Overview

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet many types still don’t have regular screening programs. Even when screening is available, many people at higher risk find the tests difficult or uncomfortable to follow. Newer blood-based tests, like liquid biopsies, are showing promise for early detection of cancers. Liquid biopsy is a method where circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shed from the tumor is extracted and sequenced. This unveils the necessary information regarding cancer causing mutations in the related genes enhancing clinicians to decide the best course of treatment.

Lung Cancer Care Through Liquid Biopsy:

Liquid biopsy, powered by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), is revolutionizing how lung cancer is detected and managed. Unlike traditional tissue biopsies, which are often invasive and sometimes difficult to perform, liquid biopsy works by analyzing tiny fragments of tumor DNA (ctDNA) or tumor cells (CTCs) that are released into the bloodstream. This non-invasive approach allows clinicians to uncover critical genetic information about the tumor, making it possible to guide treatment and monitor disease with greater ease and precision.

Colorectal Cancer Care with Liquid Biopsy & NGS:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Liquid biopsy, particularly when combined with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), has emerged as a powerful non-invasive strategy for molecular profiling, therapy guidance, and disease monitoring in CRC.

Breast Cancer Detection and Monitoring Powered by Liquid Biopsy and NGS

Breast cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of malignant epithelial cells within the breast tissue, leading to tumor formation. Although rare in men, it remains predominantly a disease of women and represents a major global health burden. Breast cancer is represented by substantial heterogeneity, encompassing diverse genetic alterations and distinct histopathological subtypes. Despite advances in research, the precise molecular mechanisms driving its initiation and progression remain incompletely understood. The biggest risk factors include simply being female and increasing age. Other factors like family history, gene mutations, race/ethnicity, pregnancy history, breast feeding history and unhealthy lifestyle can also raise the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Research shows that inherited genetic factors contribute to about 5-10% of all breast cancer cases and follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, but in women under 30, they may explain up to 25% of diagnoses. Among these, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most well-recognized causes of hereditary breast cancer risk.

How Genes Affect Breast Cancer:

In breast cancer, cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a powerful, noninvasive biomarker that may reduce the need for traditional tissue biopsies. Through liquid biopsy, ctDNA shed by tumors into the bloodstream can be analyzed to track genetic changes. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), even very small amounts of ctDNA can be detected with high accuracy, enabling the identification of both specific gene mutations and broader, genome-wide alterations that drive breast cancer. This helps in guiding targeted therapies and personalized treatment choices.