Liquid biopsy
As a result of mutations and impaired removal of damaged cells by the body, pathological proliferation of defective cells may occur, leading to the development of cancer.
Every cell in the body releases its genetic material into the bloodstream. DNA fragments specific to cancer are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
Cancers tend to form metastases, which significantly impact mortality in oncological diseases. CTCs can form clusters that develop into metastatic colonies, leading to the spread of cancer throughout the body.
In the classical sense, a biopsy involves collecting a tissue sample from a cancerous lesion, which is only possible after a tumor or other cancerous change has been detected in the body.
Liquid biopsy is an innovative oncological diagnostic method performed using a peripheral blood sample. With the use of specific biomarkers, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are isolated from the sample. The presence of CTCs indicates cancerous changes, and their quantity may reflect the stage of disease progression.
Liquid biopsy offers new possibilities for diagnosing cancer and supports the treatment process. For individuals in high-risk groups, it serves as a minimally invasive screening method, while for patients already diagnosed with cancer, it allows assessment of treatment effectiveness and the risk of recurrence.
With liquid biopsy, it is possible to predict disease progression. CTCs, which are responsible for metastasis, provide information on disease stage and potential prognosis based on their concentration and specific characteristics. In some cases, they may even help determine the tumor’s origin.
Liquid biopsy also paves the way for personalized treatment. After CTCs are detected, their chemosensitivity can be determined. The test includes analysis of their properties, such as proliferation rate and response to specific drugs. This makes it possible to tailor therapy to the individual patient, maximizing its effectiveness.
Liquid biopsy is recommended for:
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Individuals with genetic predispositions to cancer;
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Oncology patients who want greater control over their treatment and recovery process;
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Individuals exposed to carcinogenic factors.
Benefits of liquid biopsy
Liquid biopsy opens new possibilities in cancer diagnosis and treatment, allowing for a more precise and less invasive approach to patient health. This brings a variety of benefits:
Patient safety and comfort
Liquid biopsy is less burdensome for the patient than a traditional biopsy, reducing the risk of complications and pain.
Early cancer detection
By identifying genetic material and cancer markers in the blood, liquid biopsy can help detect cancer at a very early stage, often before clinical symptoms appear.
Monitoring treatment and disease progression
It allows for regular monitoring of therapy effectiveness and detection of recurrence, as it enables real-time assessment of changes in biomarkers, which is more difficult with traditional biopsies.
Individualized treatment
By analyzing specific genetic mutations present in the tumor, doctors can tailor therapy to the individual needs of the patient, increasing treatment effectiveness.
The test can be performed at the St. Luke’s Clinic by prior appointment.
We collect blood samples for liquid biopsy from Monday to Wednesday.
Contact us by phone at +48 58 600 44 44.