Challenges and opportunities of integrating liquid biopsy into precision oncology practice in India
| dc.contributor.author | Manikantan, Arsha | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-10-17T09:45:41Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-10-17T09:45:41Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This dissertation analyses the challenges and opportunities of integrating liquid biopsy technology into precision oncology care in India, highlighting its potential to revolutionize diagnostics and treatment. Liquid biopsy, is a non-invasive technique that identifies cancerrelated genetic mutations from a blood sample, offering the possibility of improving the accuracy and effectiveness of cancer diagnosis. However, its widespread implementation faces several challenges, particularly in the context of India's diverse healthcare landscape. The study aims to investigate the technological limitations, cost implications, socio-economic factors and the regulatory and reimbursement challenges affecting the adoption of liquid biopsies. It also examines. Through qualitative analysis derived from interviews with healthcare professionals, along with peer-reviewed literature review, the research offers a thorough insight into the challenges and opportunities related to liquid biopsy in India. The findings from the study reveal that technological limitations, including the lack of standardization and varying test quality across laboratories, affect the reliability of liquid biopsies. The high cost of these tests, along with limited insurance coverage, poses a significant barrier, particularly for patients from lower-income backgrounds. Additionally, the absence of clear regulatory guidelines leads to inconsistencies in the interpretation and application of liquid biopsy tests hindering its widespread implementation. Socio-economic factors significantly influence access to liquid biopsy technology. Patients with higher incomes tend to have better access to private healthcare facilities that offer liquid biopsies and can afford the procedure. In contrast, individuals from lower-income backgrounds, who mainly depend on public healthcare systems, encounter high costs and restricted access. This gap is further widened by lower education levels which can hinder patients' understanding and ability to choose for advanced diagnostic options. The dissertation also highlights the recommendations to improve the integration of liquid biopsy technology, which includes raising awareness and educating both healthcare providers and patients about liquid biopsy technology, reducing costs through government schemes and insurance coverage, and developing state-of-the art healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural v areas. Furthermore, it is crucial to invest in research and development to validate the technology and explore new applications, which is vital for improving cancer care in India. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14136/184 | |
| dc.title | Challenges and opportunities of integrating liquid biopsy into precision oncology practice in India | |
| dc.type | Thesis |