Liquid Biopsies are tests conducted on blood samples that examine biomarkers shed by tumors

NEET PG Pathology
#1

Liquid Biopsies*** are tests conducted on blood samples that examine biomarkers shed by tumors, such as cancer cells or pieces of tumor DNA.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs)*** are cancer cells that have been shed from a tumor into the bloodstream and play a major role in metastasis.

The relative number of CTCs is predictive of patient prognosis and treatment efficacy.

The following data are analyzed to obtain insight into the tumor:

  1. RNA and protein expression.

  2. DNA and chromosomal abnormalities.

  3. Amplification, deletions, and translocations.

  4. Point mutations.

Clinical applications of liquid biopsies :

  1. Disease prognosis.

  2. Determining appropriate treatments.

  3. Measuring a cancer’s response to treatments.

  4. Looking for cancer relapse post-treatment.