Liquid biopsy in breast cancer: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Due to its complexity in nature, effective breast cancer treatment can encounter many challenges. Traditional methods of cancer detection such as tissue biopsy are not comprehensive enough to capture the entire genomic landscape of breast tumors. However, with the introduction of novel techniques, the application of liquid biopsy has been enhanced, enabling the improvement of various aspects of breast cancer management including early diagnosis and screening, prediction of prognosis, early detection of relapse, serial sampling and efficient longitudinal monitoring of disease progress and response to treatment. Various components of tumor cells released into the blood circulation can be analyzed in liquid biopsy sampling, some of which include circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), cell‐free RNA, tumor‐educated platelets and exosomes. These components can be utilized for different purposes. As an example, ctDNA can be sequenced for genetic profiling of the tumors to enhance individualized treatment and longitudinal screening. CTC plasma count analysis or ctDNA detection after curative tumor resection surgery could facilitate early detection of minimal residual disease, aiding in the initiation of adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence. Furthermore, CTC plasma count can be assessed to determine the stage and prognosis of breast cancer. In this review, we discuss the advantages and limitations of the various components of liquid biopsy used in breast cancer diagnosis and will expand on aspects that require further focus in future research.

Metabolite therapy guided by liquid biopsy proteomics delays retinal neurodegeneration

“…This advancement is exemplified in the personalized treatment of cancer, where circulating tumor-derived material (e.g. circulating tumor DNA/RNA, extracellular vesicles, and cells) are detected in the blood [59,60]. These cellular biomarkers of the tumor microenvironment aid clinicians to better determine the appropriate therapeutic approach and predict prognosis.…”

Fluorescence imaging of a potential diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer cells using a peptide-functionalized fluorogenic 2D material

“…Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the world. 1,2 BC is a highly heterogeneous disease 3 with different biological features and clinical behaviours, 4,5 which poses great challenges for the treatment of BC. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive form of BC, and it accounts for a much higher recurrence and metastasis rate due to the limited expression of progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).…”

Current progress in the clinical use of circulating tumor cells as prognostic biomarkers

“…38 In particular, the use of "liquid biopsies" as an ongoing monitoring system with which to assess tumor heterogeneity and change over time is promising. 39,40 Several clinical trials currently are in progress that are seeking to identify CTC-based prognostic and predictive factors for use both before and during therapy. 41…”

“…CTC status has shown promise for selecting patients with early‐stage breast cancer who are more likely to benefit from radiotherapy, and CTCs can be helpful in predicting treatment response to endocrine therapy . In particular, the use of “liquid biopsies” as an ongoing monitoring system with which to assess tumor heterogeneity and change over time is promising . Several clinical trials currently are in progress that are seeking to identify CTC‐based prognostic and predictive factors for use both before and during therapy …”