Liquid biopsy for cancer detection primarily analyzes which component in blood?
- Red blood cells
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)
- Platelets
- White blood cells
Answer: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)
ctDNA fragments released by tumors into bloodstream carry tumor-specific mutations. Liquid biopsy enables non-invasive cancer detection, monitoring treatment response, and identifying resistance mechanisms. Emerging tool in precision oncology. [[ICMR Reports, NCERT Biology Class 12]]