Human genetics in Graz

Will liquid biopsy revolutionize early cancer detection?

Ellen Heitzer is one of the leading scientists in Austria in the field of liquid biopsy.

(Bild: Med Uni Graz/ Bernhard Bergmann)

Scientists at the Institute of Human Genetics in Graz are playing a key role in research into liquid biopsy. In the future, a simple blood test should make it possible to detect cancer at an earlier stage in order to improve the chances of recovery. 

Ellen Heitzer heads a Christian Doppler laboratory at the Medical University of Graz on the subject of liquid biopsy and is one of the leading scientists in Austria working on this topic. At the beginning of March, internationally renowned experts in the field of liquid biopsy met in Graz to present the latest research findings. Heitzer was among them.

Early cancer detection through a blood test 
In order to diagnose cancer, a biopsy is usually carried out, i.e. a tissue sample is taken and histopathologically analyzed. In a liquid biopsy, however, no solid tissue sample is examined. The blood is examined for tumor cells or tumor DNA, as tumor cells also release genetic information into the blood. "A simple blood test is used to try and detect tumor-specific signals," says Heitzer, explaining the liquid biopsy process. 

Future potential
The hope is that liquid biopsy will also be used to detect one of the most insidious types of cancer, pancreatic cancer, at an early stage in the future. This is because in the vast majority of cases, this cancer is currently only detected in later, metastatic stages, as symptoms rarely occur at the beginning. 

"The aim of screening is to shift the time of diagnosis from stages three to four to stages one to two. This could improve the chances of treatment and recovery and allow tumors to be surgically removed at an early stage."

Ellen Heitzer Leiterin der Forschungseinheit Liquid Biopsy

"Colon cancer is screened using colonoscopy, breast cancer using mammography. For pancreatic cancer, however, there is nothing yet." However, the research findings in the field of liquid biopsy make the scientist optimistic about the future. "The technology already exists and works. There are already very large-scale tests in the USA. Many studies are underway and the plan is to be able to use this in the future as part of screening. However, it will be some time before that happens," the researcher told the Steirerkrone. 

Observation of cancer patients
Heitzer and her team are also working on monitoring cancer patients. The focus here is on patients who have had their tumor surgically removed at an early stage and are basically considered cured. "In around 20 percent of these patients, the cancer returns. Based on the circulating DNA, the liquid biopsy will be used to determine whether tumor cells are still present after the operation and whether additional chemotherapy is necessary." According to Heitzer, promising data on this was also published at the congress. "This procedure should be routine in three to five years." 

Pioneers from Graz
Research at the Institute of Human Genetics in Graz is leading the way in the field of liquid biopsy. Research in this field has been carried out in the Styrian capital for 20 years. The scientists were among the first to carry out genome-wide analyses. This means that the entire genetic material of the tumors is reconstructed from the blood. They also collaborate with industry and are involved in several large EU projects and try to get directly from research to patients and apply the knowledge gained.