Spectrum of FGFR2/3 Alterations in Cell-Free DNA of Patients with Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma

Petros Grivas1, Lesli A Kiedrowski2, Guru P Sonpavde3

  • 1University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, USA.

Insights

Plasma NGS testing detected FGFR2/3 genomic alterations in 20% of advanced urothelial carcinoma patients. This non-invasive approach may identify candidates for targeted therapies like erdafitinib.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Genomic alterations (GAs) in advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC) are crucial for identifying patients eligible for targeted therapies.
  • Erdafitinib is an FDA-approved targeted therapy for platinum-refractory aUC with specific FGFR2/3 alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and spectrum of FGFR2/3 GAs in aUC using plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) next-generation sequencing (NGS).
  • To evaluate the utility of Guardant360 plasma NGS for identifying patients who could benefit from anti-FGFR targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma cfDNA NGS (Guardant360) was performed on 997 patients with aUC.
  • Analysis focused on the detection and characterization of FGFR2/3 GAs.

Main Results:

  • FGFR2/3 GAs were detected in 201 out of 997 patients (20%).
  • Activating FGFR2/3 GAs were identified in 141 patients (14%).
  • The detection rate of FGFR2/3 GAs using plasma cfDNA NGS was comparable to previous studies using tumor tissue testing.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma cfDNA NGS is a viable non-invasive method for detecting FGFR2/3 GAs in aUC.
  • This approach can effectively identify patients suitable for FGFR-targeted therapies, potentially expanding treatment options.