Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Liquid biopsy - lung cancer 43 y/o female suspected T4N0M0

KittyCrayon7ce900
  • 2 replies
  • 42 subscribers
  • 254 views

Hello

43 y/o F, recently diagnosed with lung cancer suspected T4N0M0

5.7cm mass right lung, PET scan clear, awaiting MRI brain scan result.

Failed bronchoscopy biopsy - felt too high risk of bleeding as mass has high vascularity.

Now booked for CT guided biopsy for lung mass sample and awaiting date for EBUS for lung lymph node biopsy

My question is after reading about https://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/05/nhs-first-in-world-to-roll-out-revolutionary-blood-test-for-cancer-patients/ liquid blood biopsies - Why wouldn’t I have been offered this, it sounds much less invasive with reduced risks - do you have to have metases to be eligible? Perhaps that’s why?

Thank you Heart️

  • Dear KittyCrayon7ce900,

    I am very sorry to read about your suspected diagnosis of a T4N0M0 lung cancer.

    My name is Carla and I’m one of the Cancer information Nurses here on the support line.

    I can see you have joined our Lung Cancer Forum, I hope that you are finding it a supportive place to visit.

    Liquid biopsy is a relatively new diagnostic tool that is beginning to be used within the NHS to speed up access to treatment for some cancers including lung cancer.  

    The roll-out of liquid biopsy currently only applies to England. Wales has a similar program and Scotland and Northern Ireland don’t offer this.

    To qualify for a liquid biopsy, patients must be relatively fit, have a probable lung cancer visible on a CT scan, and not have already had a tissue biopsy.

    Individual NHS Trusts will likely establish their own criteria for when a liquid biopsy is to be used.

    I would suggest contacting a member of your lung cancer MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) such as your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to enquire about whether liquid biopsy would be an appropriate diagnostic tool that could be used.

    If you are unable to access a member of the lung cancer MDT, you could contact your local hospital PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service).

    PALS are there to offer confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters.

    Sometimes people can find it helpful to have a 2-way conversation on the phone or via webchat so we can explore your questions and provide more in-depth responses.

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm. 

     

    Take Care,


    Carla

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

     

    Ref: CC/KHe

     

  • in reply to Carla - Macmillan

    Hi Carla

    thank you

    I decided against the CT guided biopsy today after the doctor went through the risks and explained I was higher risk due to location and vascularity

    I saw my lung nurse - she got me back on today’s weekly MDT meeting. Liquid biopsy not eligible as must have spread elsewhere (I am West Sussex) and won’t offer me any treatment without having a biopsy. Feel stuck between a rock and a hard place

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007