Utilizing Plasma-Based Next-Generation Sequencing to Expedite the Diagnostic Process in Suspected Lung Cancer: A Case...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genomics
• Precision Medicine

Background:

• Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
• Precision medicine, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, offers improved outcomes for lung cancer patients.
• Accurate and timely identification of specific genetic mutations is essential for effective personalized treatment.

Observation:

• A case report details an 82-year-old woman with suspected advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presenting with metastatic symptoms.
• Plasma-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed concurrently with a bronchoscopic biopsy.
• The patient was also diagnosed with Coronavirus disease 2019 and received molnupiravir treatment.

Findings:

• Pathology confirmed pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
• Plasma-based NGS identified the EGFR L858R mutation.
• Targeted therapy with afatinib was initiated promptly based on NGS results.

Implications:

• Plasma-based NGS provides a rapid and efficient method for mutation detection in NSCLC.
• This technique can significantly shorten the time-to-treatment, potentially improving patient prognosis.
• The utility of plasma-based NGS is particularly relevant in East Asian populations with a high prevalence of EGFR mutations, guiding personalized therapy decisions.