New Blood Test Enhances Cancer Treatment: A Study Overview

Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful cancer treatment. This principle applies to nearly all types of cancer. Effective patient care also involves evaluating the pros and cons of each therapy on an individual basis and continuously monitoring treatment outcomes.

Traditionally, oncologists have relied on various techniques such as imaging equipment and invasive procedures like punctures, tissue samples, and endoscopic methods to achieve these goals. However, a groundbreaking technique known as a liquid biopsy has been further developed by researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) and the University Hospital Zurich (USZ).

Historical Context

The concept of liquid biopsy is relatively new in the medical field. Historically, cancer diagnosis and monitoring have relied heavily on tissue biopsies, which are invasive and often painful. The development of liquid biopsy marks a significant advancement in oncology, offering a less invasive and more efficient alternative.

The New Technique

The new method involves sequencing and analyzing DNA fragments circulating in the blood of cancer patients. According to Zsolt Balazs, co-first author of the study at the UZH Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, this technique can be used for risk assessments, treatment monitoring during follow-up care, and early detection of cancer recurrence for all types of tumors.

Since the method is based on blood samples, it is less invasive than traditional tissue biopsies. Blood samples are quicker to obtain and more practical in daily hospital operations, reducing the need for multiple diagnostic appointments and lengthy waits.

Benefits and Applications

The liquid biopsy technique allows oncologists to more accurately determine tumor activity and spread. This enables the development of personalized therapies tailored to individual patients. “We can see earlier and more quickly how much the cancer has spread in the body and how well a patient is responding to a specific treatment, or whether there will be a relapse,” said Zsolt Balazs.

In the laboratory, researchers analyzed gene fragments in the blood for DNA changes characteristic of specific cancer types. The method examined alterations in the number and length distribution of these fragments. According to Panagiotis Balermpas, a professor at the Department of Radiation Oncology at USZ, this technique can distinguish between less and more aggressive metastatic cancer, potentially earlier than imaging technology.

Case Study: HPV-Positive Patients

The researchers tested their method on patients undergoing radiotherapy, including several HPV-positive patients. HPV, or human papillomavirus, can also cause cancer. The number of HPV DNA fragments in the blood allowed researchers to monitor tumor development. For head and neck cancer, a higher concentration of HPV DNA might indicate early cancer recurrence, which could be treated with immunotherapy.

“The more a tumor metastasizes, the poorer the patient’s quality of life. This also applies to local recurrences that aren’t detected early. It is key that we individualize treatment as far as possible, considering the potential benefits of all therapies and their influence on the patient’s quality of life,” concluded Balermpas, who oversaw the treatment of patients with head and neck tumors in the study.

Summary

• Early Detection: Increases the likelihood of successful cancer treatment.
• Traditional Methods: Include imaging equipment and invasive procedures.
• New Technique: Liquid biopsy developed by UZH and USZ.
• Method: Analyzes DNA fragments in blood samples.
• Advantages: Less invasive, quicker, and more practical.
• Applications: Risk assessments, treatment monitoring, early detection of recurrence.
• Case Study: Effective in monitoring HPV-positive patients.
• Personalized Treatment: Enables tailored therapies and improves patient quality of life.

This new blood test technique represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering a less invasive and more efficient method for early detection and personalized care.