Genetic biomarkers have become increasingly important for disease prediction, early disease detection and progression, and options for intervention. Tumor biopsies are commonly used as source for DNA- or RNA-based biomarker research. In addition, noninvasive or minimally invasive liquid biopsy collections of blood, saliva or urine are becoming increasingly adopted for biomarker evaluation due to easy sample collection, high sensitivity and fast turn-around-time for results. Genetic markers such as microRNA, mRNAs and/or DNA either cell-free or packaged in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and extracellular vesicles sourced from liquid biopsy provide the basis for biomarker research that contributes to precision medicine options for cancer. Several cancer types already have approved predictive biomarkers that enable selection of treatment candidates for immunotherapy, and this is only the beginning.
In this webinar, we will discuss: