New collaboration to introduce liquid biopsy testing for lung cancer

MONCTON (GNB) – Liquid biopsy, a less-invasive approach to lung cancer testing when a tissue biopsy is not possible, will soon be introduced in New Brunswick.

It will be available to patients who may not be able to undergo a biopsy, such as those who are frail or may have tumours in difficult locations.

“This is an excellent example of collaboration across the public and private sector to bring innovative solutions that can enhance the quality of care for New Brunswick patients with lung cancer,” said Health Minister Bruce Fitch.

Liquid biopsy involves collecting a blood sample, which can be drawn quickly and easily near patients’ homes anywhere in the province, meaning no travel or recovery time is required. While samples will be analyzed at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton, the testing will be available to patients in both regional health authorities.

“Very few clinical labs in Canada, and none in the Atlantic provinces, have yet implemented this type of actionable liquid biopsy testing of patients,” said Dr. Rodney Ouellette, who is medical director of the centre’s molecular genetics laboratory and a founder and senior scientist at the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute. “Vitalité Health Network and the institute have been global pioneers in liquid biopsy research and the translation of these technologies to patient care for over 15 years. This leading-edge approach to lung cancer testing will make it easier for patients who have health issues or hard-to-reach tumors to get access to diagnosis and treatment they need when biopsy or surgery are not feasible.”

New Brunswick has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in Canada. About one in four cancer deaths in New Brunswick is the result of this type of cancer. This alternative to lung cancer testing could also ease pressure on health-care resources.

The Department of Health will provide up to $175,000 during the 2024-25 fiscal year to implement this technology.

AstraZeneca will provide $100,000 to support the development of testing capacity at the centre’s molecular genetics laboratory.

“Improving patient care requires a collaborative approach involving many health-care stakeholders,” said Gaby Bourbara, president of AstraZeneca Canada. “We are proud to partner with Vitalité Health Network to expand access to more diagnostic testing options for lung cancer patients across the province of New Brunswick. This initiative will help drive greater health equity and improved outcomes for those living with lung cancer. Thank you to the government of New Brunswick for supporting this type of innovative partnership and to ResearchNB for their role in making this collaboration a reality.”

“We are continuing to make important connections between the research and business communities that is leading to major changes in the way health care is delivered in New Brunswick,” said Chris Dickie, acting CEO of ResearchNB. “While coming from different perspectives, we all share the same goal: to help support patients to get the life-changing care they deserve.”