From the Research
Liquid biopsies are not yet widely available for routine monitoring of kidney cancer recurrence in clinical practice. While liquid biopsy technology, which detects circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood samples, shows promise for kidney cancer surveillance, it remains primarily investigational for this specific cancer type 1. Current standard monitoring for kidney cancer recurrence relies on conventional imaging methods like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, along with physical examinations and laboratory tests. The challenge with developing effective liquid biopsies for kidney cancer stems from the relatively lower rates of detectable genetic mutations in circulation compared to other cancer types. However, research in this area is advancing rapidly, with several clinical trials evaluating liquid biopsy approaches specifically for kidney cancer 2.
Some of the key components of liquid biopsies that have shown potential for cancer diagnosis and monitoring include:
- Circulating tumor cells
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)
- Exosomes
- MicroRNA
- Circulating RNA
- Tumor platelets
- Tumor endothelial cells 1
Patients interested in liquid biopsy monitoring should discuss with their oncologist whether participation in a clinical trial might be appropriate for their situation, as this technology may eventually transform follow-up care by offering less invasive and more frequent monitoring options. It is essential to note that while liquid biopsies hold promise, they are not yet ready for widespread clinical use, and more research is needed to standardize and validate their application in kidney cancer monitoring 3.