Liquid Biopsy in Gliomas- A Review.

BACKGROUND

Are we witnessing the end of the biopsy as we know it? Is this the start of a revolution in cancer diagnostics and treatment where analysis of somatic mutations present in the blood, CSF, or urine followed by targeted therapy replaces the traditional surgery followed by chemo-radiation? Since 2016, molecular markers are an integral part of the 'glioma' treatment decision-making process- diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic. A lot of these somatic mutations that identify and prognosticate tumors are also detected in the adjoining bio-fluids in serum or CSF- the sampling of which is known as liquid biopsy.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to review the advancement of scientific techniques that now allows the investigation of these bio-fluids, to diagnose, prognosticate and treat gliomas.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review article is an exhaustive review of the literature that summarises the role of the three main liquid biopsy modalities- Circulating Tumor Cells, Cell-free Tumor DNA and Exosomes in the detection of known diagnostic and prognostic markers in gliomas.

RESULTS

The current review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the diffrerent modalities in use, and their potential use in the clinical setting.

CONCLUSION

Liquid biopsies hold tremendous potential in the diagnosis and management of gliomas in the future.