A brand new research perspective was published in Oncoscience (Volume 10) on November 30, 2023, entitled, “Evolving insights in blood-based liquid biopsies for prostate cancer interrogation.”
Throughout the last decade, blood sampling of cancer patients aimed toward analyzing the presence of cells, membrane-bound vesicles, or molecules released by primary tumors or metastatic growths emerged as a substitute for traditional tissue biopsies. The arrival of this minimally invasive approach, referred to as blood-based liquid biopsy, began to play a pivotal role within the management of diverse cancers, establishing itself as an important component of precision medicine.
On this latest paper, researchers R. Daniel Bonfil and Ghaith Al-Eyd from Nova Southeastern University discuss three blood-based liquid biopsies, namely circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and tumor-derived exosomes, as they relate to prostate cancer (PCa) management.
“On this research perspective, we present a comprehensive overview of the recent advances related to the clinical significance of blood-based liquid biopsies in PCa, with a primary emphasis placed on key biomarkers reminiscent of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and exosomes.”
The advances achieved within the molecular characterization of some of these liquid biopsies and their potential to predict reoccurrence, improve responses to certain treatments, and evaluate prognosis, in PCa patients, are highlighted herein. While there’s currently full clinical validation for less than one CTC-based and one ctDNA-based liquid biopsy for patients with metastatic castration-resistant PCa, the adoption of additional methods is anticipated as they undergo standardization and achieve analytical and clinical validation. Benefits and drawbacks of various blood-based liquid biopsy approaches within the context of PCa are outlined on this paper, while also considering potential synergies through combinatory strategies.
“We anticipate that, with the help of artificial intelligence based on pre-established parameters, the utilization of blood-based liquid biopsies will soon enhance the stratification of PCa patients and facilitate timely therapeutic decision making.”
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Journal reference:
Daniel Bonfil, R. & Al-Eyd, G., (2023) Evolving insights in blood-based liquid biopsies for prostate cancer interrogation. Oncoscience. doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.592.