Simple Blood Sample Biopsy for Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Highlights:

Liquid biopsy testing was invented by Datar Cancer Genetics to diagnose brain tumors that go undetected with traditional biopsy
To test the validity of the device developed by Datar, a prospective blinded trial was conducted by Imperial College of London. The result has shown high accuracy in detecting the tumor cells from brain cancer
This may increase the early-stage detections of brain cancer through less invasive methods and increased accuracy, which may lead to prolonged life span in cancer patients

A new diagnostic investigation was developed by Datar Genetics. It is named Trinetra Glio. It is a liquid biopsy which is designed to detect tumor cells instead of tumor molecular markers. The research team at the Imperial College, London has investigated the use and accuracy of this liquid biopsy to detect brain tumors in patients by extracting the tumor cells from blood of the patient. The study has found this procedure to be highly accurate. It is given Breakthrough Device Designation by USFDA.

Brain tumors are the 10th deadliest cancer in India, and 12th most common in the world, with more than 26,000 adults dying from the disease each year ().

‘Liquid Biopsy named Trinetra Glio has proven to be highly accurate in detecting cancer cells instead of molecular markers, aiding in early diagnosis and may improve quality of life for cancer patients’
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Diagnosis of brain tumors require extensive resources and skilled personnel and there are huge operative risks to the patients().

Brain biopsy cannot be performed in nearly 40% of advanced cases owing to life threatening surgical complications that arise during the procedures like increased blood losses ().

Brain tumors are a devastating diagnosis for patients and their families, and currently there is no reliable way to detect them early and in an easy manner without involving major surgical procedures. With the help of new technology, such as liquid biopsy, it may soon become much easier. A diagnosis is the first step in the right direction for a patient, and can save their life and improve the quality of life of the patient.

Currently, there are no blood tests to diagnose brain tumors or any tumors for that matter, worldwide. Biopsy followed by a histopathological examination is the only existing confirmatory diagnostic procedure.

But this procedure requires complicated surgical procedures and involves huge risks especially if the tumor is advanced.

Quiz on Brain Tumor
Brain tumor is a group of cells with abnormal growth in the brain. A primary brain tumor indicates the tumor that starts in the brain. A secondary tumor originates elsewhere in the body and then spreads to the brain.

Liquid biopsy is intended to detect cells released into the blood by brain tumors. These cells are rare to find but are detected accurately by this test design.

How is Liquid Biopsy for Brain Tumor Done?

The liquid biopsy is a simple procedure in which a small amount of blood is taken from the patient and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

About 15 ml of the sample is used for analysis and identification of the brain tumor cells released in the blood. In this test, tumor cells are detected instead of molecular markers that make this test easily accessible and less cumbersome.

Aggressive Brain Tumor Could be Diagnosed Using Simple Blood Test in Future
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This analysis can then be used to determine the presence or absence of a brain tumor. This test is a better way to detect brain tumors with less procedures and associated risk to the patient. Previous liquid biopsies used molecular genetic analysis instead of detecting actual cells. The detection of tumor cells by this device makes the process easier and increases overall precision rate ().

What are the Benefits of the Liquid Biopsy for Brain Tumors?

The benefits of the study are numerous. Firstly, it will enable doctors to detect brain tumors quicker and more accurately. It will also help doctors go through treatments options at a faster rate consequently, it will save patients from having to go through surgery, which can be dangerous, unpleasant and in some cases life threatening.

Datar Cancer Genetics now has three breakthrough designations from the US FDA, including liquid biopsies for early identification of breast and prostate cancer. This test already is recognized by CE certification and is already available to patients as 'True Blood™-CNS'.

Breakthrough designation is granted by the FDA only after thorough evaluation of clinical and diagnostic success of the procedure or devices for life threatening conditions. The device/procedure should have capacity to effectively diagnose life threatening conditions like cancer.

The Breakthrough Designation Program is designed to give timely access to patients and providers for medical tests and devices that were selected as breakthrough devices. This is to increase the accuracy and validity of the tests and help patients and providers access these rare diagnostic interventions.

In context of liquid biopsy, Dr. Kevin O Neil, Principal Investigator and Consultant Neurosurgeon at Imperial College of London, has quoted, "This breakthrough technology has true diagnostic utility by detecting cells rather than picking up molecular indicators of disease, which until now liquid biopsies have been based upon. In particular, the intended indication to provide a liquid biopsy diagnosis from a simple blood test where tumors are deemed inoperable or inaccessible will truly address an unmet clinical need. I have found this test to be highly sensitive and specific."

"This has the capacity to change clinical practice and help patients with difficult-to-access brain tumors immensely. It is a very proud moment for Indian science and a landmark achievement for cancer research globally," said Dr. Sewanti Limaye, Director Medical & Precision Oncology and Director Oncology Research, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai.

References:

Liquid Biopsy and Primary Brain Tumors - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8582521/)
The Role of Liquid Biopsies in Detecting Molecular Tumor Biomarkers in Brain Cancer Patients - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7408771/)
Liquid Biopsy in Primary Brain Tumors: Looking for Stardust! - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29520561/)

Source-Medindia