Since 1948, circulating tumour DNA(ctDNA) was first identified in human blood. ctDNA is in fact DNA shed by tumour cells from all metastatic tumour locations throughout the whole body, and is thrown into the bloodstre...Since 1948, circulating tumour DNA(ctDNA) was first identified in human blood. ctDNA is in fact DNA shed by tumour cells from all metastatic tumour locations throughout the whole body, and is thrown into the bloodstream and can then be isolated by a standard blood draw. Using this technique scientists can obtain a wide view of tumour heterogeneity, identify different mechanisms of drug resistance, what is its predominance and the clinical rational of precision cancer medicine become a part of our daily practice. Secondly, early detection of cancer may also contribute to global decrease in cancer mortality.展开更多
Biliary tract cancer,comprising gallbladder cancer,cholangiocarcinoma and ampullary cancer,represents a more uncommon entity outside high-endemic areas,though global incidence is rising.The majority of patients presen...Biliary tract cancer,comprising gallbladder cancer,cholangiocarcinoma and ampullary cancer,represents a more uncommon entity outside high-endemic areas,though global incidence is rising.The majority of patients present at a late stage,and 5-year survival remains poor.Advanced stage disease is incurable,and though palliative chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival,further diagnostic and therapeutic options are required in order to improve patient outcomes.Although certain subtypes of biliary tract cancer are relatively rich in targetable mutations,attaining tumour tissue for histological diagnosis and treatment monitoring is challenging due to locoregional anatomical constraints and patient fitness.Liquid biopsies offer a safe and convenient alternative to invasive procedures and have great potential as diagnostic,predictive and prognostic biomarkers.In this review,the current standard of care for patients with biliary tract cancer,future treatment horizons and the possible utility of liquid biopsies within a variety of contexts will be discussed.Circulating tumour DNA,circulating microRNA and circulating tumour cells are discussed with an overview of their potential applications in management of biliary tract cancer.A summary is also provided of currently recruiting clinical trials incorporating liquid biopsies within biliary tract cancer research.展开更多
文摘Since 1948, circulating tumour DNA(ctDNA) was first identified in human blood. ctDNA is in fact DNA shed by tumour cells from all metastatic tumour locations throughout the whole body, and is thrown into the bloodstream and can then be isolated by a standard blood draw. Using this technique scientists can obtain a wide view of tumour heterogeneity, identify different mechanisms of drug resistance, what is its predominance and the clinical rational of precision cancer medicine become a part of our daily practice. Secondly, early detection of cancer may also contribute to global decrease in cancer mortality.
文摘Biliary tract cancer,comprising gallbladder cancer,cholangiocarcinoma and ampullary cancer,represents a more uncommon entity outside high-endemic areas,though global incidence is rising.The majority of patients present at a late stage,and 5-year survival remains poor.Advanced stage disease is incurable,and though palliative chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival,further diagnostic and therapeutic options are required in order to improve patient outcomes.Although certain subtypes of biliary tract cancer are relatively rich in targetable mutations,attaining tumour tissue for histological diagnosis and treatment monitoring is challenging due to locoregional anatomical constraints and patient fitness.Liquid biopsies offer a safe and convenient alternative to invasive procedures and have great potential as diagnostic,predictive and prognostic biomarkers.In this review,the current standard of care for patients with biliary tract cancer,future treatment horizons and the possible utility of liquid biopsies within a variety of contexts will be discussed.Circulating tumour DNA,circulating microRNA and circulating tumour cells are discussed with an overview of their potential applications in management of biliary tract cancer.A summary is also provided of currently recruiting clinical trials incorporating liquid biopsies within biliary tract cancer research.
