Biomarkers, Cancer Therapy & Clinical Research

Liquid Biopsies in Oncology

Liquid biopsies have emerged as a transformative innovation in oncology, providing minimally invasive methods for cancer detection, prognosis, and disease monitoring through the analysis of biomarkers in blood, urine, and other body fluids. Key biomarkers, including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), extracellular vesicles, and exosomes, offer critical insights into tumor genetics, molecular alterations, and disease dynamics. Liquid biopsy technologies enable real-time monitoring of tumor evolution, allowing early detection of disease recurrence, assessment of therapeutic response, and identification of resistance mechanisms. By capturing molecular changes that occur during treatment, liquid biopsies support timely adjustment of therapeutic strategies. They also play a vital role in personalized cancer medicine by identifying actionable mutations and guiding targeted therapies. Complementing traditional tissue biopsies, liquid biopsies provide a broader representation of tumor heterogeneity, particularly in metastatic or hard-to-biopsy cancers. The integration of liquid biopsy approaches into clinical practice is advancing precision oncology, improving early diagnosis, treatment effectiveness, and overall patient outcomes.