45 - The evolving role of comprehensive genomic profiling and liquid biopsy in oncology care (22 min)

As the number of clinically relevant cancer biomarkers and targeted therapies continues to grow, comprehensive genomic profiling and liquid biopsy are playing an increasingly important role in precision oncology. In this episode, Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC, and Dr Harmeet Dhani explore how biomarker testing has evolved, the complementary roles of tissue and liquid biopsy, and how advances in testing are helping to identify the right care for the right patient across the cancer care continuum. This episode will - Describe the pros and cons of tissue and blood-based comprehensive genomic profiling technologies and how they complement each other (6:35) - Discuss the relevant guidelines for precision oncology and how providers and laboratories integrate them into practice (8:58) - Explore balancing comprehensive molecular information and clinical actionability and opportunities to reduce delays (12:36) - Review a patient case where comprehensive genomic profiling influenced care (17:27) Date: September 2026 Speaker(s): Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC; Harmeet Dhani, MD, MBA Contributor(s): Rebecca Johnson Wheeler, MS, CGC; Harmeet Dhani, MD, MBA; Anjana Bhattacharya, PhD; Maeson Latsko, PhD; Lawrence Bai, PhD; Mark Reed, PhD; Marjan Champine, MS, MBA, CGC   Additional resources: Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center Quest Diagnostics Solid Tumor Quest Diagnostics Oncology Solid Tumor Identifying Genetic Drivers White Paper   Ordering information: Quest Diagnostics Precision Oncology Menu Oncology Test Requisition Oncology portal   References: Sheikholeslami S, Loo EY. AMP case report: Ultra-hypermutated colorectal adenocarcinoma identified at relapse. *CAP TODAY*. June 2026 Aghamir SMK, Heshmat R, Ebrahimi M, et al. Liquid Biopsy: The Unique Test for Chasing the Genetics of Solid Tumors. *Epigenet Insights*. 2020;13:2516865720904052. Published 2020 Feb 28. doi:10.1177/2516865720904052 National Comprehensive Cancer Network. *Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer* (Version 7.2026). Published June 2026. Accessed August 2, 2026. https://www.nccn.org National Comprehensive Cancer Network. *Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma* (Version 3.2026). Published June 2026. Accessed August 2, 2026. https://www.nccn.org Wallenta Law J, Bapat B, Sweetnam C, et al. Real-World Impact of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling on Biomarker Detection, Receipt of Therapy, and Clinical Outcomes in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. *JCO Precis Oncol*. 2024;8:e2400075. doi:10.1200/PO.24.00075 Lockwood CM, Messersmith HJ, Kim AS, et al. Circulating Tumor DNA Testing in Solid Tumors and Lymphoma: ASCO Guideline. *JCO Oncol Pract*.; June 18, 2026. Accessed August 2, 2026. https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP-26-00311 Pankiw M, Brezden-Masley C, Charames GS. Comprehensive genomic profiling for oncological advancements by precision medicine. *Med Oncol*. 2023;41(1):1. Published 2023 Nov 22. doi:10.1007/s12032-023-02228-x