Liquid biopsy explained
The rise in the incidence of cancer in our world today exhorts the urgent need for more advancements in diagnostic aids to help us in this fight against this horrible disease. In most cases, biopsy is needed for the cancer to be diagnosed. A biopsy can be of two types: a tissue biopsy of the cancer itself or a liquid biopsy.
Tissue biopsy
A tissue biopsy is a medical test performed by experts that involves extracting a tissue sample of the cancerous tumor, either as a piece or in its entirety. This sample is then analyzed in the lab for features of cancer that will render it malignant. We might hear biopsy and directly connect it to cancer; however, biopsies can be ordered to rule out other medical conditions, such as inflammatory disorders.
Liquid biopsy
A liquid biopsy is a blood test used to check for signs of cancer. Instead of removing a piece of tissue from a tumor (like in a traditional biopsy), doctors can look for cancer cells, DNA, or other materials released by tumors into the bloodstream. This test helps detect cancer, monitor its progression, and see how well treatments are working, all without needing surgery. It’s quick, less invasive, and can be done more frequently to keep track of the disease over time.
A liquid biopsy is a blood test used to detect cancerous tumor cells and various biomarkers.
Liquid biopsies can analyze the blood sample for:
- Circulating Tumor cells (CTCs): The circulating tumor cells are the cells that shed away from the primary tumor and escape in the bloodstream.
- Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA): The circulating tumor DNA is found in the bloodstream that comes from the cancerous cells.
- Exosomes: Exosomes are tiny molecules that break out from various cells in the body, including cancer cells. They can contain proteins, DNA, and other molecules that might offer clues about the presence and characteristics of cancer.
By detecting these markers, liquid biopsies can provide valuable insights into potential cancer development, even before traditional methods show abnormalities.
What to expect during a liquid biopsy
A liquid biopsy is a simple outpatient procedure. Here are the steps involved.
- Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a blood draw.
- A health care professional will draw the required amount of blood, which is a very small amount, from your arm.
- This sample will be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
- Your results will typically be ready in a few weeks.
Advantages of advanced blood tests
Our liquid biopsies are less invasive
Liquid biopsies can detect cancer cells earlier than conventional methods, which give the patients and the healthcare providers the advantage of coming up with an efficient treatment plan for a less advanced cancer for better outcomes.
- While The traditional methods could be stressful and intense at times, liquid biopsy is a more patient-friendly approach as it’s a simple blood draw.
- As liquid biopsy provides precise and detailed insights into a patient’s cancer and health status, this helps the health care professionals tailor the treatment plans to the patient’s needs.
- Liquid biopsies can also identify the potential for recurrence, as this is a good tool to monitor a patient’s response to the treatment.
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Early detection is the key to fighting cancer. With our revolutionary medical advancements, we empower patients to always take control of their health and be healthy and prepared.
Consulting your doctor if you have any concerns at all and discussing all the best possibilities for a healthy journey is always advised.
Get in touch with us today for an informed and personalized health journey.
