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A Standardized Liquid Biopsy Preanalytical Protocol for Downstream Circulating-Free DNA Applications
Published on: September 16, 2022
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Novel strategies in liquid biopsy
Qinyue Guo1, Liang Shan2, Jizhuang Luo3
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, PR China.
Summary
Liquid biopsy offers a less invasive method for cancer detection using bodily fluids. This review explores advanced technologies for analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and exosomes for improved cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Molecular Diagnostics
- Biotechnology and Nanotechnology
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of death, often diagnosed at advanced stages due to limitations in early detection methods.
- Traditional tissue biopsies carry risks, including potential metastasis, highlighting the need for less invasive diagnostic approaches.
- Liquid biopsy offers a promising alternative by analyzing tumor-derived material in bodily fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent technological advancements in detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and exosomes in liquid biopsies.
- To highlight the clinical applications and future directions of these liquid biopsy technologies in cancer management.
- To elucidate the potential of liquid biopsies in improving cancer diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and predicting patient prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging technologies for ctDNA, CTC, and exosome detection, including nanotechnology, sensor technology, spectroscopy, microfluidic technology, and aptamers.
- Analysis of the advantages and challenges associated with each detection method.
- Examination of current clinical applications and ongoing research in liquid biopsy.
Main Results:
- Significant advancements have been made in technologies for isolating and analyzing ctDNA, CTCs, and exosomes from liquid samples.
- These technologies show promise for early cancer diagnosis, therapeutic guidance, and monitoring treatment response.
- Despite progress, challenges such as low analyte concentrations, short half-lives, and specificity issues persist.
Conclusions:
- Liquid biopsy technologies, including ctDNA, CTC, and exosome analysis, are rapidly advancing towards clinical integration.
- Continued technological innovation is crucial to overcome existing challenges and fully realize the potential of liquid biopsies.
- Liquid biopsies hold significant promise for revolutionizing cancer care through improved diagnostics, personalized treatment, and prognostic assessment.
