The Role of Liquid Biopsy in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of WHO Grade 4 Astrocytoma

Liquid biopsy, as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, has recently gained significant attention in the field of oncology. It involves the analysis of various biomarkers present in bodily fluids, such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid, to provide information about the underlying cancer. In the case of WHO grade 4 astrocytomas, liquid biopsy has the potential to significantly impact the diagnosis and prognosis of this aggressive malignant brain tumor. By detecting specific genetic mutations, such as IDH1 or EGFR, and monitoring levels of circulating tumor DNA, liquid biopsy can aid in the early detection and monitoring of disease progression. This innovative approach is gradually being acknowledged as a less invasive and cost-effective procedure for cancer diagnosis and management to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Various kinds of biomarkers circulating in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), such as circulating tumor cells (CTC) and different types of nucleic acids like cell-free DNA (cfDNA), cell-free RNA (ctRNA), and microRNAs (miRNA), have been identified. These biomarkers, which require dependable detection methods, are comparatively simple to obtain and allow for repeated measurements, making them significantly superior for disease monitoring. This review aims to compare the latest liquid biopsy analysis tools for both CSF and plasma in the central nervous system.