VHIO researchers use liquid biopsies to identify tumor neoantigens

Researchers at the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) have demonstrated that liquid biopsies using blood samples can identify tumor neoantigens to guide personalized immunotherapies. The study, published in Cancer Discovery, involved analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and immune cells from patients with metastatic melanoma, breast, head and neck, and colorectal cancers.

In testing, the analysis of ctDNA identified between 63.25% and 97.4% of the neoantigens found through standard tissue biopsies. Notably, the blood-based method also identified several neoantigens that were missed by conventional tissue analysis, suggesting it may provide a more comprehensive view of a tumor’s characteristics.

This advancement offers a promising alternative for patients with tumors that are difficult to biopsy or have metastasized, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures and improving patient quality of life.