"Prior research in the field has primarily focused on using knowledge from tumor tissue sequencing to identify specific changes to look for in circulating tumor DNA. This approach allows us to detect, with high confidence, changes in circulating tumor DNA across a large part of the genome without information from tumor tissue," said Dr. Razavi. While circulating tumor DNA tests targeting a smaller set of cancer genes are already available for use in routine practice to guide care, by covering a much larger number of cancer genes, this high-intensity sequencing approach may enable development of future tests for early detection of cancer.
Next Steps
Ad Statistics
Times Displayed: 22354
Times Visited: 450 Stay up to date with the latest training to fix, troubleshoot, and maintain your critical care devices. GE HealthCare offers multiple training formats to empower teams and expand knowledge, saving you time and money
The high-intensity sequencing approach used in this study is a research platform and is not intended to be commercially available to patients. To understand the current performance and potential of this assay, the researchers first tested it in advanced cancer, an area where circulating tumor DNA has been previously characterized.
"This study will inform development of technology for a future test that could eventually be used as a blood test for early cancer detection. In patients undergoing cancer screening, tumor tissue is not available, and we will need to detect changes in circulating tumor DNA without prior knowledge of tissue analysis results," said Dr. Razavi.
Advantages of Liquid Biopsy
Genomic changes can differ between various areas within a tumor, as well as among the different organs where the cancer has spread. A circulating tumor DNA test provides a "summary report" of all the genomic changes in the primary tumor and metastases. In contrast, a tissue biopsy, which typically takes only a small piece of the tumor, sometimes misses key genetic changes that fuel cancer growth.
Another advantage of liquid biopsy is its ability to capture genomic changes in real time, helping guide treatment planning without the need of additional conventional tissue biopsies. Genomic changes evolve as the cancer grows and spreads. New changes may lead to cancer recurrence or resistance to treatment. A liquid biopsy test requires only a simple blood draw. It is generally safe and convenient to repeat, allowing doctors to keep easier track of new mutations.
Back to HCB News
