In December 2025, Unilabs Switzerland took a major step forward in precision oncology by introducing a leading liquid biopsy assay to its genetics laboratory in Lausanne.

This innovative molecular test strengthens Unilabs’ position in personalised cancer care and reflects its continued commitment to patient-centred innovation in oncology diagnostics.

To explore the significance of this advancement, we spoke with Dr Nicolas Stephanou, PhD MBA, Group Head of Genetics at Unilabs, who shared his insights into how liquid biopsy is transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Liquid biopsy: a new era in cancer diagnostics

A minimally invasive approach to analysing tumour-derived DNA in the bloodstream

Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive molecular test, typically performed using a simple blood sample, that detects and analyses tumour-derived material circulating in the bloodstream.

Instead of removing tissue directly from a tumour, liquid biopsy focuses on circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), small DNA fragments released by cancer cells into the blood.

Dr Stephanou explains that analysing genetic alterations in ctDNA, such as mutations or gene fusions, can provide clinicians with real-time insight into the molecular profile of a patient’s cancer.

“This approach enables more dynamic and responsive clinical decision-making than traditional tissue biopsies. By detecting circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in the bloodstream, clinicians can identify cancer recurrence earlier, often before it appears on imaging, allowing treatment to be initiated or adjusted promptly.”

He stresses that liquid biopsy complements traditional tissue biopsy rather than replacing it.

“Molecular testing on tissue biopsy combined with histological classification remains the gold standard for initial cancer diagnosis and tumour biology characterisation. Liquid biopsy is designed to be a powerful complementary tool, offering molecular information where tissue is limited, or when dynamic monitoring is required.”

Clinical and patient-centred benefits

A simple blood draw can support repeated monitoring and faster clinical decisions

Liquid biopsy requires only a simple blood draw, making it safer and more comfortable for patients, particularly those who are frail or whose tumours are difficult to access surgically.

Because the procedure is non-invasive, it can be repeated through serial sampling, allowing clinicians to monitor disease progression and treatment response over time.

Liquid biopsy can also provide a broader view of the cancer by capturing genetic material from both the primary tumour and metastatic sites, offering insight into tumour heterogeneity.

Dr Stephanou also highlights the potential for faster clinical decision-making.

“Liquid biopsy has a turnaround time of approximately 10 days compared to three to four weeks for traditional tissue biopsies, enabling more dynamic and responsive clinical decision-making.”

A leader in advanced cancer diagnostics

A comprehensive oncogenetics portfolio across diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

The introduction of liquid biopsy strengthens Unilabs’ oncogenetics portfolio, which includes:

• Tissue-based comprehensive genomic profiling (somatic) for therapy selection and prognosis

• Hereditary cancer testing (germline) for risk management and family counselling

• Liquid biopsy for real-time treatment monitoring and early recurrence detection

Dr Stephanou explains:

“Unilabs’ comprehensive oncogenetics portfolio and flexible testing strategy ensures that every patient, regardless of their cancer type or stage, receives the most complete molecular diagnosis possible, maximising their opportunities for precision treatment.”

Specialist collaboration for precision oncology

Combining pathology and molecular genetics to support informed clinical decisions

To deliver an integrated diagnostic service, Unilabs geneticists work closely with pathologists, who provide essential histological context and help ensure the quality of tumour samples.

“This multidisciplinary partnership results in a unified report that brings together morphology and molecular genetics, equipping oncologists and tumour boards with clear, comprehensive information to support well-informed clinical decisions, effective patient management, and optimal therapy pathways.”

By translating complex genomic data from oncogenetic testing into clinically relevant insights, Unilabs geneticists play a critical role in:

• Supporting accurate diagnosis

• Guiding the selection of targeted therapies

• Assessing inherited cancer risk

• Helping clinicians optimise treatment pathways for patients