Liquid Biopsy: A Revolution in Cancer Diagnostics

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. The earlier that aggressive tumors are detected, the more effectively cancer can be treated. This not only improves quality of life for cancer patients, but also increases their survival rates. With the latest methods, such as liquid biopsy, a few drops of blood are enough to detect tumor cells or their genetic information. In this interview, Dr. Berthold Streubel, an expert in medical genetics, reveals why this procedure takes diagnostics and therapy to a new level.

What is so Special about Liquid Biopsy?

Dr. Streubel: The special thing about liquid biopsy is that it allows the tumor to be examined without having to remove tissue. Instead, a simple blood sample is sufficient. In this sample, we can find the smallest traces of DNA that the tumor releases into the bloodstream. This is a great advantage because it allows us to track the dynamics of the disease without unnecessarily burdening patients.

When is Liquid Biopsy used?

Dr. Streubel: Liquid biopsy is used in various clinical situations in modern oncology – especially when tissue sampling is difficult or stressful or when additional molecular information is needed. But it is also used when you want to keep an eye on the tumor progression in order to react early to resistance to therapy.

Who do you Recommend Liquid Biopsy for?

Dr. Streubel: There are specific recommendations or guidelines for tumor entities, i.e., different tumor groups such as fibromas, myomas, or angiomas. I generally recommend liquid biopsy for patients with advanced tumor disease in order to identify genetic changes in the tumor that are crucial for targeted therapy. Because this important information is obtained with a simple blood draw, the procedure is much gentler than a tissue biopsy.

Can the Procedure be described as a Revolution in Cancer Diagnostics?

Dr. Streubel: Yes, many experts describe liquid biopsy as a revolution in cancer diagnostics. It enables us to dynamically observe the tumor, recognize resistance more quickly, and adapt the therapy more precisely and in a more patient-friendly manner. It is a big step toward personalized cancer therapy that focuses more on patients and their individual disease progression.

Advantages at a Glance

+ Gentle, because it is non-invasive

+ Optimal early detection of cancer

+ Comprehensive snapshots

+ Better therapy planning

+ Ongoing monitoring

+ Early detection of relapses

“At WPK, we are implementing medical innovations for our patients: Liquid biopsy – a cutting-edge, noninvasive option for precise treatment of cancer – predicts molecular tumor characteristics in the blood.” Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Christoph Zielinski, Medical Director at WPK

How Liquid Biopsy Works

Cancer cells release DNA and other biomolecules into the bloodstream. These genetic traces can be detected in a blood sample and analyzed. Methods such as digital PCR (ddPCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS) enable highly sensitive detection of this circulating tumor DNA.