104006Improved liquid biopsy and sequencing technology for detecting cancer gene mutations in bloodClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKCancer treatment has been changed radically by the introduction of targeted drugs, guided by mutation testing. Alterations in genes (gene mutations) have been validated as powerful predictive biomarkers in the management of various cancers and mutation testing is currently standard to personalise treatment decisions. It has been well documented that a broad spectrum of cancers release DNA into peripheral blood (ctDNA). There has been growing interest in use of ctDNA as a non-invasive biomarker to detect the presence of cancer, follow treatment response, gauge prognosis, and monitor for recurrence. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) has revolutionised genomic exploration and is driving the implementation of precision diagnostics. However, the sensitivity and accuracy of current NGS methods and associated cancer panels are compromised by sequencing errors.This is a fundamental limitation, particularly when aiming to identify rare mutants in genetically heterogeneous mixtures, such as ctDNA. To overcome this limitation, GeneFirst has developed an improved NGS technology with increased sensitivity and accuracy for the concurrent detection of multiple mutations. This project proposes the development of a cost-effective and patient-friendly testing assay for the detection of cancer gene mutations in liquid biopsy, enabling clinically relevant cancer genotyping by non-invasive means.