Liquid biopsy, a blood test that swiftly detects signs of cancerous tumors and cells traveling in the bloodstream, is now available at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC (FCS), offering significant benefits in the diagnosis and treatment of many of the most common cancers, particularly those in advanced stages. Liquid biopsy is used increasingly to assess lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancer as well as cancers of the blood.
Biopsies are the definitive method for confirming the presence of cancer. Traditionally, samples of tissue, cells or fluid are taken from the body during a surgical procedure and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Liquid biopsy utilizes a simple blood draw to draw samples of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for testing.
This latest advancement reflects the continued expansion of the statewide practice’s comprehensive genomic testing capabilities, which are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, guiding treatment decisions for physicians and improving clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
