The downstream effects of whole genome sequencing have led to bourgeoning fields including DNA based tests for cancer detection as well as non-invasive prenatal testing. Challenges and limitations of solid tumor samples have led researchers to study non-invasive diagnostic modalities including the isolation of circulating tumor DNA, cell-free DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and fetal DNA. This review will focus on the sampling and analysis of non-solid biological tissues, primarily in the blood. The primary objectives will be to: define the terminology, review the major biomarkers, describe the application of liquid biopsy in clinical care, and review updates in the literature in both Academia and Industry.
Rani Berry is a post doctorate Gastroenterology fellow at Stanford Health by way of UCLA where she completed her Internal Medicine training with AOA distinction. She has successfully completed over 500 endoscopic procedures, 16 publications and 24 oral presentations/abstracts. Her current research area of interest lies in artificial intelligenceaided colonoscopy where she is applying deep learning techniques to improve quality metrics in endoscopy. Aside from her own research, she is a peer reviewer for 5 medical journals, allowing her to keep up to date with advances in the field. Her hope is that the science behind liquid biopsies will allow clinicians a non-invasive modality to screen, diagnose, prognose and treat patients in the future.
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