The importance of circulating tumor products as „liquid biopsies” in colorectal cancer

• Main Authors: Alina Miscoci, Cristian D. Pirvu, Veronica Calborean, Costin T. Streba, Otilia C. Rogoveanu, Vlad Pădureanu, Cristin C. Vere
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ion Motofei, Carol Davila University 2018-04-01
• Series: Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences
• Subjects: liquid biopsies; circulating tumor cells (CTCs); circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA); colorectal cancer (CRC); circulating exosomes; tumor educated platelets (TEPs)
• Online Access: https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1092&context=jmms
• ISSN: 2392-7674; 2392-7674

Liquid biopsies represent an array of plasma analysis tests that are studied to evaluate and identify circulating tumor products, especially circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Examining such biomarkers in the plasma of colorectal cancer patients has attracted attention due to its clinical significance in the treatment of malignant diseases. Given that tissue samples are sometimes challenging to procure or unsatisfactory for genomic profiling from patients with colorectal cancer, trustworthy biomarkers are mandatory for guiding treatment, monitoring therapeutic response, and detecting recurrence. This review considers the relevance of flowing tumor products like circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating messenger RNA (mRNA), circulating micro RNA (miRNA), circulating exosomes, and tumor educated platelets (TEPs) for patients with colorectal cancer.