Liquid biopsy is an innovative and non-invasive diagnostic tool that is among the most promising technologies in the field of cancer detection today. Unlike traditional biopsy techniques, liquid biopsy does not involve removing tissue samples from the patient. Instead, liquid biopsy analyses bodily fluids such as blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid to detect and monitor cancer development.
With its high sensitivity and accuracy, FDA-approved liquid biopsy poses the potential to detect cancer at the earliest stage, monitor the body’s response to treatments, and detect cancer recurrence. This makes it a valuable tool in cancer care medicine and improved patient outcomes.
How Does Liquid Biopsy Work?
Using advanced technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and mass spectrometry, liquid biopsy can detect tumour-derived DNA, RNA, or proteins in the blood, providing information about the genetic mutations, gene expression, and other biomarkers that are characteristic of cancer.
A small blood, urine or cerebrospinal fluid sample is taken from the patient and processed in the laboratory. The sample is then analysed using specialised technologies like PCR or NGS to detect fragments of tumour-derived DNA, RNA, or proteins that cancer cells shed into the bloodstream. These biomarkers can detect the presence of cancer, genetic mutations, and treatment response. After the screening, the cancer care provider will be able to conduct comprehensive genomic profiling right away.
Liquid biopsy can also detect tumour heterogeneity and genetic evolution, allowing for earlier detection of cancer recurrence and treatment plan adjustments. Because it is non-invasive, it is an appealing option for cancer screening and monitoring.
Benefits of Using Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Screening
Liquid biopsy offers several benefits over traditional biopsy techniques, including early detection, non-invasiveness, monitoring treatment response, detecting cancer recurrence, personalised treatment, and cost-effectiveness. As such, it is rapidly gaining popularity as a valuable diagnostic tool in the fight against cancer.
- Early Cancer Detection
Liquid biopsy can detect cancer at an early stage, even before symptoms develop. This is especially important for cancers that are difficult to diagnose early, such as pancreatic, lung, or ovarian cancer. Early detection allows for earlier treatment and better outcomes.
- Minimally Invasive Method
Liquid biopsy does not require invasive surgery, making it a less risky and less painful procedure for patients. Unlike tissue biopsy, which can cause bleeding, infection and other complications, liquid biopsy involves only a simple blood draw or urine sample to create comprehensive genomic profiling and induce early treatment.
- Can Monitor Treatment Response
Liquid biopsy can be used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment, allowing for adjustments to be made if necessary. By detecting changes in the genetic makeup of the cancer cells, liquid biopsy can help to determine whether the treatment is working or whether cancer has become resistant to it.
- Recurrence Detection
It can also detect the presence of cancer even after treatment has been completed. By monitoring for tumour-derived biomarkers in the blood, liquid biopsy can detect cancer recurrence at an early stage, allowing for prompt treatment, an early tumour profiling test and improving the chances of survival.
- Possibilities of Personalised Treatment
Liquid biopsy can identify specific genetic mutations and biomarkers in the tumour cells, providing valuable information about cancer and its response to treatment. It enables a better tumour profiling test and personalised treatment plans tailored to the individual patient, maximising the chances of success.
Are you looking for a safe and convenient way to screen and monitor cancer? Visit Guardant Health AMEA for an FDA-approved liquid biopsy today!
