Foundation Medicine's ctDNA assay was able to subclassify patients into higher and lower recurrence risk groups with CTCs providing an additional boost.
The researchers used the Guardant360 assay and droplet digital PCR to identify genetic mutations in circulating tumor DNA that had been shed into the patients' bloodstream.
In two trials in the neoadjuvant setting reported at SABCS, one showed improved rates of pathologic complete response with added immunotherapy, and the other showed no difference.
Absent sufficient evidence to support genetic testing for all patients, the group recommended following existing guidelines, which are based on clinical factors.
Researchers identified 10 protein-based tumor subtypes across five cancer types, including subtypes representing immune cell features in the tumor microenvironment.
In PNAS this week: analysis of FOXA1 upregulation in ER-positive breast cancer, gene editing to correct recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, and more.
The researchers profiled 44 cancer-related genes in 191 individuals with familial breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or other forms of early-onset cancer.
While NanoString will commercialize its nCounter for research use applications, Veracyte will move its current assays onto the platform to reach a global audience.
