Abstract

Liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising non-invasive diagnostic approach for various diseases, particularly cancer. Unlike traditional tissue biopsies, which involve invasive procedures, liquid biopsy involves the analysis of biomarkers, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), present in bodily fluids like blood, urine, and saliva. This technique offers several advantages, including real-time monitoring of disease progression, assessment of treatment response, and early detection of relapse. Liquid biopsy holds immense potential for personalized medicine by enabling clinicians to tailor treatment strategies based on the molecular profile of individual patients. Moreover, it facilitates the study of tumor heterogeneity and evolution, aiding in the development of targeted therapies and the identification of drug resistance mechanisms. However, challenges such as standardization of protocols, sensitivity and specificity issues, and cost-effectiveness need to be addressed for widespread clinical adoption. This review provides an overview of liquid biopsy technologies, their applications across different disease contexts, current challenges, and future perspectives.

Liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool revolutionizing the field of medicine, particularly in oncology. This innovative approach involves the analysis of various biomarkers, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and circulating RNA, obtained from biofluids like blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid. The ability to detect and analyze tumor-derived material from peripheral blood offers significant advantages over traditional tissue biopsies, including real-time monitoring of disease progression, early detection of cancer, assessment of treatment response, and identification of resistance mechanisms. This review comprehensively explores the principles, methodologies, clinical applications, challenges, and future perspectives of liquid biopsy in oncology, emphasizing its potential to personalize cancer management and improve patient outcomes.