Understanding Liquid Biopsy: a major developement in Cancer diagnostic

Liquid biopsy, a non-invasive cancer diagnostics method, focuses on two types of DNA: free DNA (all DNA present in the blood) and tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA). The amount of ctDNA indicates a tumor’s aggressiveness. More DNA suggests a more aggressive tumor since it produces more DNA.

The essential part is analyzing extracted DNA for specific mutations, like the PIK3CA mutation in breast cancer. Targeted drugs can be administered to patients with this mutation, making them eligible for personalized treatment.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) facilitates broad-based molecular testing by examining multiple genes (up to 52 different genes) simultaneously. This allows determining the molecular events happening in a patient and deciding on targeted drug therapy if required.

This approach is crucial for all cancers, but particularly breast cancer since many become resistant to anti-estrogenic drugs due to mutations bypassing estrogen receptor blockade. Consequently, liquid biopsy offers an alternative treatment strategy based on a patient’s individual molecular profile.

Takeaway

Liquid biopsy and targeted therapy offer a promising approach to cancer treatment by personalizing drug choices based on specific mutations found in DNA extracted from blood. This method may improve prognosis and treatment outcomes for many cancer patients.