Collaboration concludes initial liquid biopsy study

Inivata, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Genomics England have been working together on research analysing approximately 200 blood plasma samples donated by participants of the 100,000 Genomes Project, and assessing potential of liquid biopsy. The first phase of this study has now concluded and has demonstrated that the plasma samples collected were of a high quality and produced reliable results when analysed, which opens up a range of possibilities for the further analysis of banked samples using liquid biopsy technology, and demonstrates a strong potential for liquid biopsy to improve cancer management and outcomes for UK patients. The assessment of the suitability of the circulating tumour DNA samples will enable researchers to perform an objective technology evaluation of the various market offerings in liquid biopsy in the second stage. Results were consistent across all cancer types, and this process will help to develop less invasive sample collection techniques, more effective monitoring processes, and better cancer care.
Chief executive officer at Inivata, Clive Morris, said: “We are delighted to be working with Genomics England, and to see the progress being made with this collaborative study. The successful end of this initial phase demonstrates the quality of the sample collection from all sites and will enable the exploration of a number of ways of providing further insights to patients. Inivata and Genomics England share a commitment to delivering innovations to UK patients, unlocking exciting new treatment options and improving patient care.”