Liquid biopsy in organ transplantation

Abstract

Liquid biopsy using physical secretions such as saliva, urine, and blood is becoming popular in cancer treatment as a less invasive diagnosis. Cells, DNAs, cell-free DNA in the peripheral blood are promising candidates of biomarkers for early detection of cancers and determination of treatment outcomes. The technique is also hoped to replace the invasive tissue biopsy that is necessary to diagnose the immunological rejection of transplanted organs at present. The interests of transplant surgeons to liquid biopy is increasing.