BY-Krupa Sachin Kavale, Anushka Gajanan Surve.-
Volume 1 Issue 1 (May-Aug) 2024, Article 8 (pp.68-77)
Key Points
Question: What is the efficacy and clinical utility of liquid biopsy for the early detection and monitoring of triple-negative breast cancer?
Findings: This systematic review synthesizes evidence from various studies, highlighting that liquid biopsy shows promise as a non-invasive tool for detecting and monitoring triple-negative breast cancer. The review found that liquid biopsy assays demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in several studies, suggesting potential clinical utility, though variability in assay performance and standardization remains a concern.
Meaning: Liquid biopsy could become a valuable tool in the clinical management of triple-negative breast cancer, offering a non-invasive alternative for early detection and ongoing monitoring. However, further research is needed to address assay variability and establish standardized protocols.
Abstract
Importance: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a formidable challenge in oncology due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Early detection and continuous monitoring are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Liquid biopsy, as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, has garnered significant interest for its potential to revolutionize the management of TNBC by enabling earlier detection and more precise monitoring.
Objective: This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the efficacy and clinical utility of liquid biopsy in the early detection and monitoring of TNBC. The review specifically examines its application across various patient populations, assessing the sensitivity, specificity, and overall reliability of different liquid biopsy assays.
Evidence Review: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications from 2010 to 2023. Keywords included “triple-negative breast cancer,” “liquid biopsy,” “circulating tumor DNA,” and “early detection.” Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on those that assessed liquid biopsy’s diagnostic performance in TNBC patients. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the PRISMA guidelines, and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Findings: The review included 32 studies comprising various methodologies, such as prospective cohort studies, retrospective analyses, and clinical trials, with a total of 2,500 participants. The findings indicate that liquid biopsy demonstrates promising sensitivity (ranging from 75% to 92%) and specificity (ranging from 80% to 95%) for detecting TNBC. Furthermore, several studies highlighted the potential of liquid biopsy for monitoring disease progression and treatment response, although variability in assay performance and the lack of standardized protocols remain challenges.
Conclusions and Relevance: Liquid biopsy holds significant promise as a non-invasive tool for the early detection and monitoring of TNBC, potentially transforming clinical practice by enabling more personalized and timely interventions. However, further research is necessary to address the inconsistencies in assay performance and to develop standardized protocols for its widespread clinical implementation.
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