Liquid biopsies to occult brain metastasis
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BrM) is a major problem associated with cancer-related mortality, and currently, no specific biomarkers are available in clinical settings for early detection. Liquid biopsy is widely accepted as a non-invasive method for diagnosing cancer and other diseases. We have reviewed the evidence that shows how the molecular alterations are involved in BrM, majorly from breast cancer (BC), lung cancer (LC), and melanoma, with an inception in how they can be employed for biomarker development. We discussed genetic and epigenetic changes that influence cancer cells to breach the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and help to establish metastatic lesions in the uniquely distinct brain microenvironment. Keeping abreast with the recent breakthroughs in the context of various biomolecules detections and identifications, the circulating tumor cells (CTC), cell-free nucleotides, non-coding RNAs, secretory proteins, and metabolites can be pursued in human body fluids such as blood, serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine to obtain potential candidates for biomarker development. The liquid biopsy-based biomarkers can overlay with current imaging techniques to amplify the signal viable for improving the early detection and treatments of occult BrM.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- May 10, 2022
- Source ID
- 10.1186/s12943-022-01577-x
Entities
People
- Asad Ur Rehman
- Jawed A. Siddiqui
- Juan A. Santamaria-barria
- Mohd W Nasser
- Parvez Khan
- Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Surinder K Batra
Organizations
- National Cancer Institute
- National Institutes of Health
- United States Department of Defense