Bio-Rad Droplet Digital PCR: Ultrasensitive technique for low VAF detection in liquid biopsy

Ultrasensitive methods of detection for low frequency variants are necessary in fields like Oncology to improve patient diagnosis and treatment. Bio-Rad developed a highly sensitive technology, the Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), for plasma and tumour tissue biopsy. It identifies prevalent mutations in relevant genes like Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1), detected at variant allele frequency (VAF) below 1% in approximately 40% of breast cancer patients. Owing to its sensitivity and short around time, ddPCR emerged as an extremely valuable tool for disease monitoring that facilitates the access to personalized treatments such as Elacestrant or Camizestrant for metastatic breast cancer patients