Liquid Biopsies: Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Treatment in the UK
In a groundbreaking development for breast cancer treatment, the NHS in England has begun offering liquid biopsies to women with specific genetic mutations. This innovative technology allows for precise detection of tiny fragments of tumor DNA in the blood, enabling the use of a new drug that can extend lives.
The Arrival of Liquid Biopsies
After years of development, the HMS has launched a new service for breast cancer patients in England, marking the first routine use of liquid biopsies on the national health service. This advancement is expected to benefit approximately 1,100 women annually.
“Liquid biopsies are finally here, and they represent hope,” comments Kirstin Spencer, 52, a breast cancer patient. “Hope for better treatments, better outcomes, and better lives for patients like me.”
How Liquid Biopsies Work
Oncologists have been exploring the potential of liquid biopsies for diagnosis and treatment for years. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood tests can identify specific genetic mutations, such as ESR1, a mutation that occurs in some breast cancers following hormone treatment, causing the tumor to grow again.
For patients whose cancer becomes resistant to hormone treatments, a positive ESR1 mutation test would make them eligible for a new medication called elacestrant. This daily pill is specifically designed to target and combat the ESR1 mutation.
The Benefits of Liquid Biopsies
This new technology provides a less invasive and more efficient alternative to traditional tissue biopsies. Previously, when breast cancer treatments stopped working, patients would often cycle through different chemotherapy and hormone treatments, a process with limited success.
According to George Burghel, a consultant clinical scientist at the Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, “This is a great milestone. These patients would not have had the option to receive the correct treatment without the ability to test circulating tumour DNA efficiently.”
Cost Considerations
Liquid biopsies currently cost the NHS around £750, though this expense is projected to decrease as the method becomes more common. While genetic testing remains costly, it also avoids the financial and health implications of providing unnecessary treatments.
Elacestrant, developed by Menarini Stemline, typically costs £7,340 per month. However, the actual price the NHS pays is confidential. Clinical trials have shown that elacestrant can halt cancer progression for an average of 8.6 months, compared to 1.9 months with other treatments.
Future Applications
Burghel envisions a future where liquid biopsies can monitor cancer progression during treatment, allowing doctors to switch medications immediately upon detecting mutations, rather than waiting for the cancer to become resistant.
Kirstin Spencer advocates for the Met Up UK metastatic breast cancer campaign group, emphasizing the importance of this development. “It’s a superb development, an exciting step forward because it means we can identify genomic mutations without invasive procedures.”
The NHS National Cancer Director’s Statement
Professor Peter Johnson, the NHS national cancer director, applauds the implementation of liquid biopsy testing. “It’s fantastic news for patients that liquid biopsy testing is now being used to guide targeted treatment for women with secondary breast cancer. Providing access to cutting-edge genomic testing will mean hundreds of women can benefit from the newly approved once-a-day tablet, elacestrant, which could offer them precious additional time with their families and loved ones.”
Kirstin Spencer’s Story
Spencer was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, following initial surgery. The cancer later returned. In 2023, she paid privately for a tissue biopsy that diagnosed the ESR1 mutation. For now, chemotherapy is controlling her cancer, but Spencer remains hopeful for elacestrant as a future option.
The Future of Precision Medicine
The introduction of liquid biopsies in breast cancer treatment sets a precedent for precision medicine, offering hope and potentially transforming patient outcomes across various cancers. By targeting specific genetic mutations, doctors can provide more effective and personalized treatments.
As we move forward, the continued advancement of this technology holds immense promise for improving the lives of those affected by breast cancer. The NHS’s commitment to incorporating liquid biopsies into routine care is a testament to the ongoing progress in cancer research and treatment.
Will this new treatment be a game-changer for breast cancer patients? Share your thoughts in the comments below.