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Review
. 2020 Mar 15;10(10):4544-4556.
doi: 10.7150/thno.40532. eCollection 2020.

Tumor circulome in the liquid biopsies for cancer diagnosis and prognosis

Jicheng Wu  1   2 , Shen Hu  3 , Lihong Zhang  4 , Jinxia Xin  1   2 , Chongran Sun  5 , Liquan Wang  3 , Kefeng Ding  1 , Ben Wang  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Tumor circulome in the liquid biopsies for cancer diagnosis and prognosis

Jicheng Wu et al. Theranostics. .

Abstract

Liquid biopsy is a convenient, fast, non-invasive and reproducible sampling method that can dynamically reflect the changes in tumor gene expression profile, and provide a robust basis for individualized therapy and early diagnosis of cancer. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are the currently approved diagnostic biomarkers for screening cancer patients. In addition, tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tdEVs), circulating tumor-derived proteins, circulating tumor RNA (ctRNA) and tumor-bearing platelets (TEPs) are other components of liquid biopsies with diagnostic potential. In this review, we have discussed the clinical applications of these biomarkers, and the factors that limit their implementation in routine clinical practice. In addition, the most recent developments in the isolation and analysis of circulating tumor biomarkers have been summarized, and the potential of non-blood liquid biopsies in tumor diagnostics has also been discussed.

Keywords: liquid biopsy; tumor circulome; tumor screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The liquid biopsy markers (LBMs) commonly used in clinical or laboratory screening include circulating tumor proteins, circulating tumor ctDNA, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) and their components, circulating tumor ctRNA and tumor-cultured platelets (TEPs). All of them can be used directly or indirectly for cancer screening and diagnosis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The value of liquid biopsy in tumor diagnosis and precision medicine.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The milestones in the development of liquid biopsies. HTS: high throughput sequencing; CRC: colorectal cancer; FDA: Food and Drug Administration; CFDA: China Food and Drug Administration.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The body fluids suitable for liquid biopsies and their applications in tumor diagnosis and screening. LBMs: liquid biopsy markers; HNSCC: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; OSC: Ovarian Serous Carcinoma; CRC: colorectal cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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