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Review
. 2017 Oct;17(10):943-947.
doi: 10.1080/14737159.2017.1374854. Epub 2017 Sep 6.

Liquid biopsy for brain tumors

Ganesh M Shankar  1 , Leonora Balaj  1 , Shannon L Stott  2 , Brian Nahed  2 , Bob S Carter  1
Affiliations
Review

Liquid biopsy for brain tumors

Ganesh M Shankar et al. Expert Rev Mol Diagn. 2017 Oct.

Abstract

Minimally invasive methods will augment the clinical approach for establishing the diagnosis or monitoring treatment response of central nervous system tumors. Liquid biopsy by blood or cerebrospinal fluid sampling holds promise in this regard. Areas covered: In this literature review, the authors highlight recent studies describing the analysis of circulating tumor cells, cell free nucleic acids, and extracellular vesicles as strategies to accomplish liquid biopsy in glioblastoma and metastatic tumors. The authors then discuss the continued efforts to improve signal detection, standardize the liquid biopsy handling and preparation, develop platforms for clinical application, and establish a role for liquid biopsies in personalized medicine. Expert commentary: As the technologies used to analyze these biomarkers continue to evolve, we propose that there is a future potential to precisely diagnose and monitor treatment response with liquid biopsies.

Keywords: Liquid biopsy; brain tumors; cell free tumor DNA; circulating tumor cells; exosome.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of interest The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Examples of sources of macromolecules that are accessible in various liquid biopsy fractions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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