One of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment is how cancer evolves over time. Even when treatment kills most cancer cells, some resistant cells survive and continue to grow. This process, called clonal evolution, means that what’s driving the cancer can change during treatment.
Liquid biopsy is an exciting new technology that helps doctors monitor cancer in real time. Unlike traditional biopsies, liquid biopsies use a simple blood test to detect the genetic changes driving your cancer at any given moment. This helps doctors understand whether your treatment is working and if new therapies or clinical trials might be better options.
While liquid biopsy is still developing, it is widely used in leading cancer centers overseas and is becoming more available here in Australia. Accessing this technology often requires specialist input.
They can guide you on how to access these advanced tools and tailor your treatment based on the latest information about your cancer.
Reference: De Silva DL, Luo J. Clinical approach and utilizing liquid biopsies to interrogate suspected acquired resistance to PD-1 blockade. Future Sci OA. 2024;10(1):FSO937. Published 2024 May 15. doi:10.2144/fsoa-2023-0010