Abstract
In recent years, the blood-based analysis of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and nucleic
acids (DNA/RNA), otherwise known as liquid biopsy, has become increasingly important
in breast cancer. Numerous trials have already underscored the high prognostic significance
of CTC detection in both early and metastatic stages. Moreover, the changes in CTC
levels and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) during the course of the disease correlate
with the response to treatment. Research currently focuses on liquid-biopsy based
therapeutic interventions in metastatic breast cancer. In this context, alpelisib,
a PI3K inhibitor, was the first agent to be approved by FDA and EMA.
Key words
liquid biopsy - breast cancer - circulating tumour DNA - circulating tumour cell -
targeted therapy