What Is Liquid Biopsy? A New, Less-Invasive Approach to Early Cancer Detection:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : With the drastic increase in cancer patients across India, earliest possible detection has become extremely essential. Even though a tissue biopsy is the most reliable way, it is not always safe and practical. Some tumors are located in such a way that they are difficult to reach and tampering with them can be dire for one’s health. Moreover, tissue biopsies are often surgically invasive, require anesthesia, and can be emotionally and physically strenuous on the patients.

Understanding Liquid Biopsy

Liquid biopsy is an alternative method that Dr. Sameer Bhati mentions is less invasive. It can be conducted by performing a simple blood test to look for clinically relevant biomarkers like:

1. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)
2. Exosomes
3. Cancer specific proteins

Unlike other tests, this one does not require a patient to go through an operation or anesthesia, making it extremely easy and comfortable.

Key Benefits of Liquid Biopsy

Early Detection:
Liquid biopsy can enable the identification of tumor markers even when no symptoms are present with a higher chance of successful treatment.

Real-Time Monitoring:
Doctors track the effectiveness of the treatment through changes in ctDNA. The decline signals tumor shrinkage while an increase suggests recurrence or resistance to treatment. This flexibility allows for timely changes in the therapy.

Liquid biopsy has been adopted in advanced laboratories and oncology centers across India, particularly for breast and lung cancers, along with colon and prostate cancers. While it does not yet completely replace tissue biopsy, it serves as a crucial alternative when surgery is deemed too dangerous or is refused by the patient.

Liquid biopsies are expected to become an essential cancer screening tool in India thanks to the increasing awareness and accessibility of technology. International research indicates that liquid biopsy could potentially reveal cancerous conditions several months prior to imaging procedures. It provides a safe, quick, and accurate approach for diagnosing and monitoring cancer patients.