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Research and new methods

Liquid biopsy: information from the blood

A liquid biopsy tries to get information about a disease from a blood sample instead of tissue or bone marrow, for example from fragments of DNA circulating freely in the blood.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Rows of blood sample tubes with coloured caps in a laboratory rack
Figure 1.Blood samples ready for analysis

01Short answer

Leukaemia is already a blood disease, so many tests use blood. But in some cases, especially for MRD, bone marrow is more accurate. Research is testing whether cell-free DNA in the blood can detect relapse earlier and reduce the number of bone marrow tests. Most of these methods are still at the research stage and do not replace standard tests.

02Simple explanation

A blood sample.

Cell-free DNA.

Fewer marrow tests: the aim.

Still in research.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: a liquid biopsy is a test that looks for cancer cells or pieces of their DNA in a blood sample.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

ctDNA

DNA released into the blood from cancer cells.

Blood and marrow
Figure 2.Blood and marrow — Liquid biopsy: information from the blood

Bone marrow

Still the main sample in leukaemia.

A lens
Figure 3.A lens — Liquid biopsy: information from the blood

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
ctDNADNA released into the blood from cancer cells.
Bone marrowStill the main sample in leukaemia.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Liquid biopsy
A test using blood or another fluid.
Cell-free DNA
DNA fragments circulating freely in the blood.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Give blood.
  • Measure.
  • Compare.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Is a bone marrow test no longer needed?

It is still needed; blood tests do not fully replace it.

Can I have this test?

Some are available in trials; ask your doctor.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is a bone marrow test no longer needed?

  2. Can I have this test?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: liquid biopsy
  2. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  3. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  4. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: drug resistance
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: menin inhibitor
  7. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: antibody-drug conjugate
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: bispecific antibody
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: T-cell receptor
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: umbilical cord blood transplantation
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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