Imagine a future where a simple blood test could detect ovarian cancer before symptoms even begin. That’s the promise of liquid biopsy—a rapidly emerging area of research offering new hope for earlier detection and more individualized treatment.
In this Teal Talk episode, we sit down with Dr. Hardesty of Alaska Women’s Cancer Care and member of NOCC’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. Together, we unpack what liquid biopsy means, how it differs from traditional blood markers, and how it may reshape the way ovarian cancer is found and monitored.
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What is a liquid biopsy?
At its core, a liquid biopsy is a blood test that looks for small fragments of tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream. When cells die, they release DNA into the blood. For people with cancer, some of those fragments come from tumor cells—offering doctors a view inside the body without the need for surgery.
“Scientists are able to do analysis and actually find little fragments of DNA floating around in your circulation that come from the cells in your body that are not alive anymore,” explained Dr. Hardesty.
This same approach is already used in prenatal care, where a mother’s blood can show fragments of her baby’s DNA. Applying that concept to ovarian cancer means the potential for detecting cancer-related DNA long before imaging scans reveal it.
Quick fact: How do liquid biopsies work?
Liquid biopsies detect tumor DNA or circulating tumor cells in blood to monitor or help detect cancer.
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How liquid biopsy differs from CA-125 and genetic testing
Most people living with ovarian cancer are familiar with CA-125, a protein in the blood used to monitor disease. However, CA-125 levels can rise for many non-cancer reasons, such as inflammation or endometriosis. Not all ovarian cancers produce it either, which makes it an unreliable universal marker.
Liquid biopsy looks at DNA, not proteins. It identifies the genetic changes unique to cancer cells rather than signs of inflammation.
“The DNA of your hereditary DNA is different than the DNA of your actual tumor,” Dr. Hardesty explained. “That’s sometimes a hard concept to understand, even for scientists.”
What to know: Hereditary vs. tumor DNA
Hereditary mutations increase a person’s cancer risk. Tumor mutations develop within cancer cells and can guide treatment.
Want to learn more about genetic testing and ovarian cancer?
Check out our article on the role of genetic and biomarker testing in ovarian cancer treatment.
Why liquid biopsy matters
Early detection is one of the greatest challenges in ovarian cancer. Because the disease often grows quietly inside the abdomen, it is rarely caught in its earliest stages. Liquid biopsy could change that by revealing signs of cancer through blood before symptoms arise.
“What we really need in ovarian cancer is to be able to find it before it’s stage three or four so we can have better outcomes for people,” said Dr. Hardesty.
In addition to early detection, liquid biopsy may help doctors decide when treatment is working or needs to be adjusted. Tracking tumor DNA over time could reduce unnecessary side effects and lead to more individualized care.
“Having better tools to be able to tell what’s going on with somebody’s cancer can really guide us,” she added.
What to know: Changing cancer DNA
Cancer DNA can mutate as treatment continues. Monitoring those changes may help guide therapy decisions.
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Conclusion: Hope through research
Liquid biopsy represents more than just scientific progress—it represents hope. Though still being studied, this innovation holds the potential to find ovarian cancer earlier, monitor it more accurately, and guide treatment with greater precision.
“The promise of this for hard-to-detect cancers… that’s very exciting,” said Dr. Hardesty.
Each discovery brings us closer to ensuring that no one faces ovarian cancer alone. At NOCC, we believe that awareness, education, and research work hand in hand to create brighter tomorrows.
What you can do right now
- Looking for ovarian cancer education? Visit our Resource Library.
- Need emotional or peer support? Connect through NOCC’s Support Services.
- Ready to make an impact? Explore ways that you can support NOCC’s mission.
Frequently asked questions about liquid biopsies
What is a liquid biopsy?
A blood test that identifies fragments of tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream.
Can liquid biopsy detect ovarian cancer early?
Research is ongoing. It is not yet approved for screening but shows promise for earlier detection.
Is liquid biopsy the same as genetic testing?
No. Genetic testing identifies inherited mutations. Liquid biopsy looks for DNA changes in tumor cells.
Can liquid biopsy replace a tissue biopsy?
Not yet. It can provide additional information between procedures or during treatment.
Who might benefit most?
Patients whose CA-125 levels are not reliable or those undergoing targeted therapy may find it useful.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Some labs offer patient assistance programs if the test is not reimbursed.
