Liquid Biopsies for Cancer: A Non-Invasive Approach to Cancer Monitoring

Early and accurate cancer detection can significantly impact treatment outcomes and survival rates. Traditionally, diagnosing and monitoring cancer has relied on tissue biopsies — procedures that are often invasive, painful, and not always feasible for repeated use. However, recent advancements in medical technology have introduced a revolutionary alternative: the liquid biopsy.

Dr. Mohan Menon, a prominent medical oncologist in Mumbai, has been a vocal advocate for integrating cutting-edge, patient-friendly diagnostics into oncology care. “Liquid biopsies are changing how we approach cancer monitoring — making it safer, faster, and more efficient for patients,” says Dr. Menon.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about liquid biopsies for cancer — from how they work to their clinical benefits and future potential.

A liquid biopsy is a diagnostic test that detects cancer-related materials in bodily fluids, most commonly blood. Unlike traditional biopsies that require surgical extraction of tissue from a tumor, a liquid biopsy analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and other cancer-derived biomarkers that are shed into the bloodstream.

This form of testing offers a non-invasive method to detect cancer, track its progression, and monitor treatment effectiveness.

Dr. Mohan Menon elaborates, “It’s like getting a detailed view of the tumor’s genetic profile through a simple blood test, without having to go through a surgical procedure.”

Cancerous tumors often release fragments of DNA and cells into the bloodstream. These fragments are not typically present in healthy individuals or are present at very low levels.

Here’s how the liquid biopsy process works:

 Sample collection: Blood is drawn from the patient.

 DNA extraction: The sample is processed to isolate ctDNA or CTCs.

Genetic analysis: Advanced molecular technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS) are used to detect mutations, amplifications, or other genetic alterations.

Interpretation: Oncologists analyze these results to understand the presence, type, and progression of cancer.

This process is highly sensitive and allows for the detection of genetic mutations long before tumors become visible through imaging techniques.

• Minimally invasive
  No surgical procedure is required. A simple blood draw makes it highly patient-friendly, especially for those who are not fit for surgery.
• Faster results
  Tissue biopsies may take days to weeks for results, whereas liquid biopsies can often yield outcomes within a few days.
• Real-time monitoring
  Liquid biopsies can be conducted repeatedly over the course of treatment, providing dynamic insights into how the cancer is responding.
• Early detection
  These tests can detect cancer at earlier stages, even before symptoms appear or before tumors are visible via imaging.
• Personalized treatment planning
  The genetic information gathered helps tailor treatment plans according to the specific mutations present in the cancer cells.
• Lower risk of complications
  Because no surgical intervention is involved, there is a significantly reduced risk of infection, bleeding, or anesthesia-related issues.

Cancer detection using liquid biopsy is usually considered in the following clinical situations.

• Initial diagnosis: When a tissue biopsy is not feasible due to the tumor’s location or patient’s condition.
• Treatment selection: To guide targeted therapy based on the tumor’s genetic mutations.
• Monitoring disease progression: To track how the tumor is responding to treatment and detect any resistance.
• Recurrence detection: To identify early signs of cancer returning after remission.
• Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) detection: To check for traces of cancer cells left after treatment.

While liquid biopsies are promising for a wide range of cancers, they are especially effective in:

The future of liquid biopsies is undeniably exciting. Researchers and clinicians worldwide are investing in multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, which can identify several cancer types from a single blood sample.

“Liquid biopsy technology is moving from being a complementary tool to a central pillar of cancer care,” Dr. Menon notes. “In the coming years, it could well be the first line of defense against cancer.”

Advancements on the horizon include:

• Wider adoption in routine screenings
• Integration with AI for faster and more accurate interpretation
• Greater accessibility through cost reductions
• Use in pediatric and rare cancers

India is also seeing rapid development in this area, with many hospitals and diagnostic labs offering liquid biopsy tests in India, making it more accessible to the broader population.

Liquid biopsies represent a paradigm shift in how cancer is detected, monitored, and managed. They offer hope for earlier diagnosis, better treatment personalization, and less invasive care — all contributing to improved patient outcomes.

For those battling cancer or at high risk, this innovation brings a layer of comfort and efficiency previously unavailable. With experts like Dr. Mohan Menon at the forefront, India is poised to become a global leader in non-invasive cancer monitoring.

Reference

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/23992-liquid-biopsy

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9922467/

Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is for educational purposes only and not for promotional use.