Liquid biopsy involves examining cancer-related material
(such as DNA) in a blood sample. While liquid biopsy cannot replace tumor
biopsy at the moment, researchers, such as Douglas
Rosenthal, study its benefits and better applications. Liquid biopsies are
hopeful to guide personalized cancer control and will ultimately help
healthcare providers detect certain types of cancer.
Cancer is characterized by cellular changes, including
mutations and other genetic alterations, which lead to the appearance of
abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably. The ability to identify specific
alterations related to someone's cancer can help health care providers
determine the best treatment for that person.
