Video: Highlighting the role of CGP in cancer treatment at ESMO 2024

At the annual European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) congress in Barcelona, Spain, Illumina brought together oncologists, patient advisory groups, clinicians, and researchers to discuss the growing evidence on the benefits of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) using liquid biopsy, and how it can help to inform therapy decisions and improve patient care.

This revolutionary technique uses a blood test to detect circulating tumor DNA, which is then sequenced to assess multiple biomarkers in numerous tumor types using a single next-generation sequencing assay. This process is less invasive for patients, requiring a one-time test rather than multiple biopsies, which can add to the patient’s discomfort and prolong the wait for a diagnosis.

Illumina hosted a symposium on liquid-biopsy-based biomarkers during the conference. Professor Umberto Malapelle from the University of Naples highlighted the value of liquid biopsy testing in oncology. Magda Meissner from the QuicDNA project in Wales offered a clear example of the value of government-funded testing in non-small-cell lung cancer using liquid biopsy CGP. Åslaug Helland from the IMPRESS Norway project spoke about the promise of CGP in the treatment of advanced cancer, and Stephen Rowley shared his experience living with colorectal cancer and why he continues to advocate for patients and their families after finishing treatment. ◆