What is Liquid Biopsy?
Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that involves analyzing biological fluids, such as blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid, for the presence of biomarkers associated with diseases. Unlike traditional biopsies that require tissue samples, liquid biopsies offer a less invasive and potentially less risky approach to disease detection and monitoring.
Why Liquid Biopsy is required?
· Minimally invasive: Liquid biopsies are less invasive than traditional biopsies, reducing patient discomfort and risks associated with surgical procedures.
· Repeated testing: Liquid biopsies can be performed repeatedly, allowing for monitoring of disease progression and treatment response over time.
· Early detection: Liquid biopsies can potentially detect diseases at an earlier stage, when treatment may be more effective.
· Monitoring treatment response: Liquid biopsies can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments and detect disease recurrence.
· Identifying circulating tumor cells (CTCs): Liquid biopsies can be used to identify and analyze circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are cancer cells that have shed from a tumor and are circulating in the bloodstream.
Which are the method of Liquid Biopsy?
Various methods can be used for liquid biopsy, including:
- Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis: Analyzing DNA fragments that are released into the bloodstream by cells, including tumor cells.
- Circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis: Isolating and analyzing circulating tumor cells from the blood.
- Exosomal analysis: Analyzing extracellular vesicles called exosomes, which can contain proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomarkers.
Who should go for Liquid Biopsy?
Liquid biopsies may be recommended for individuals who:
- Have a history of cancer or are at high risk for developing cancer.
- Are undergoing cancer treatment to monitor disease progression and treatment response.
- Are being screened for early detection of certain diseases.
What are the results of Liquid Biopsy?
Liquid biopsies can provide information about:
- Disease presence: The presence or absence of a disease or condition.
- Disease stage: The stage of a disease.
- Treatment response: The effectiveness of a treatment.
- Disease recurrence: The return of a disease after treatment.
What are the components of Liquid Biopsy?
Liquid biopsy typically involves:
- Sample collection: Collecting a biological fluid sample, such as blood or urine.
- Biomarker analysis: Analyzing the sample for specific biomarkers associated with the disease of interest.
- Data interpretation: Interpreting the results of the analysis and providing a diagnosis or assessment of disease status.
