Tumor biopsies are currently the most common tool for diagnosing lung cancer.
However, according to a new paper published by the University of Kentucky and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, there is evidence that liquid biopsies – obtained from a blood sample – have the potential to replace tumor biopsies that require patients to undergo a surgical procedure.
Published in Molecular Cancer, the work was led by Jill Kolesar, Pharm.D., director of the Precision Medicine Center, co-chair of the Molecular Tumor Board for the UK Markey Cancer Center and a professor in the UK College of Pharmacy; Vivek Rangnekar, Ph.D., Markey associate director and Global Cancer Consortium founding chair; and Mahadev Rao, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation reports that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Over the last 20 years, a focus on genomics research has led to a better understanding of tumor mutations in lung cancer and assessing these mutations is now routinely performed as standard of care.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most broadly studied genomic driver of lung cancer. These mutations are the known drivers of lung cancer that account for 10-15% of lung cancer diagnoses. Understanding tumor mutations, hereditary mutations and variations in drug metabolizing enzymes is critical to individualize cancer treatment for each person.
Tissue biopsy is the gold standard for selecting targeted therapies, especially in the case of non-small cell lung cancer patients. However, since tumors shed cancer cells and their DNA/RNA into the bloodstream, liquid biopsies are emerging as a testing method for cancer mutations. Liquid biopsies – obtained from a blood test – have the added advantage of being able to test for hereditary genes, including those responsible for cancer predisposition and drug metabolism. Additionally, compared to tissue biopsies, liquid biopsies are less invasive, reduce procedural complications and can serve as a tool for monitoring EGFR treatment resistance and efficacy.
"Putting all of this information together is truly a way to personalize cancer care, from selecting the right drug, giving the right dose and informing individuals about future cancer risk," said Kolesar. "Integrating this data into a single liquid test could have a profound impact on patient care."
