What is an ultrasensitive DNA test in cancer? Elizabeth Tracey reports

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The genetic makeup of a cancer is quite different than that of the person who has it, and now new efforts to very specifically characterize the cancer are poised to have surveillance and treatment implications. That’s according to Kimmel Cancer Center director William Nelson at Johns Hopkins.

Nelson: There are a number of companies building individualized DNA tests for cancer that are so-called ultrasensitive tests. They survey the entire genome, there's thousands of base changes in cancers, acquired mutations. And so they'll use this to build a test that has many shots on goal if you will to detect the cancer DNA and then use it after surgery in looking at the circulating cell free DNA.     :28 

Nelson says having a detailed cancer map enables surveillance of the blood for DNA that matches the cancer, and may be an indication of early recurrence that can then be treated. He notes that many of these tests are being performed right now as part of clinical trials. At Johns Hopkins, I’m Elizabeth Tracey.