Liquid biopsy using circulating miRNAs for the identification of recurrence-associated biomarkers in glioblastoma CNS WHO grade 4

Introduction

Glioblastoma CNS WHO Grade 4 (GBM) is associated with poor prognosis and high recurrence rates despite the current therapeutic approaches. Conventional imaging, in particular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is primarily used during follow-up to detect tumor recurrence but has limited ability to distinguish recurrence from therapy-related changes, such as tissue necrosis and postoperative scar tissue. Liquid biopsy using circulating tumor-specific serological biomarkers, such as miRNAs, provides a gene expression signature for early identification of GBM recurrence. This pilot "proof-of-concept" study investigated the potential of circulating tumor-derived miRNA in whole blood samples for early detection of tumor recurrence.