Expanding Access and Improving Outcomes in Oncology Trials: The Paired Tissue-Plasma Approach

In a significant development for precision oncology, pharmaceutical companies and researchers are increasingly adopting a dual-modality approach that combines tissue-based and liquid biopsy comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP). This strategy is poised to revolutionize clinical trial design, patient enrollment, and companion diagnostic development in the oncology field.

The Power of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling

Tissue-based CGP has long been a cornerstone of precision oncology, enabling the identification of genomic alterations that guide personalized treatment. However, its application can be limited by sample availability and procedural constraints. To address these challenges, liquid biopsy has emerged as a complementary, non-invasive alternative that expands access to testing and supports monitoring applications.

Advantages of the Paired Approach

The integration of tissue and plasma-based CGP offers several strategic advantages:

1. Enhanced Patient Enrollment: By providing more flexible testing options, pharmaceutical companies can accelerate clinical trials and expand the eligible patient population.

2. Improved Trial Design: The dual-modality approach allows for more adaptable trial designs that are not limited to tissue-only strategies, potentially leading to faster and more efficient drug development.

3. Comprehensive Patient Insights: Combining tissue and liquid biopsies enables deeper insights into trial participants through diagnostic subtyping, longitudinal monitoring, and detection of tumor resistance and disease recurrence.

4. Robust Companion Diagnostic Strategy: A paired tissue-plasma approach supports the development of differentiated companion diagnostics that better reflect real-world patient diversity and may facilitate faster regulatory approvals.

Technological Advancements Supporting the Shift

Leading diagnostic companies are developing validated, high-sensitivity platforms to support this dual-modality strategy. For instance, Labcorp has introduced the Tissue Complete and Plasma Focus platforms, which offer broad genomic coverage and robust, regulatory-grade performance. These solutions are available in multiple global locations, enabling integrated biomarker testing for international clinical trials.

As the oncology landscape continues to evolve, the paired tissue-plasma strategy is expected to play a crucial role in driving innovation, expanding access to precision medicine, and ultimately improving outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.