Preanalytical variables and analytes in liquid biopsy approach for brain tumors: A comprehensive review and recommendations from the RANO Group and the Brain Liquid Biopsy Consortium
Chetan Bettegowda, Houtan Noushmehr, Alessandra Affinito, Manmeet S. Ahluwalia, Olaf Ansorge, Katayoun Ayasoufi, Stephen Bagley, Jill S. Barnholtz‐Sloan, Myron G. Best, Dieta Brandsma, Chaya Brodie, Anke Brüning‐Richardson, Ana Valeria Castro, Susan Chang, Gerolama Condorelli, Ahmad Daher, Vineet Datta, John de Groot, Pim J. French, Evanthia Galanis, Anna Golebiewska, Petra Hamerlik, C. Oliver Hanemann, Matthias Holdhoff, Jason T. Huse, Mustafa Khasraw, Suzanne LeBlang, Beatrice Melin, Florent Moulière, Claire O’Leary, Janusz Rak, Amitava Ray, Stephen Robinson, Ola Rominiyi, Federico Roncaroli, Roberta Rudà, Joan Seoane, Nik Sol, Martin J. van den Bent, Michael A. Vogelbaum, Tobias Walbert, Colin Watts, Tobias Weiß, Michael Weller, Patrick Y. Wen, Victoria Wykes, Stephen Yip, Susan Short, Riccardo Soffietti
Abstract
This review explores the pivotal role of preanalytical variables in bringing liquid biopsy approaches into the clinic for brain tumors. Preanalytical variables encompass a range of critical issues, from blood sample collection and handling to the impact of tumor heterogeneity and patient-specific factors. These variables introduce challenges such as false positives, false negatives, and variability in the analysis of tumor signals, which can hinder the diagnostic and prognostic utility of liquid biopsies. Understanding the nuances of preanalytical variables is essential for the successful implementation of liquid biopsy in clinical settings. This paper delves into strategies aimed at mitigating the influence of preanalytical variables by emphasizing the importance of standardized sample collection protocols, optimized sample processing and storage, quality control measures, and the integration of multiple liquid biopsy modalities.