Minimum Technical Preanalytical, Patient, and Clinical Context Data Elements for Cerebrospinal Fluid Liquid Biopsy: Recommendations for Public Database Submissions

In collaboration with leading experts, the BLOODPAC Consortium’s Brain Tumor Working Group has published a foundational paper [https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/PO-24-00921] outlining key preanalytical variables for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-based liquid biopsy in patients with primary and metastatic central nervous system (CNS) cancers. Building on years of research highlighting the potential of cell-free tumor DNA (cftDNA) in CSF for tumor detection, disease monitoring, and diagnosis, this effort aims to accelerate the development and validation of robust ctDNA assays. The standardized list of variables is intended to guide future studies and promote consistency across academic and industry-led research in the field.

JCO Precision Oncology’s enthusiasm for this manuscript led to the publication of an accompanying editorial that provides additional context for the field. We are especially grateful to Editor-in-Chief Dr. James M. Ford for his support of this work. You can read the editorial here. [https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/PO-25-00360].