What is liquid biopsy and how is it used in cancer diagnostics?
Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive technique that detects circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and other cancer-related biomarkers in blood samples. This method provides real-time insights into the genetic alterations of tumors, allowing for early detection, monitoring of treatment responses, and identification of minimal residual disease. It is particularly useful for tracking the evolution of cancer without the need for invasive tissue biopsies.