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Detection of Rare Mutations in CtDNA Using Next Generation Sequencing
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Detection of Rare Mutations in CtDNA Using Next Generation Sequencing

Published on: August 24, 2017

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Promising clinical application of ctDNA in evaluating immunotherapy efficacy

Li Li1, Jun Zhang2, Xiaoyue Jiang1

  • 1Department of Oncology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing 100050, China.

American Journal of Cancer Research
|November 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Circulating cell-free DNA (ctDNA) shows promise as a non-invasive biomarker for monitoring cancer immunotherapy. While effective, improvements in ctDNA sensitivity and standardization are needed for widespread clinical use.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Immunotherapies have advanced cancer treatment, yet reliable biomarkers for efficacy and prognosis are lacking.
  • Circulating cell-free DNA (ctDNA), a component of liquid biopsies, offers non-invasive monitoring advantages over traditional tissue biopsies.
  • Existing methods like imaging and tumor markers have limitations in early detection and precision compared to ctDNA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the advantages and limitations of ctDNA as a biomarker in cancer immunotherapy.
  • To assess the feasibility of using ctDNA for routine monitoring during immunotherapy.
  • To highlight the potential of ctDNA in identifying responders, evaluating efficacy, and predicting outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on ctDNA in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Analysis of ctDNA's role in identifying immunotherapy responders.
  • Evaluation of ctDNA's utility in monitoring treatment efficacy, resistance, and patient survival.

Main Results:

  • ctDNA can identify immunotherapy responders, evaluate treatment efficacy, and predict survival time.
  • It aids in screening for immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance and pseudo-progression.
  • ctDNA offers earlier indications and more precise information than routine imaging and tumor markers.
  • ctDNA can predict tumor recurrence and metastasis, acting as an "Eagle Eye" for monitoring.

Conclusions:

  • ctDNA presents significant advantages as a non-invasive, real-time biomarker for monitoring cancer immunotherapy.
  • Further improvements in ctDNA sensitivity and standardization are crucial for its broader clinical application.
  • ctDNA holds strong potential for routine monitoring throughout the immunotherapy process.
Keywords:
BiomarkerctDNAefficacy evaluationimmunotherapypseudo-progress

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