Abstract
To date, for biomarker evaluation in predictive molecular pathology, tissue represents the gold standard. However, with the advent of the new therapeutic options, the number of actionable targets is steadily increasing, and tumor tissue sampled prior to treatment is not always sufficient for molecular testing [1]. In addition, under treatment pressure, clonal tumor dynamic evolution may modify the mutational status in relation to a treatment baseline assessment suggesting the need of monitoring the tumor genetic profile by serial samplings; as a matter of the fact, re-biopsy, after initial treatment, is not always feasible in patients with associated comorbidity. In these settings, liquid biopsy can represent a valid option [2].The term “liquid biopsy” is still debated by many pathologists that consider it as incorrect because it is not performed by a surgeon or a pneumologist and do not involve solid tissues but the extraction of blood or other body fluids [3]. Liquid biopsy cannot completely replace the tissue biopsies, but it may offer a valid alternative for patients with advanced disease who have no tissue availability or to refine the oncological decision-making process [1–3].
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Pisapia, P., Malapelle, U., Troncone, G. (2017). Clinical Practice Implications: Monitoring Drug Response and Resistance. In: Russo, A., Giordano, A., Rolfo, C. (eds) Liquid Biopsy in Cancer Patients. Current Clinical Pathology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55661-1_19
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55661-1_19
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