Liquid Biopsy and Precision Genomics: Advancing Oncological Diagnosis through Tumor DNA Analysis

Liquid biopsy has emerged as a revolutionary tool in the field of oncology, enabling a precision genomics approach that transforms advanced oncological diagnosis. This non-invasive method allows for the detection and analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and other tumor entities in bodily fluids, offering a less invasive and more dynamic alternative to traditional tissue biopsies.

Diving Deeper into Liquid Biopsy and Precision Genomics

The liquid biopsy is based on the ability to isolate and analyze tumor components such as ctDNA, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and exosomes, which are present in blood and other bodily fluids. These techniques have rapidly evolved, allowing for detailed characterization of the tumor, its progression, and treatment response. Precision genomics greatly benefits from these capabilities, as it enables the identification of actionable genomic alterations that can guide the selection of targeted therapies.

The analysis of tumor DNA through liquid biopsy offers significant advantages compared to tissue biopsies. Not only is it less invasive, but it also allows for serial sampling that provides critical molecular information in real-time. This is particularly useful for assessing tumor burden, detecting minimal residual disease, and monitoring treatment response, as demonstrated in recent studies on non-small cell lung cancer.

Conclusions

The integration of liquid biopsy and precision genomics into clinical practice is transforming the landscape of advanced oncological diagnosis. As technologies continue to advance, these tools are expected to become standard in cancer management, enabling earlier diagnoses, more personalized treatments, and more effective disease monitoring. The ability to perform a detailed genomic analysis from liquid biopsy samples represents a significant advancement towards truly personalized oncology.

Referencias

• [1] Liquid biopsy: current technology and clinical applications
• [2] Liquid biopsy: a step closer to transform diagnosis, prognosis and future of cancer treatments
• [3] Liquid biopsy for precision diagnostics and therapeutics
• [4] Liquid Biopsy Versus Tissue Biopsy to Determine Front Line Therapy in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
• [5] Current and future perspectives of liquid biopsies in genomics-driven oncology

Created 24/1/2025