Role of Liquid Biopsy in Clinical Decision-Making for Breast Cancer

Purpose of ReviewLiquid biopsies are easily obtainable, non-invasive, longitudinal snapshots that can be used to measure micrometastatic disease burden, monitor disease progression, and provide genomic assessments of primary tumor/metastatic lesions. To date, most published studies have focused on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA); however, the liquid biopsy field is expanding exponentially and new blood components are currently under investigation.Recent FindingsCTCs and ctDNA remain the most extensively studied liquid biopsy components to date. Several additional blood-based components are the basis of active, ongoing investigations. Some on the horizon include serum/plasma exosomes, platelet-mRNA, miRNA characterization, and global proteomic studies.SummaryIn the era of individualized medicine, liquid biopsy has potential to improve upon current breast cancer management by offering dynamic monitoring possibilities as well as novel targets for therapy.