Dr. Crompton on Challenges With Liquid Biopsies in Pediatric Sarcoma

Brian D. Crompton, MD, physician, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, assistant professor of pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, discusses the challenges associated with implementing liquid biopsies in pediatric sarcoma.

One of the hurdles in trying to implement any new treatment or testing strategy into clinical practice is ensuring its clinical utility, explains Crompton. Crompton notes that liquid biopsies are not dangerous—a simple blood draw is all that is needed and is minimally invasive. However, a liquid biopsy requires a little extra work and time on the part of the physician. There needs to be some incentive to get them on board with this emerging strategy, Crompton says.

Liquid biopsies will help researchers understand the disease better, particularly with regard to detecting circulating tumor DNA. As this practice becomes more widespread, guidelines for sample collection will be put in place. Crompton adds that Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is involved with about 12 clinical trials modifying liquid biopsies.