Using Blood Tests Instead of Biopsies

DNA derived from tumor cells, also known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), may change the way we approach diagnosing, treating, and monitoring patients with cancer.

Before receiving a cancer diagnosis, a sample of tissue is removed from the patient with a scalpel. Being

scraped at by a sharp knife after being told you could potentially have a terminal illness isn't exactly the cherry on top you were looking for. However, these types of diagnostic procedures are incredibly important to healing the wound. So we tell our healthcare professionals to do everything they can to help, including scraping our organs for more information.

As tumors grow, ctDNA is deposited into the blood stream. Therefore, a simple routine-like blood draw can be used in order to further assess a patients specific cancer AND its genetic code.

The complete clinical report can be found here: