New research shows that combining comprehensive tumor profiling with blood-based DNA monitoring can guide treatment for most patients with breast and colorectal cancer.
Using advanced genomic testing alongside circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis, researchers found that 98% of patients had at least one actionable genetic alteration, and over half had markers linked to approved targeted therapies. ctDNA was detected in about 62% of patients, with especially high rates in aggressive cancers like triple-negative breast cancer and rectal cancer.
Key mutations such as PIK3CA, ESR1, KRAS, and BRAF were identified across different cancer stages, even in patients without detectable ctDNA in blood tests. This shows that tissue-based testing remains important.
Overall, the study highlights that combining genomic profiling with ctDNA monitoring can help doctors personalize treatment and identify targeted therapies earlier in the disease.