Application of liquid biopsy in bone and soft tissue sarcomas: Present and future. (28th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Xiaoyang; Seebacher, Nicole A.; Hornicek, Francis J.; Xiao, Tao; Duan, Zhenfeng
• Is Part Of: Cancer letters. Volume 439(2019)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 77
• Publication Date: 2018-12-28
• Subjects: Bone and soft tissue sarcomas -- Circulating tumor cells -- Circulating cell-free nucleic acids -- Exosomes -- Metabolites; Cancer -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.09.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0304-3835

Abstract

Abstract: Bone and soft tissue sarcomas account for approximately 1% of adult solid malignancies and 20% of pediatric solid malignancies. Sarcomas are divided into more than 50 subtypes. Each subtype is highly heterogeneous and characterized by significant morphological and phenotypic variability. Currently, sarcoma characterization is based on tissue biopsies. However, primary and invasive tissue biopsies may not accurately reflect the current disease condition following treatment as is may cause marked changes to the tumor cells. Liquid biopsy offers an alternative minimally invasive approach to provide dynamic tumor information, allowing for the application of precision medicine in the treatment of sarcomas. Recently, there have been numerous blood-based tumor components identified by liquid biopsy in sarcomas, including circulating tumor cells, circulating cell-free nucleic acids, tumor-derived exosomes and metabolites in circulation. Here, we summarize the current evolving technologies and then elaborate on emerging novel concepts that may further propel the field of liquid biopsy in sarcomas. We address the applications in the context of our current knowledge about liquid biopsy in sarcomas and highlight the potential of translating these recent advances into the clinic for more effective management strategies for sarcoma patients. Highlights: There are 50 different subtypes of sarcomas with different genetic and epigenetic make-up. There are significant limitations to using tissue biopsies for sarcoma diagnosis. Monitoring biologic behavior by liquid biopsy provides a dynamic method for sarcomas.