Advances in blood tests Recent advances have allowed mutations in cell genetic material (DNA, RNA) to be used as tumour markers to help diagnosis, determine the prognosis and guide targeted treatment of a few cancers. “Liquid Biopsies” are blood tests that allow for the identification of tumour-derived entities like circulating tumour cells, circulating tumour DNA, etc., present in the body fluids of patients with cancer, followed by an analysis of information (eg genes / proteins) that may be contained within them. NETest - a ‘liquid biopsy’ that may be used in neuroendocrine cancers. It is not widely used but has been reported as being a promising tool for clinical practice, for diagnosing, monitoring and possibly predicting outcomes for those with neuroendocrine cancer. Galleri Test - This ‘liquid biopsy’ looks for abnormal DNA in the blood. The cells in our body release DNA that circulates in the blood. There are differences in the DNA of healthy cells and cancerous cells. The Galleri test aims to pick up these differences. Early trial results are reported to show that the test was able to pick up over 50 types of cancer, including certain types of neuroendocrine cancer. There are 2 NHS trials currently taking place to assess how well this test works (N.B. registration is now closed): • The NHS Galleri screening trial is looking at the test in people who do not have cancer. • The SYMPLIFY study is looking at the Galleri test in people with possible cancer symptoms. Puliani et al (2022) NETest: A Systematic Review Focusing on the Prognostic and Predictive Role. Neuroendocrinology: 112: 6. Free Access to this publication here: https://www.karger.com/Article/Pdf/518873 van Treijen et al (2022). NETest: serial liquid biopsies in gastroenteropancreatic NET surveillance. Endocrine Connections, 11(10), e220146. Open access publication available here: https://ec.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/ ec/11/10/EC-22-0146.xml
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