Liquid biopsy

In recent years, the detection of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood has become increasingly important. This circulating cfDNA in the blood contains DNA fragments from both healthy cells and tumor cells. By analyzing this so-called liquid biopsy, it should be possible to detect the development and progression of malignant processes at an early stage and with as little invasiveness as possible. In addition, miRNA, methylation and protein patterns can be detected in the blood from the liquid biopsy. In the future, it is conceivable that this form of liquid diagnostics will also be used for therapy monitoring and aftercare. Due to the high risk of cancer in people with cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS), this blood-based and less invasive form of cancer detection is particularly promising for CPS patients.

Prof. Dr. Dr. Christian Kratz is in charge of the liquid biopsy project.