Table 1 Limitations with biomarker discovery in tumor vs. blood-based biopsies
Limitation | Tumor biopsy | Liquid/blood-based biopsy |
|---|---|---|
Heterogeneity | Intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity | Systemic, potentially reducing the impact of tumor heterogeneity |
Invasiveness | Invasive, may pose risks, accessibility issues | Less invasive, minimal risks |
Sampling Bias | Limited sample size, not representative | Less prone to sampling bias |
Temporal Variability | Dynamic changes not easily captured | Dynamic changes easily captured |
Tissue Availability | Limited by biopsy location | Readily available |
Technical Challenges | Technically challenging, degradation, contamination, quality issues | Less technically challenging with well-established protocols |
Tissue Preservation | Crucial for biomarker integrity | Simple storage for future analysis |
Ethical and Consent Issues | Obtaining informed consent can be complex | Fewer ethical and consent-related challenges |
Cost and Resource Intensity | Expensive, requires specialized equipment | More cost-effective, requiring less specialized equipment |
Data Integration and Interpretation Challenges | Complex analysis | More straightforward analysis |