title: Real-time liquid biopsy: circulating tumor cells versus circulating tumor DNA.
abstract: Liquid biopsy is a new diagnostic concept, i.e., analysis of therapeutic targets and drug resistance-conferring gene mutations on circulating tumor cells and cell-free circulating tumor DNA released into the peripheral blood from metastatic deposits. Here, we discuss current challenges and future perspectives of the liquid biopsy concept in clinical oncology. We postulate that this concept will contribute to a better understanding and clinical management of drug resistance in cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: 1 University Medical Centre, Saint-Eloi Hospital, Institute of Research in Biotherapy, Department of Cell and Tissue Biopathology of Tumors, Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, Montpellier, France ; 2 University Institute of Clinical Research UM1-EA2415-Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Public Health, Montpellier, France ; 3 Department of Tumor Biology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alix-Panabières
authors.affiliation: 1 University Medical Centre, Saint-Eloi Hospital, Institute of Research in Biotherapy, Department of Cell and Tissue Biopathology of Tumors, Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells, Montpellier, France ; 2 University Institute of Clinical Research UM1-EA2415-Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Public Health, Montpellier, France ; 3 Department of Tumor Biology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pantel
keywords: Cancer; biomarkers; blood; circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA); circulating tumor cells (CTCs); therapy