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Longitudinal ctDNA profiling in precision oncology and immunο-oncology
Panagiotis Filis1, Ioannis Kyrochristos2, Efterpi Korakaki3
1Centre for Biosystems and Genome Network Medicine, Ioannina University, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; Department of Medical Oncology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
Drug Discovery Today
|February 23, 2023
Summary
Serial analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shows promise as a biomarker for monitoring cancer. While effective in metastatic disease for targeted therapy, detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in nonmetastatic settings remains challenging.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Serial analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging prognostic and predictive biomarker.
- Approved ctDNA assays aid personalized targeted therapy in metastatic cancers, particularly lung cancer.
- Detecting ctDNA for minimal residual disease (MRD) in nonmetastatic settings poses significant technical hurdles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress, limitations, and future directions of ctDNA as a biomarker.
- To discuss ctDNA's role in guiding targeted therapy for metastatic disease.
- To explore ctDNA MRD detection for guiding adjuvant treatment in nonmetastatic disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current research on ctDNA applications.
- Analysis of studies utilizing tumor genotyping-informed serial ctDNA profiling.
- Discussion of technical challenges and advancements in ctDNA detection.
Main Results:
- ctDNA assays are established for guiding targeted therapy in metastatic cancer.
- Promising sensitivity and specificity of ctDNA in predicting recurrence risk have been reported.
- Significant challenges persist in ctDNA MRD detection for nonmetastatic disease.
Conclusions:
- ctDNA is a valuable biomarker for both metastatic and nonmetastatic cancer management.
- Further research is needed to optimize ctDNA MRD detection for adjuvant therapy decisions.
- Serial ctDNA profiling holds potential for personalized cancer treatment strategies.
