Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a promising source of molecular biomarkers in the detection and monitoring of brain malignancies. Unlike peripheral blood, where biomarker detection is hindered by the blood-brain barrier and the complex nature of biofluids, CSF offers a more direct and enriched source of tumor-derived markers, including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), microRNA (miRNA), proteins, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). These biomarkers, originating from brain tumor cells, are often more concentrated in CSF than in peripheral blood due to the proximity of CSF to the central nervous system (CNS). The presence of ctDNA in CSF is notably higher than in plasma, making CSF an advantageous medium for liquid biopsy in brain tumor patients. Traditional liquid biopsy approaches relying on peripheral venous blood samples often face challenges in detecting low concentrations of tumor-derived biomarkers. The direct contact of CSF with the CNS minimizes background noise, potentially enhancing the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnostic assays. Despite the barriers posed by the blood-brain barrier and other physiological factors that limit biomarker levels in the systemic circulation, CSF's unique position within the CNS allows for more effective biomarker collection. While peripheral blood remains the standard medium for liquid biopsy in oncology, the proximity of CSF to brain tumors suggests it may offer superior diagnostic capabilities. Emerging evidence from non-CNS malignancies indicates that collecting biofluids closer to the tumor site can significantly improve biomarker detection. Although this approach has been well-documented in other solid tumors, its application to CNS malignancies remains underexplored. This study hypothesizes that targeted blood sampling from CNS tumor-draining veins could similarly enhance biomarker detection, thereby increasing the sensitivity and efficacy of liquid biopsy techniques in diagnosing and monitoring brain malignancies.

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) pose significant challenges as complete nerve regeneration remains limited. The demand for improved technologies in SCI treatment is evident. One such emerging technology is three-dimensional printing (3DP), which, coupled with advancements in medical imaging and bioengineering, has significantly enhanced precision in surgical procedures. This systematic review aims to explore 3DP as a treatment option for SCIs, examining its cost, efficacy, safety, and the associated technological constraints. A systematic search of Medline was conducted through PubMed for literature published since 2019. The search results were exported to Rayyan for abstract and full-text screening following predefined criteria. The risk of bias in the selected studies was assessed using the RoB2 tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. From a total of 89 articles screened, 11 studies met the eligibility criteria, collectively assessing 237 individuals with various types of SCIs, including lumbar degeneration, en bloc resection of thoracolumbar metastasis, adult spinal deformity, and cervical degeneration. These studies examined the utilization of 3DP devices such as hand orthosis, interbody fusion cages, lamellar titanium cages, artificial vertebral bodies, and others. Most of the reviewed studies reported positive treatment outcomes, with the actual procedure costs varying from $65 to $5,000. Recent literature shows positive outcomes in the use of 3DP technologies for SCIs, highlighting its potential for enhancing both surgical and nonsurgical interventions. These advancements usher in a new era in SCI treatment, providing enhanced precision and a wider range of treatment options, ultimately leading to more comprehensive and effective patient care.