Programmatic Upstream Liquid Biopsy Molecular Testing in GI Cancers
Molecular testing is transforming the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, enabling precision medicine through liquid biopsy with plasma NGS. By detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and RNA (ctRNA), this approach identifies key mutations, fusions, and microsatellite instability (MSI) status, guiding targeted and immune therapies that significantly improve survival outcomes. Unlike traditional tissue testing, liquid biopsy offers faster results and a more comprehensive molecular profile, overcoming barriers like tissue heterogeneity and delays in diagnosis-to-treatment time. As research continues to highlight the critical role of tumor biology in GI cancer care, widespread adoption of plasma-based NGS testing is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.