Liquid biopsy in cancer using the Z-scan technique: a new approach to discover biomarkers in cancer

AIM: Biomarkers have been broadly studied as a tool for the diagnosis and prognosis for different types of cancer. Z-scan is a kind of measurement technique that generates a nonlinear refractive index (n(2)). Today, Z-scan has been used in oncology to discriminate between solid tumors and to identify tumor circulating cell-free DNA in liquid samples. MATERIALS & METHODS: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined in this review, 35 articles were selected. CONCLUSION: The use of this technique for this kind of measurement will allow for a rapid and precise diagnosis of different types of tumor and may lead to better therapeutic approaches.