Biopsybased

Biopsy-based refers to diagnostic, research, or therapeutic approaches that rely on tissue samples obtained by biopsy. It contrasts with non-invasive tests such as imaging or liquid biopsy, which use blood or imaging data rather than tissue sections.

In clinical practice, biopsy-based analysis is central to many specialties. Histopathology assesses tissue architecture and cellular morphology; immunohistochemistry detects specific proteins; and molecular testing analyzes DNA, RNA, or epigenetic markers to determine tumor type, grade, prognosis, and therapeutic targets.

Common biopsy techniques include core needle biopsy, punch biopsy, incisional or excisional biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, and endoscopic or image-guided biopsy. Sample handling is critical: fixation, paraffin embedding, sectioning, and preparation for histology, IHC, and molecular assays such as PCR, sequencing, or RNA expression profiling.

Advantages include definitive tissue context and the ability to perform multiple complementary tests on the same specimen. Limitations include procedural risks (bleeding, infection), sampling error due to tumor heterogeneity, and processing time and cost. Results can be affected by pre-analytic variables such as fixation time and specimen adequacy.

In research and precision medicine, biopsy-based data contribute to biomarker discovery and personalised treatment decisions. Ongoing developments aim to reduce invasiveness, standardize procedures, and integrate pathology with genomic and radiologic data for comprehensive diagnosis.