The use of personalized medicine is growing across medical specialties, particularly in cancer care, where precision medicine is necessary for diagnosing and attuning treatment to a specific tumor. Our neuro-oncologists, including Rachna Malani, MD, are among those leading the charge to refine treatment options for patients with cancer.
Dr. Malani’s recent study reviewing the use of liquid biopsies is one such breakthrough in cancer care. Liquid biopsies are tests that can detect cancerous tumors and identify molecular targets. Their use
can facilitate the evaluation of tumor evolution/prognosis for the likelihood of recurrence or the continued need for targeted therapies throughout treatment—which may become more or less beneficial if the genetic profile of recurrent disease differs considerably from that of the initial tumor. Liquid biopsies are minimally invasive and can be performed using a variety of tissue types—although plasma is most common—to help providers and patients determine the best treatment course.
Although liquid biopsy techniques have revolutionized oncology generally, there has not been as much success in the development of techniques for central nervous system tumors, likely because the lower level of circulating tumor DNA in plasma does not currently allow researchers to get a full picture of the relevant pathogenesis. Dr. Malani has partnered with the laboratory of Dr. Hunter Underhill at Huntsman Cancer Institute, who is an expert in developing liquid biopsy techniques, to study and develop technologies specifically aimed to address gaps in personalized medicine for patients with brain tumors and metastatic disease to the nervous system. They have been studying both plasma and
cerebrospinal fluid to develop liquid biopsy tests that will facilitate the development of technologies that will improve diagnosis and better assess cancers of the nervous system.
Brain and central nervous system metastases are the most common intracranial malignancy, and liquid biopsy can address several of the common challenges providers encounter, including accessing tissue in these areas and determining whether there is a discrepancy between the primary tumor and metastases.
“Liquid biopsy has become a powerful way to improve diagnosis, monitor treatment response, and identify treatment targets,” Dr. Malani shared. “We’re excited to continue developing these tools and to make a greater difference in the lives of our patients with brain tumors and those with central nervous system metastases.”