Liquid Biopsy (Circulating Tumor DNA) Testing in Advanced Breast Cancer

Breast cancer therapy has been revolutionized by genetic sequencing of tumors to identify cancer-driving mutations and to identify targeted therapies individualized to the cancer-causing mutations. Tumor DNA can shed into blood circulation and since 2014 driving mutations can be discovered in blood samples — thus the term 'liquid biopsy'. In this lecture I will discuss how medical oncologists and naturopathic oncologists utilize circulating tumor DNA testing in blood to determine both standard of care and integrative therapeutic options. I will present several breast cancer cases to demonstrate how ctDNA testing is used to tailor treatments to each patient.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the difference between hereditary and somatic mutations in cancer
• Understand the role of ctDNA testing in breast cancer medical and naturopathic oncology
• Understand how FABNOs use ctDNA testing to evaluate the efficacy of natural therapies
• Be able to determine that your breast cancer patient is receiving state-of-the-science care