🩸 Liquid Biopsy
Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive technology that analyzes biological fluid, typically blood, to detect biomarkers released by a tumor. Unlike traditional tissue biopsies, which are invasive and provide only a snapshot of a tumor at one point in time, the liquid method allows for the collection and analysis of materials such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), and exosomes. This provides a real-time, comprehensive view of the entire tumor burden, including metastatic sites.
The principal application of this technology is in cancer care, where it serves multiple critical functions. It is used for early detection in high-risk individuals, monitoring treatment efficacy by tracking changes in tumor DNA levels, and identifying the emergence of drug resistance mutations over the course of therapy. This ability to serially monitor a patient's disease status allows oncologists to make timely and informed decisions regarding changes in therapeutic strategy.
The technological complexity lies in the ultra-sensitive detection and analysis of these minute tumor-derived components within the vast background of normal biological material. Continuous advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and microfluidic platforms are enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of liquid biopsy assays. This non-invasive tool is rapidly being integrated into clinical practice, promising a future of more personalized and adaptive cancer management.