Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: September 8, 2023
Ultra-Fast Amplicon-Based Next-Generation Sequencing in Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Christophe Bontoux1, Virginie Lespinet-Fabre2, Olivier Bordone2
1Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice; Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033-00025), Université Côte d'Azur, Hôpital Pasteur, CHU de Nice; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), RespirERA, Université Côte d'Azur, Hôpital Pasteur, CHU de Nice; FHU OncoAge, Université Côte d'Azur; Team 4, Institute of Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), CNRS INSERM, Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, Université Côte d'Azur; christophe.bontoux@outlook.com.
Abstract:
The number of molecular alterations to be tested for targeted therapy of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC) patients has significantly increased these last few years. The detection of molecular abnormalities is mandatory for the optimal care of advanced or metastatic NS-NSCLC patients, allowing targeted therapies to be administrated with an improvement in overall survival. Nevertheless, these tumors develop mechanisms of resistance that are potentially targetable using novel therapies. Some molecular alterations can also modulate the treatment response. The molecular characterization of NS-NSCLC has to be performed in a short turnaround time (TAT), in less than 10 working days, as recommended by the international guidelines. In addition, the origin of the tissue biopsies for genomic analysis is diverse, and their size is continuously decreasing with the development of less invasive methods and protocols. Consequently, pathologists are being challenged to perform effective molecular technics while maintaining an efficient and rapid diagnosis strategy. Here, we describe the ultra-fast amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflow used in daily routine practice at diagnosis for NS-NSCLC patients. We showed that this system is able to identify the current molecular targets used in precision medicine in thoracic oncology in an appropriate TAT.
Insights
An ultra-fast next-generation sequencing workflow accurately identifies molecular targets for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC) patients. This rapid molecular characterization supports timely targeted therapy decisions, improving patient care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Thoracic Medicine
Background:
- The number of molecular targets for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC) has rapidly increased.
- Molecular characterization is crucial for guiding targeted therapies and improving survival in advanced NS-NSCLC.
- Tumors develop resistance mechanisms, necessitating continuous molecular profiling for novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an ultra-fast amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflow for NS-NSCLC diagnosis.
- To evaluate the workflow's ability to meet the recommended short turnaround time (TAT) of <10 working days.
- To assess the suitability of the workflow for identifying actionable molecular targets in routine clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of an ultra-fast amplicon-based NGS workflow in daily routine practice.
- Focus on molecular characterization of NS-NSCLC patient biopsies.
- Emphasis on achieving a rapid diagnostic turnaround time.
Main Results:
- The described NGS workflow successfully identified key molecular targets for precision medicine in NS-NSCLC.
- The system demonstrated an appropriate turnaround time, meeting clinical guidelines.
- The workflow is effective despite challenges with decreasing biopsy sizes and diverse tissue origins.
Conclusions:
- The ultra-fast NGS workflow is a viable and efficient method for molecular profiling of NS-NSCLC at diagnosis.
- This rapid approach supports timely administration of targeted therapies in thoracic oncology.
- The workflow addresses the need for fast, accurate molecular characterization in the era of precision medicine.
More Related Videos
13:24Integration of Wet and Dry Bench Processes Optimizes Targeted Next-generation Sequencing of Low-quality and Low-quantity Tumor Biopsies
Published on: April 11, 2016
11:20Simple and Rapid Method to Obtain High-quality Tumor DNA from Clinical-pathological Specimens Using Touch Imprint Cytology
Published on: March 21, 2018
