Concept
Circulating tumor DNA is like tiny puzzle pieces from a tumor floating in the blood that doctors can look at to learn about the cancer without needing to touch it. This helps doctors find out if the cancer is growing or shrinking and decide the best way to help the patient get better.
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Concept
A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell division, which can be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors, also known as cancers, have the potential to invade neighboring tissues and spread throughout the body, posing significant health risks.
Concept
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in almost all living organisms, encoding the genetic instructions used in their development, functioning, growth, and reproduction. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix, carrying the genetic information in sequences of four types of nucleotides: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.
Concept
A blood test is a medical procedure that involves analyzing a sample of blood to assess health, diagnose conditions, or monitor treatment. It provides crucial information about the body's physiological and biochemical state, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about patient care.
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Cancer diagnosis involves identifying the presence and type of cancer in a patient, typically through a combination of imaging tests, biopsy, and laboratory analysis. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning and improving patient outcomes.
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Non-invasive testing refers to diagnostic procedures that do not require incision into the body or removal of tissue, thereby minimizing risk and discomfort for patients. These tests are crucial in early detection and monitoring of diseases, offering a safer alternative to traditional methods while maintaining high accuracy and reliability.
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A biomarker is a measurable indicator of a biological state or condition, often used in clinical research and medicine to diagnose diseases, predict outcomes, or monitor responses to treatment. They can be molecules, genes, or characteristics that provide valuable information about the physiological or pathological processes occurring in the body.
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Genetic mutations are alterations in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in protein function or regulation, potentially causing a variety of effects from benign to harmful. These mutations can occur spontaneously or be induced by environmental factors, and they play a crucial role in evolution, genetic diversity, and disease development.
Concept
Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive diagnostic method that detects cancer-related biomarkers in bodily fluids, such as blood, offering a real-time snapshot of tumor dynamics. It provides a powerful tool for early cancer detection, monitoring treatment response, and understanding tumor heterogeneity without the need for invasive tissue biopsies.
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Precision medicine is an innovative approach that tailors medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, including their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. It aims to improve the effectiveness of healthcare by moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized strategy.
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Cancer monitoring involves regularly assessing a patient's condition to track the progression of the disease or response to treatment, facilitating timely adjustments in therapy. This process employs various tools from imaging techniques to biomarkers, ensuring personalized and effective cancer management.
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