Researchers at the University of Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich have developed a new method called liquid biopsy for early cancer detection and treatment monitoring.

This non-invasive method sequences DNA fragments in the blood to assess tumor activity and spread, incorporating epigenetics.

By analyzing DNA changes characteristic of specific cancers, oncologists can tailor treatments to individual patients, offering more personalized approaches.

The method was tested on patients undergoing radiotherapy, including those with HPV-positive head and neck cancer, showing promise for early detection of cancer recurrence.

Challenges in implementing epigenetics-based liquid biopsy include biomarker sensitivity, specificity, data processing, and accessibility.

Leveraging epigenetic biomarkers holds promise for advancing precision oncology and personalized medicine.

Lifestyle, environmental exposures, ethnicity, and aging significantly impact cancer development, with epigenetic changes playing a role.

Tumor heterogeneity, influenced by genetic mutations and epigenetic changes, underscores the importance of targeting epigenetic heterogeneity in cancer treatment for improved outcomes.

This comprehensive approach rooted in epigenetics offers valuable insights for precision medicine and disease prevention, driving advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.