Best Doctor List Near You for Liquid Biopsy in Brookline

Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive diagnostic technique used to analyze circulating biomarkers in body fluids, typically blood, to detect and monitor cancer and other diseases. Unlike traditional biopsies, which involve taking tissue samples directly from a tumor, liquid biopsies involve analyzing components such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), RNA, exosomes, or other molecular markers found in blood or other bodily fluids. This method enables the detection of genetic mutations, monitoring of disease progression, and assessment of treatment response in real-time. The primary reasons for performing a liquid biopsy include early cancer detection, particularly in cases where conventional tissue biopsies are challenging or risky. It is also used for monitoring minimal residual disease, detecting cancer recurrence, and assessing the effectiveness of ongoing treatments. Liquid biopsy offers the advantage of being less invasive and providing a comprehensive view of the tumor's genetic landscape without the need for surgical procedures. Complications associated with liquid biopsy are generally minimal due to its non-invasive nature, but can include the potential for false-negative or false-positive results, which might impact diagnostic accuracy. False negatives could lead to missed diagnoses or delayed treatment, while false positives might result in unnecessary anxiety or additional tests. Additionally, the procedure relies on high-quality sample collection and processing; poor sample quality can affect the reliability of the results. Despite these challenges, liquid biopsy is a valuable tool in modern oncology, offering a safer and more convenient approach to cancer diagnosis and monitoring.