Breakthrough reported in blood-based detection of gliomas

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH; MA, USA) have reported that genetic mutations that promote the growth of gliomas can be accurately detected and monitored in blood samples using an enhanced form of liquid biopsy. Within their study, which has been published in Clinical Cancer Research, the team compared blood samples from individuals with gliomas who also had tumor biopsy tissues taken. Using a novel digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) blood test that they pioneered, the researchers demonstrated that they could accurately detect two mutations of the TERT gene and monitor them over time. The mutations (C228T and C250T)...