What is a liquid biopsy?

Liquid biopsy favorably differs from the traditional method of taking tumor tissues by a number of criteria. The main difference is the method of obtaining the material to be studied. Liquid biopsy involves the study of venous blood samples, not tumor tissue, which allows the study to be performed on a wider range of patients.

Differences between liquid biopsy and traditional biopsy with physical sampling of tumor tissue:

• liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive manipulation that does not require hospitalization and surgical intervention (the patient’s blood is used for the study);
• liquid biopsy provides detection of tumor DNA samples when traditional biopsy is not possible (difficult to access tumor location, patient’s well-being);
• high sensitivity and specificity of liquid biopsy helps to detect mutations, even if they are insignificant in the tumor;
• using liquid biopsy, it is possible to detect the presence of a tumor process in the body, in particular after tumor removal;
• liquid biopsy makes it possible to detect the fullest possible range of mutational changes in tumor DNA, regardless of the molecular profile of the tumor;
• the use of liquid biopsy provides detection of changes in the genome not only of the initial focus of neoplasm, but also of distant localizations;
• liquid biopsy is appropriate at any stage of treatment and with the frequency necessary to adjust the line of therapy.

Molecular-genetic research using liquid biopsy technique in the National Medical Research Oncological Centre for the following oncopathologies:

• colorectal cancer;
• malignant neoplasms in the lungs;
• breast cancer with detected mutations in the PIK3CA gene.

Liquid biopsy is used both for prescribing a certain line of therapy and for its adjustment in the course of treatment. Based on the results of liquid biopsy, patients with these diagnoses are prescribed targeted therapy as one of the treatment options. In order to monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed targeted drugs in dynamics, the study is periodically repeated throughout the course. If necessary, based on the obtained data, it is possible to quickly adjust the line of therapy without taking a physical biopsy, which is not always feasible due to the difficult accessibility of the tumor or the patient’s condition.

In addition, liquid biopsy allows monitoring the tumor process in the body even in the absence of a primary tumor focus. This makes it possible to predict the occurrence of metastases or the development of disease recurrence, which is an extremely important aspect for treatment planning in oncology.

Please note that liquid biopsy is performed after consultation with a specialized specialist if indicated.

Liquid biopsy is performed by specialists of the molecular genetic service of the P. Hertsen MORI – the branch of the
National Medical Research Oncological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
. The staff of the molecular genetic service consists exclusively of high-class professionals – candidates and doctors of medical and biological sciences, researchers. The extensive arsenal of diagnostic equipment and well-coordinated work of the team guarantees qualified liquid biopsy studies in full compliance with clinical recommendations. The laboratories are equipped with the latest devices for molecular genetic diagnostics using Russian-made reagents, which ensures uninterrupted research. The accuracy of the results is achieved by a clear methodology, developed on the basis of scientific research, constantly conducted by doctors-geneticists of NMRRC.

Liquid biopsy can be prescribed to a patient after a medical Consilium on the basis of indications on an individual basis. Liquid biopsy is available to Russian citizens both free of charge under the MHI policy and on a paid basis.

You can find out more information about how and under what conditions liquid biopsy is performed at NMRRC by calling +7 (495) 150-11-22 – Information Contact Center