Ultra-sensitive blood tests which detect tiny scraps of tumour DNA are being used to revolutionise the treatment of breast cancer.
Last week, after years of development, the NHS in England started offering liquid biopsies to women with mutated breast cancer, opening access to a new life-extending pill designed to tackle a specific genetic mutation. The technology, which can track the way cancer evolves and mutates as it tries to evade treatment, paves the way for a new era of precision medicine.
“Liquid biopsies are finally here, and they represent hope,” said Kirstin Spencer, 52, who is a breast cancer patient. “Hope for better treatments, better outcomes and better lives for patients like me.”
Oncologists have been researching the potential of liquid biopsies for years. Last year a pilot was launched to use the…