NHS Expands Liquid Biopsy Test for Cancer

The NHS in England is launching a world-first rollout of a liquid biopsy blood test to accelerate personalised treatment for lung and breast cancer patients. This innovative test detects circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), allowing doctors to tailor therapies and initiate treatment up to two weeks earlier than with traditional tissue biopsies. This year, 20,000 patients will be offered the minimally invasive test, which can fast-track access to targeted therapies and reduce unnecessary chemotherapy or diagnostic procedures. The rollout, announced alongside the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, follows successful pilot studies and could save the NHS millions annually. Experts and government officials have praised the test as a transformative advance in precision cancer medicine, with the potential to expand to other cancer types and enable routine screening. The approach promises improved survival rates and reduced physical and emotional burdens for patients.