Intensive dialog on critical issues in the field between the partners represents a crucial prerequisite to identifying joint strategies and means of mutual support, thus, ensuring synergistic initiatives are embarked on that will end up driving the field forward. The ELBS allows for direct exchange between our members from leading academic institutions and industry partners via an extensive schedule of digital and face to face meetings. The ELBS also represents a precompetitive arena for industry partners to test and refine their technologies, assays and pipelines through the feedback of top researchers in the field.

“Knowledge is like a garden, if it is not cultivated it cannot be harvested” (African Proverb). One of the missions of the ELBS is to educate on the opportunities but also limitations of the liquid biopsy field. Target audiences are researchers, the medical community, patient initiatives, and government agencies. This is implemented through presentations, training schools, and workshops. These efforts are spearheaded by the Dissemination/Education working group

The ELBS wants to provide guidance for study coordinators and clinical experts wishing to integrate liquid biopsy approaches in their clinical trials. The vast landscape of existing technologies, assays, and available analytes can represent a substantial barrier when deciding on a suitable assay for a specific clinical question. The ELBS Work Group Clinical combines research with clinical experience to provide support for interventional clinical studies that determine the clinical utility of liquid biopsy a prerequisite for implementation into clinical practice.

Research is the foundation on which all progress is based. The ELBS includes a growing network of top basic and clinical researchers and academic institutions. We foster scientific exchange on pressing issues through various meetings focused either on specific topics and/or specific LB analytes (CTC, ctDNA, EV, etc.) Work Group Technology . Furthermore, the ELBS supports research grant applications (e.g. by bringing together collaborators and further endorsement of its members).

Harmonization and standardization are crucial to the successful implementation of LB assays into clinical practice. Therefore, the ELBS aims to release guidelines and white papers on best practices, well tested SOPs, and ring trial efforts.

ACTIVITIES

ILSA WHITE PAPER

To move LB assays towards clinical use, reimbursement is crucial. The ELBS represents an independent body and point of contact for regulatory agencies, health care providers, and PA groups.

Europe is the home of exceptional researchers, clinicians and companies in the LB field (see ESMO ctDNA guidelines, Ann. Oncol. 2022). It also has its own unique regulatory and public health system advantages and challenges. Thus, the ELBS provides a unique platform combining this knowledge and making this LB expertize visible within and beyond the EU. This also makes the ELBS attractive to non-EU institutions.