Liquid Biopsy Is New Technique That Holds Promising Future To Revolutionize Cancer Care
Liquid Biopsy |
A Liquid Biopsy is a form of cancer detection that provides real-time
information about a tumor. This information is obtained by taking a blood sample,
separating the blood cells from the plasma, and testing the liquid for genetic
and molecular changes. The results of the test can tell the provider whether or
not the patient is responding to treatment, and which treatments are likely to
be most effective.
Liquid biopsies are a less invasive
and more economical method of identifying a patient with cancer. Liquid
Biopsy can also be
used to detect disease recurrence or monitor the response to treatments.
However, they can be less accurate than targeted therapies. Unlike tissue-based
testing, they are less precise and may not be able to detect all mutations
throughout a tumor.
A number of FDA-approved assays are
available for use in Liquid Biopsy tests.
These include those that examine circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and non-coding
RNA. In addition, there are several assays that are considered sufficient by
insurance companies for treatment eligibility. Some of these assays are
available commercially, while others are in clinical trials.
It is useful for monitoring patients
with cancer because it can identify low-level recurrences of the disease. It
can also be used to detect specific mutations in the cancer cell's DNA.
Detecting these genetic errors can be helpful in deciding which treatment is
best for a given patient.
Earlier detection of cancer can lead
to improved survival rates. If detected early, a patient may be able to take
advantage of targeted therapy to destroy specific types of cancer cells.
Similarly, an early diagnosis of the disease will allow the healthcare provider
to adjust the course of treatment as needed. Although a Liquid Biopsy is a relatively new tool, it holds the potential to
revolutionize cancer care. It can be a safe and effective alternative to
tissue-based testing, allowing doctors to perform several biopsies to better
understand the extent of the tumor's damage. At the same time, it is easier and
less invasive than tissue-based testing, which can be complicated and costly.
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