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last mo.

NHS England rolls out world-first liquid biopsy to fast-track cancer treatment

Analysis of tumour DNA fragments in blood samples lets doctors identify targeted therapies within days, cutting treatment wait times by more than two weeks.

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Rebeca Proctor, 41, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, had a liquid biopsy test
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Overview

  • Liquid biopsies have become the default diagnostic approach for suspected lung cancer and advanced breast cancer patients across England, making the NHS the first health service globally to adopt a blood-test first strategy.
  • Pilot data showed ctDNA testing delivered treatment decisions an average of 16 days earlier than standard tissue biopsies, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
  • An estimated 15,000 lung cancer patients and 5,000 breast cancer patients will benefit each year from faster access to personalized therapies.
  • Independent analysis indicates the new testing could save the NHS up to £11 million annually through fewer biopsies and earlier intervention.
  • NHS leaders are exploring extending the liquid biopsy approach to other cancers, including pancreatic and gallbladder, following the successful lung and breast programmes.