Clinical use of liquid-based comprehensive genomic profiling in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Researchers investigated the practical application of liquid biopsies for profiling the genetic makeup of advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). By analyzing circulating tumor DNA in blood samples, the study aimed to determine if liquid biopsies could accurately identify driver mutations and resistance mechanisms relevant to targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The findings indicated a high level of agreement between liquid and tissue biopsies for detecting these key genetic alterations, particularly when a significant amount of tumor DNA was present in the blood. Ultimately, the study suggests that liquid biopsy holds promise as a tool for molecular classification and guiding treatment decisions in GIST patients.