Advances in CTC and ctDNA detection techniques: opportunities for improving breast cancer care
Abstract The advent of precision therapy has revolutionized breast cancer treatment, driven by the development of innovative diagnostic techniques and targeted drugs. Identifying biomarkers related to therapy response is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies for breast cancer patients. Liquid b...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Breast Cancer Research |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13058-025-02024-7 |
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| author | Hai-Jing Zhong Yumiao Zhen Shiji Chen Wei Shi Xiaoxu Liang Guan-Jun Yang |
| author_facet | Hai-Jing Zhong Yumiao Zhen Shiji Chen Wei Shi Xiaoxu Liang Guan-Jun Yang |
| author_sort | Hai-Jing Zhong |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract The advent of precision therapy has revolutionized breast cancer treatment, driven by the development of innovative diagnostic techniques and targeted drugs. Identifying biomarkers related to therapy response is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies for breast cancer patients. Liquid biopsies have emerged as minimally invasive techniques for biomarker profiling, leveraging the increasing sensitivity for detecting oncogenic drivers. These liquid biopsy methods, involving the testing of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in biofluids, offer more opportunities for early cancer detection, monitoring treatment efficacy, and identifying resistance mechanisms. This review focuses on the technical methodologies employed for the detection of CTCs and ctDNA. Beyond the technical aspects, we discuss the clinical applications of these biomarkers in breast cancer, including their roles in early detection, monitoring treatment response, and guiding therapeutic decisions. We also address the challenges associated with CTC and ctDNA detection, such as low concentrations in biofluids and tumor heterogeneity, which can complicate analysis and interpretation. By discussing the current landscape of CTC and ctDNA methodologies and their clinical implications, this review highlights the potential of liquid biopsies to enhance personalized medicine approaches in breast cancer management. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7b268b3b33de49548df0a1be70519e2b |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1465-542X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Breast Cancer Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-7b268b3b33de49548df0a1be70519e2b2025-08-20T02:05:39ZengBMCBreast Cancer Research1465-542X2025-06-0127111310.1186/s13058-025-02024-7Advances in CTC and ctDNA detection techniques: opportunities for improving breast cancer careHai-Jing Zhong0Yumiao Zhen1Shiji Chen2Wei Shi3Xiaoxu Liang4Guan-Jun Yang5State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, School of Pharmacy, Jinan UniversityState Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, School of Pharmacy, Jinan UniversityState Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, School of Pharmacy, Jinan UniversityDepartment of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversitySchool of Arts and Sciences, Guangzhou Maritime UniversityState Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo UniversityAbstract The advent of precision therapy has revolutionized breast cancer treatment, driven by the development of innovative diagnostic techniques and targeted drugs. Identifying biomarkers related to therapy response is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies for breast cancer patients. Liquid biopsies have emerged as minimally invasive techniques for biomarker profiling, leveraging the increasing sensitivity for detecting oncogenic drivers. These liquid biopsy methods, involving the testing of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in biofluids, offer more opportunities for early cancer detection, monitoring treatment efficacy, and identifying resistance mechanisms. This review focuses on the technical methodologies employed for the detection of CTCs and ctDNA. Beyond the technical aspects, we discuss the clinical applications of these biomarkers in breast cancer, including their roles in early detection, monitoring treatment response, and guiding therapeutic decisions. We also address the challenges associated with CTC and ctDNA detection, such as low concentrations in biofluids and tumor heterogeneity, which can complicate analysis and interpretation. By discussing the current landscape of CTC and ctDNA methodologies and their clinical implications, this review highlights the potential of liquid biopsies to enhance personalized medicine approaches in breast cancer management.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13058-025-02024-7BiomarkersBreast cancerLiquid biopsyCirculating tumor cellsCirculating tumor DNA |
| spellingShingle | Hai-Jing Zhong Yumiao Zhen Shiji Chen Wei Shi Xiaoxu Liang Guan-Jun Yang Advances in CTC and ctDNA detection techniques: opportunities for improving breast cancer care Breast Cancer Research Biomarkers Breast cancer Liquid biopsy Circulating tumor cells Circulating tumor DNA |
| title | Advances in CTC and ctDNA detection techniques: opportunities for improving breast cancer care |
| title_full | Advances in CTC and ctDNA detection techniques: opportunities for improving breast cancer care |
| title_fullStr | Advances in CTC and ctDNA detection techniques: opportunities for improving breast cancer care |
| title_full_unstemmed | Advances in CTC and ctDNA detection techniques: opportunities for improving breast cancer care |
| title_short | Advances in CTC and ctDNA detection techniques: opportunities for improving breast cancer care |
| title_sort | advances in ctc and ctdna detection techniques opportunities for improving breast cancer care |
| topic | Biomarkers Breast cancer Liquid biopsy Circulating tumor cells Circulating tumor DNA |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13058-025-02024-7 |
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