Liquid Biopsy in Modern Oncology: Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives in Early Cancer Detection, Minimal Residual Disease, and Dynamic Patient Monitoring.
Summary
Liquid biopsy represents a significant advancement in oncology, providing a minimally invasive alternative to tissue biopsy for cancer diagnosis and patient monitoring. It utilizes biomarkers such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for early cancer detection, minimal residual disease (MRD) surveillance, and dynamic treatment response monitoring. Clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in earlier recurrence detection and more precise guidance for therapeutic decisions. Despite challenges related to sensitivity and technical variability, the integration of artificial intelligence and multi-omic approaches promises to enhance its future performance.
Analysis
This review highlights the critical importance of liquid biopsy as a transformative tool in precision oncology. Its ability to provide real-time, longitudinal tumor profiling enables faster and more personalized adaptation of therapeutic strategies, potentially improving patient outcomes. For translational research, it paves the way for a deeper understanding of tumor heterogeneity and resistance mechanisms, facilitating the development of new targeted therapies. Clinically, it offers a less invasive method for screening, early detection of recurrence, and optimization of adjuvant treatments, thereby reducing the need for repeated invasive biopsies.