Blood cell mutations confound prostate cancer liquid biopsy results

(University of Washington Health Sciences/UW Medicine) Unrelated mutations, when present in the blood, can give false positive results in men with advanced prostate cancer undergoing liquid biopsies. Such tests, which look for variants in cell-free DNA that tumors shed into the blood plasma, help determine suitable treatment options. Incorrect test results might mean the patient gets therapies unsuited for his cancer. A simple solution overcomes this problem.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news