LIQUID BIOPSY: REVOLUTIONIZING CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Liquid biopsy has emerged as a modern and less invasive technique in oncology that helps in detecting cancer-related biomarkers from body fluids such as blood. Unlike traditional tissue biopsy, liquid biopsy offers a safer, faster, and more convenient approach for cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis. The present review focuses on the major types of liquid biopsy biomarkers, including circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumour cells (CTCs), exosomes, and circulating RNA molecules. Circulating tumour DNA provides important genetic information about tumours and helps in identifying mutations, monitoring treatment response, and detecting tumour recurrence. Circulating tumour cells contribute valuable insight into tumour progression and metastasis. Exosomes and extracellular vesicles are emerging as promising biomarkers because they carry various tumour-derived biomolecules. In addition, circulating RNA molecules, especially microRNAs, play an essential role in understanding gene regulation and cancer progression. Recent advancements in molecular diagnostics and sequencing technologies have significantly improved the clinical applications of liquid biopsy in precision oncology. Overall, liquid biopsy represents a promising tool for early cancer detection, therapeutic monitoring, and personalised cancer management.