BC-Monitor is a valuable complement to classical diagnostic methods. It provides molecular information that is not available through conventional imaging procedures or histological examinations, or becomes available only after a significant delay. This is especially important for recognizing dynamic changes during treatment, the development of resistance and early progression.
Validated technology
Optimized multiplex PCR-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). Detection of variant allele frequency (VAF) above 0.25%1
Relevant gene panel
The panel focuses on targeted testing of genes (e.g. ESR1, PIK3CA, TP53, AKT1) that have clinical significance in therapeutic decision-making for breast cancer
English-language report
A detailed diagnostic report with interpretations, conclusions and scientific references
1. Priskin K. et al., "BC-Monitor: Towards a Routinely Accessible Circulating Tumor DNA-Based Tool for Real-Time Monitoring Breast Cancer Progression and Treatment Effectiveness", Cancers (Basel), vol. 13, no. 14, p. 3489, Jul. 2021, doi: 10.3390/cancers13143489.
2. I. Grote, A. Poppe, U. Lehmann, M. Christgen, H. Kreipe, and S. Bartels, "Frequency of genetic alterations differs in advanced breast cancer between metastatic sites," Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer, vol. 63, no. 1, p. e23199, 2024, doi: 10.1002/gcc.23199.
Clinical indication
Clinical applications and indications of BC-Monitor
BC-Monitor is primarily recommended in advanced or metastatic breast cancer, including hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive and triple-negative subtypes. It is particularly useful during or after endocrine therapy when progression is suspected, in the absence of a tissue sample, for molecular-level monitoring of treatment effectiveness, and for relapse monitoring after during remission
Continuous monitoring of advanced/metastatic breast cancer
Hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-positive or triple-negative subtype
Suspected progression during or after endocrine therapy
Absence of a tissue sample
Molecular-level monitoring of treatment effectiveness
Follow-up of tumor-free status and relapse monitoring
BC-Monitor
The benefits of liquid biopsy
BC-Monitor tracks genetic changes in the tumor that appear in the blood months before clinical progression can be detected by conventional methods
Prediction of emerging resistance
In the presented case study, during endocrine therapy, an activating ESR1 mutation was already detectable at month 16, approximately 11 months before the detection of bone lesions confirming clinical progression. By month 20, the variant allele frequency had increased significantly, while the routinely measured CEA and CA15-3 tumor markers had not reached values requiring clinical action 1
Clinical significance:
Recognition of molecular signs of resistance may support timely modification of the treatment strategy
Detection limit
Clinical progression
U/ml
ng/ml
Monitoring treatment effectiveness
In another case study, the plasma-detectable level of a PIK3CA mutation also identified in tumor tissue initially decreased in response to treatment. After approximately nine months, however, the variant allele frequency began to rise again, indicating increased molecular activity of the disease. Following a therapy change, the mutation level was again brought under control; however, after treatment was discontinued, in parallel with the appearance of metastases, the allele frequency rose again, which was also confirmed by imaging tests 1
Clinical significance:
Liquid biopsy enables continuous monitoring of treatment effectiveness and tracking of molecular changes over time
Therapy 1
Therapy 2
Therapy 3
Progression
Modern technology
What does BC-Monitor examine?
BC-Monitor uses a targeted gene panel specifically optimized for breast tumors, comprising genes that play a key role in breast tumor pathogenesis, progression and therapeutic response. The panel focuses on the most common genes carrying clinically relevant alterations, including AKT1, EGFR, ESR1, ERBB2 (HER2), HRAS, KRAS, PIK3CA and TP53.
Based on large-scale international sequencing data, targeted testing of these hotspot regions covers clinically relevant somatic mutations in approximately 65% of breast tumors. This targeted approach enables high analytical sensitivity and clinically interpretable results.2
Our clinical study confirmed that ctDNA-based monitoring may indicate disease deterioration 6-11 months earlier than conventional methods.1
Important information
Limitations of the BC-Monitor test
Detectability depends on tumor DNA shedding, which may be limited in cases of low tumor volume or certain metastatic patterns; therefore, a negative result does not exclude the presence or progression of a tumor
ctDNA is not detectable in every patient, so a negative result does not exclude the presence or progression of a tumor
The test does not replace imaging or histological examinations, but is intended to complement them
The targeted gene panel can detect alterations only in the regions examined
The test is not suitable for establishing a primary diagnosis or for histological characterization of the tumor
Results should always be interpreted in clinical context, taking into account the patient's condition and treatment history
Comprehensive support
How are results generated?
We provide the special tubes required for sampling and arrange sample transport. The completed result is available through our secure online platform within 10 working days of sample receipt.
Patient
Oncologist
Sampling
Transport of sample to the laboratory
Laboratory processing
Next-generation sequencing
Bioinformatics analysis
Generation of genetic report
Therapy
Dr. Priskin
Katalin, PhD.
Scientific Director, molecular biologist
Decision-supporting results
What does the BC-Monitor report include?
English-language structured medical documentation that supports precise therapeutic decisions through quantitative and temporal analysis based on international guidelines
Clinical interpretation
Assessment of the clinical significance of identified variants and placement in therapeutic context
Therapeutic relevance
Highlighting potentially targetable alterations or alterations associated with resistance
Variant allele frequency (VAF)
Quantitative determination of detected mutations
Tracking changes over time
Presentation and dynamic monitoring of molecular trends in repeated samples
Clinical decision-support report
Structured results prepared with international professional guidelines in mind
English-language report
Documentation aligned with domestic clinical practice
Contact
If you would like to discuss BC-Monitor in more detail, please complete this form and we will contact you.
BC-Monitor
European Life Technologies
BC-Monitor
European Life Technologies
BC-Monitor
European Life Technologies
BC-Monitor
European Life Technologies
Liquid biopszia - Innováció a mellrák változásainak korai felismerésében | BC-Monitor
