood-brain barrier, which has been linked to treatment resistance. The genomic classification of brain tumors has been helping in the diagnostic precision, however tumor heterogeneity in addition to the difficulties to obtain tissue biopsies, represent a challenge. The biopsies are usually obtained either via neurosurgical removal or stereotactic tissue biopsy, which can be risky procedures for the patient. To overcome these challenges, liquid biopsy has become an interesting option by constituting a safer procedure than conventional biopsy, which may offer valuable cellular and molecular information representative of the whole organism. Besides, it is relatively easy to obtain such as in the case of blood (venipuncture) and urine sample collection. In the present comprehensive review, we discuss the newest information regarding liquid biopsy in the brain tumors' field, methods employed, the different sources of bio-fluids and their potential circulating targets.
Insights
Liquid biopsy offers a safer alternative to traditional tissue biopsies for brain tumor diagnosis and monitoring. This minimally invasive approach analyzes bio-fluids, providing valuable molecular insights for personalized cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Brain tumors are aggressive cancers with treatment challenges, including the blood-brain barrier and tumor heterogeneity.
- Conventional tissue biopsies are invasive and carry risks, limiting diagnostic accessibility and repeat sampling.
- Genomic classification aids diagnosis but obtaining sufficient tissue remains a hurdle.
Approach:
- This review explores the latest advancements in liquid biopsy for brain tumor management.
- It details various bio-fluid sources (blood, urine) and their collection methods.
- The review covers potential circulating biomarkers and analytical techniques.
Key Points:
- Liquid biopsy provides a less invasive method for obtaining tumor-derived information.
- It circumvents challenges associated with tissue acquisition, enabling serial monitoring.
- Potential circulating targets include cell-free DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Conclusions:
- Liquid biopsy represents a promising, safer diagnostic and monitoring tool for brain tumors.
- It has the potential to improve treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to fully validate its clinical utility.
