Abstract

Liquid Biopsy in MBC: Real-time Evaluation of Tumor Heterogeneity and Molecular Evolution in Clinical Management

Massimo Cristofanilli, Professor of Medicine, Associate Director of Translational Research and Precision Medicine, Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University

Liquid biopsy of solid tumors includes evaluation of both, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and tumor-derived nucleic acid. Several methodologies demonstrated that both, CTCs enumeration and molecular analysis and, evaluation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) provide a real-time assessment of advanced disease allowing for monitoring of disease heterogeneity. The clinical implementation of such technologies in solid tumors, particularly in breast cancer, demonstrated the ability to elucidate mechanisms of resistance to specific therapies and implement a more personalized, targeted approach to treatment. As such, is necessary to review the current status of liquid biopsy in clinical management of solid malignancies.