Life and Death of Circulating Cell-free DNA

Overview

Journal Cancer Biol Ther

Specialties Oncology
Pharmacology

Date 2019 Apr 17

PMID 30990132

Citations 263

Authors

Anatoli Kustanovich

Ruth Schwartz

Tamar Peretz

Albert Grinshpun

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Tumor-specific, circulating cell-free DNA in liquid biopsies is a promising source of biomarkers for minimally invasive serial monitoring of treatment responses in cancer management. We will review the current understanding of the origin of circulating cell-free DNA and different forms of DNA release (including various types of cell death and active secretion processes) and clearance routes. The dynamics of extracellular DNA in blood during therapy and the role of circulating DNA in pathophysiological processes (tumor-associated inflammation, NETosis, and pre-metastatic niche development) provide insights into the mechanisms that contribute to tumor development and metastases formation. Better knowledge of circulating tumor-specific cell-free DNA could facilitate the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic options for cancer management.

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