A liquid biopsy is a non-invasive test that detects cancer-related biomarkers in bodily fluids, primarily blood. Unlike traditional biopsies that require tissue samples from a tumor, liquid biopsies analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and other cancer-related molecules in the bloodstream.

Liquid biopsies have become a game-changer in cancer care, particularly in situations where:

Tissue samples are insufficient or inaccessible – Some tumors are located deep in the body, making traditional biopsies challenging. Liquid biopsies offer an alternative when obtaining tissue is not feasible.
A rapid diagnosis or treatment decision is needed – Traditional biopsies can take days or weeks for results. Liquid biopsies provide faster insights, allowing doctors to adjust treatments quickly.
Monitoring cancer progression and treatment response – By regularly analyzing blood samples, doctors can track changes in the tumor’s genetic makeup and detect resistance to treatments early.

Lung, breast, colorectal, prostate and ovarian, pancreatic and melanoma cancers are thus far the most widely adopted for liquid biopsies as they track certain key driver mutations.

While liquid biopsies are promising, they are still evolving. The sensitivity of detecting early-stage cancer remains a challenge, and further research is needed to improve accuracy. However, as technology advances, liquid biopsies are expected to become a standard tool in precision oncology, improving outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.

Unfortunately, public funding and widespread implementation across Canada remains limited. William Osler’s Brampton site is the first to provide this groundbreaking test, delivering results in as little as three days for eligible cancer types.