Application of Circulating Tumor DNA as a Biomarker for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Jialiang Yang1,2,3, Yan Hui1, Yanxiang Zhang1
1Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, China.
Background:
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most prevalent causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Recently, there are many important medical advancements on NSCLC, such as therapies based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Most of these therapies require tumor molecular testing for selecting patients who would benefit most from them. As invasive biopsy is highly risky, NSCLC molecular testing based on liquid biopsy has received more and more attention recently.
Objective:
We aimed to introduce liquid biopsy and its potential clinical applications in NSCLC patients, including cancer diagnosis, treatment plan prioritization, minimal residual disease detection, and dynamic monitoring on the response to cancer treatment.
Method:
We reviewed recent studies on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing, which is a minimally invasive approach to identify the presence of tumor-related mutations. In addition, we evaluated potential clinical applications of ctDNA as blood biomarkers for advanced NSCLC patients.
Results:
Most studies have indicated that ctDNA testing is critical in diagnosing NSCLC, predicting clinical outcomes, monitoring response to targeted therapies and immunotherapies, and detecting cancer recurrence. Moreover, the changes of ctDNA levels are associated with tumor mutation burden and cancer progression.
Conclusion:
The ctDNA testing is promising in guiding the therapies on NSCLC patients.
Insights
Liquid biopsy, using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), offers a minimally invasive approach for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) molecular testing. This method aids in diagnosis, treatment selection, and monitoring, showing promise for guiding NSCLC therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies for NSCLC necessitate precise molecular testing.
- Minimally invasive liquid biopsy is gaining traction as an alternative to risky invasive biopsies for NSCLC molecular profiling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review liquid biopsy techniques and their clinical utility in NSCLC management.
- To explore applications in cancer diagnosis, treatment prioritization, and disease monitoring.
- To highlight the role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a blood biomarker for advanced NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies focusing on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing.
- Evaluation of ctDNA's potential as a minimally invasive biomarker in advanced NSCLC.
- Analysis of ctDNA's role in identifying tumor-related mutations.
Main Results:
- ctDNA testing is crucial for NSCLC diagnosis and predicting patient outcomes.
- ctDNA effectively monitors response to targeted and immunotherapies.
- Changes in ctDNA levels correlate with tumor mutation burden and disease progression, aiding recurrence detection.
Conclusions:
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing shows significant promise for guiding personalized treatment strategies in NSCLC patients.
- Liquid biopsy represents a valuable tool for comprehensive NSCLC management.
- Further integration of ctDNA analysis into clinical practice is warranted.
