Patients that progress on EGFR-TKI require a new biopsy to determine what are the underlying molecular resistance mechanisms. Discover three educational videos explaining advantages and points of attention of different biopsy approaches.

Conventional biopsy techniques will be more challenging to perform at progression due to the altered characteristics of the tumour lesions.

Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testing is a relatively recent advance in diagnostic technology based on the natural tumour lifecycle. As tumour cells grow and spread, dying tumour cells may release small pieces of their DNA into the bloodstream. This DNA circulates throughout the body, carrying the tumour’s genetic markers. Tests can now identify and analyse this DNA for genetic mutations just by obtaining a blood sample. This exciting new technology offers an important alternative to biopsies, which are the traditional method of mutation testing and require the invasive removal of tissues or cells from the part of the body with the tumour.

Suzanne Jenkins, Diagnostic Expert in Personalised Healthcare and Biomarkers at AstraZeneca talks about her experiences with ctDNA testing.

Rudy Hovelinck
Diagnostics Manager AstraZeneca

NS ID 1014231 Approval Date 10/2016

Rudy Hovelinck obtained a scientific degree first in biochemistry at Ghent University and later in Molecular Biology at the ULB. Initially exploring the academic world in diverse fields as genetics, protein chemistry and virology, he soon realised that bridging scientific knowledge to the medical world was a more meaningful way of spending his professional life. This journey started in the field of pathology biomarker testing, introducing HER2 IHC and ISH testing for patient therapy selection and continued in the field of molecular oncology. Today at AstraZeneca he works as a diagnostics manager. In this role he is passionately contributing to the successful introduction of novel biomarkers and support current testing strategies for patient selection. In his own time he enjoys travelling with his family exploring the world and spending time close to nature. Specialties: Oncology, Anatomic Pathology, Biomarker Development, Medical Devices.