Liquid Biopsy Clinical Research – Tracking Mutations in cfDNA and CTCs

Advances in technology such as automated end-to-end solutions are allowing clinical researchers to study tough liquid biopsy samples. Leaders in the field have designed next- generation sequencing (NGS) assays that target critical questions in cancer research and tumor biology.

We recently caught up with Dr. Luca Quagliata, MD, of University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland. We discussed tracking mutations in metastatic prostate cancer using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Part of our conversation included details of the protocol he’s using to conduct NGS analysis on 20–30 ng of DNA he obtains from 10 mL starting blood sample using the LiquidBiopsy™ Platform.

Dr. Quagliata shared that many of his European colleagues are moving to targeted sequencing using multi-target assays because together, targeted NGS and assays provide all the detail needed. “We can look at the mutation landscape of a primary tumor to understand complexity,” he said. “Looking at successive blood samples from the same source, we see the BRCA mutation decrease over time, and the rise of mutations in the tumor—PIK3CA and later, MET. These changes in the mutational profile suggest that this type of sample may inform future therapy selection.”

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For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.