Liquid biopsy DNA test promises tailored cancer care for thousands

The NHS is to roll out a world first DNA-based blood genetic test for breast and lung cancer patients across England.

The blood test, also termed a liquid biopsy, makes use of genomic sequencing data from a patient's blood to scan for circulating tumour DNA in order to identify the types of genetic mutations present in lung and breast cancer. This information can then be used to provide tailored treatments for the particular type of mutation, much faster than other types of biopsies. Details were announced at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, Illinois.

'Liquid biopsies are leading us into a new era of personalised cancer care and it's fantastic that we are now able to expand the use of this revolutionary test on the NHS to help tailor treatment for thousands of patients across the country,' said Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer.

NHS-run pilot studies suggest that about 15,000 patients with lung cancer are set to benefit from this approach, while around 5000 women with advanced breast cancer will be screened for genetic variations. Pilot data for lung cancer also suggests that personalised treatments can be provided 16 days earlier with a liquid biopsy than they can with a standard tissue biopsy. Overall, this initiative could save £11 million for the NHS in lung cancer care annually.

'This represents a real step-change in care for eligible lung and breast cancer patients on the NHS,' said Professor Dame Sue Hill, the Chief Scientific Officer for England. 'This test is a great example of the NHS harnessing the power of genomic technological advances to enable the latest groundbreaking treatment to be delivered to patients.'

Genomic testing in tissues is standard procedure in cancer care, but with this new liquid biopsy approach, patient waiting time could be reduced by two weeks and patients could receive more targeted treatments, in turn improving survivability. An additional benefit is the possibility of avoiding further treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Professor Johnson added: 'Cutting-edge genomic testing is helping us deliver more targeted and kinder care for patients, enabling some to avoid more intensive treatments such as further chemotherapy, which can have a huge impact. We are already seeing the difference this test can make in lung and breast cancer – and we hope to roll it out for patients with other forms of cancer in the near future.'

The United Kingdom Lung Cancer Coalition welcomed the initiative, citing it as a 'significant step forward for many patients with lung cancer and will help some patients receive treatment best suited for them, more quickly.' The organisation also highlighted the importance of continuous sampling of tissues, for accurate decision making alongside the liquid biopsy.