VHIO liquid biopsy research for cancer immunotherapy

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. A study published in Cancer Discovery showed that analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and immune cells from patients with various cancers—including metastatic melanoma, breast, head and neck, and colorectal cancers—could identify between 63.25% and 97.4% of neoantigens found through standard tissue biopsies.

Notably, the blood-based method identified several neoantigens missed by conventional tissue analysis, suggesting a more comprehensive view of tumor characteristics. The research further indicates that these liquid biopsies can identify specific immune T cells capable of attacking neoantigens, which are proteins produced by tumor cells that are absent in healthy cells. This process aims to help clinicians understand the success or failure of certain immunotherapies, potentially leading to safer and more effective customized treatments while reducing the need for invasive procedures.