Liquid Biopsies in Oncology: Revolutionizing Cancer Diagnosis and Monitoring

Abstract

Oncology has been transformed by liquid biopsies, which offer non-invasive techniques for cancer detection and tracking. This article examines how circulating tumour cells (CTCs), extracellular vesicles (EVs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), and their therapeutic uses might revolutionise cancer therapy. CTCs provide information on tumour heterogeneity and metastatic potential since they are excreted from primary or metastatic tumours. Released by necrotic or apoptotic tumour cells, cfDNA is a genetically altered material that helps track the effectiveness of therapy. EVs, which are made up of microvesicles and exosomes, are capable of carrying cancer biomarkers and transferring biomolecules. Stable in circulation, miRNAs show dysregulation in cancer and are therefore useful indicators for both diagnosis and prognosis.

Clinical uses include tracking illness development, evaluating treatment response, and early identification. Early therapies are made possible by the diagnosis of minimal residual illness by liquid biopsies. Therapeutic decisions are guided by real-time monitoring of treatment response, and dynamic evaluations facilitate the development of individualised treatment plans.

Technical difficulties, problems with standardisation, concerns with cost-effectiveness, and difficulties interpreting data are among the challenges. The development of technology, its incorporation into clinical practice, personalised medicine, the identification of biomarkers, and cooperative efforts to overcome obstacles are the main focuses of future directions.