Liquid biopsy in brain tumors: Potential for impactful clinical applications

Abstract

Despite the improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, heterogeneous constitution and non-invasive diagnosis remain major clinical challenges for brain tumors. In such a context, liquid biopsy is a noninvasive method that analyses tumor-derived biomarkers in body fluids and thus appears quite promising. This review explores the potential for circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, microRNAs, proteins, and exosomes as liquid biopsy markers in brain tumors. Although such biomarkers have potential for early detection, monitoring of disease progression, and guiding therapy, the limitations in the form of low levels of biomarkers and analytical complexities persist. Artificial intelligence integrated with liquid biopsy can therefore be expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility. Further research, standardization, and clinical validation are needed to exploit the full potential of liquid biopsy in brain tumor management.