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Liquid Biopsy in Small Cell Lung Cancer-A Route to Improved Clinical Care?
Matt Church1, Louise Carter1,2, Fiona Blackhall1,2
1Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
Abstract:
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a particularly poor prognosis despite the high initial response to first-line systemic therapy, and there is a well-recognised lack of meaningful treatments beyond the second line. A number of reasons have been put forward to explain this, including a lack of common, easily-druggable genetic mutations in SCLC and rarity of high-quality tissue samples due to late presentation. Liquid biopsies, including circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) are increasingly used as surrogates for tumour tissue and have the advantage of being easily obtained serially to inform on the biology of disease progression and acquired chemoresistance, and may provide a pathway to improve care in this notoriously refractory disease. Here we discuss the current evidence behind these liquid biopsy methods in SCLC, and how they could be employed in future clinical care.
Insights
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has limited treatment options. Liquid biopsies, such as circulating tumor cells and DNA, show promise for monitoring disease progression and resistance, potentially improving care for this refractory cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) presents a poor prognosis with limited effective treatments beyond second-line therapy.
- Challenges in SCLC treatment include a lack of druggable mutations and difficulty obtaining quality tissue samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for liquid biopsy methods in SCLC.
- To explore the potential clinical applications of liquid biopsies in managing SCLC progression and chemoresistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of current evidence on liquid biopsy techniques in SCLC.
- Discussion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as surrogates for tumor tissue.
Main Results:
- Liquid biopsies offer a less invasive, serial monitoring approach compared to traditional tissue biopsies.
- CTCs and ctDNA can provide insights into disease progression and acquired chemoresistance in SCLC.
Conclusions:
- Liquid biopsies represent a promising tool for improving the management of SCLC.
- Serial monitoring via liquid biopsies may enhance clinical care for patients with this refractory cancer.
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