Cell-free Nucleic Acids in Cancer

Histologic and cytologic evaluation of tissue and cells remains the mainstay of cancer diagnosis and assessment, though pathologists have long worked to develop novel and improved approaches. Indeed, many biopsy and tissue sampling protocols, new immunostains, and other molecular assays have been implemented over the years to improve cancer detection and management. Recent technologic advances have allowed the evaluation of genomic change in tumor-derived nucleic acids found in blood samples, opening the door to a potentially extremely impactful and minimally invasive method for the detection and characterization of cancer.
Source: Clinics in Laboratory Medicine - Category: Laboratory Medicine Authors: Source Type: research