A new clinical cancer trial launching at Cork University Hospital in October will use routine blood tests to identify genetic characteristics in advanced breast cancers, aiming to reduce invasive procedures for patients. Developed by Dr. Emer Lynch with funding from organizations including Breakthrough Cancer Research, the two-year initiative introduces liquid biopsies as an alternative to traditional tissue sampling.
The Melody Trial and Liquid Biopsies
Scheduled to begin in October for an initial two-year run, the Melody trial investigates the use of liquid biopsies—simple blood draws—to detect genetic changes in cancer cells. Dr. Emer Lynch developed the trial with funding secured through a Breakthrough Clinical Cancer Research fellowship, alongside support from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Health Research Board, and industry partners. According to Dr. Lynch, traditional testing relies on tumour tissue biopsies, which are invasive and time-consuming for patients. The blood-based approach allows clinicians to gather genetic data to inform personalised treatment decisions and monitor how patients respond over time.
Patient Perspective and Advocacy
Aislinn Higgins, a 48-year-old participant diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 that subsequently spread to her brain, served on the patient advisory group that helped shape the trial. Having undergone brain surgery in 2023, Ms. Higgins described the new research initiative as a positive step toward individualized care. Breast cancer currently affects one in seven women in Ireland. Ms. Higgins noted that the trial’s focus on less invasive testing could spare future patients some of the uncertainty she faced, ultimately providing more time for individuals undergoing treatment for advanced and metastatic diagnoses.
