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Updated: Sep 18, 2025
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MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier MSC for Lung Cancer Screening
Published on: October 26, 2017
15.8K
[MRD Testing in Lung Cancer-Latest Insights and Developments].
Takahiro Karasaki1, Hidehito Horinouchi
1Dept.of Thoracic Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer & Chemotherapy
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Detecting molecular residual disease (MRD) in lung cancer using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shows promise for predicting recurrence. Further research with sensitive assays is needed to guide treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Genomics
Background:
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis is established for lung cancer, particularly for detecting EGFR-TKI resistance.
- Postoperative detection of molecular residual disease (MRD) is increasingly recognized as a negative prognostic indicator in various cancers, including lung cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent findings on MRD research in lung cancer.
- To highlight the potential of ctDNA/MRD in predicting recurrence and guiding treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- A literature review of 41 studies on lung cancer MRD up to May 2024.
- Analysis of retrospective studies and ongoing prospective trials (e.g., JCOG2111A).
- Examination of subset analyses from randomized trials involving perioperative chemoimmunotherapy and adjuvant therapy.
Main Results:
- Retrospective studies consistently show that MRD detection correlates with poor prognosis and predicts recurrence in lung cancer.
- Prospective studies are evaluating MRD kinetics and detection rates using personalized assays.
- Recent analyses suggest the utility of ctDNA/MRD assessments in perioperative and adjuvant settings, though assay sensitivity may be a limitation.
Conclusions:
- MRD detection via ctDNA holds significant potential for predicting lung cancer recurrence.
- Further prospective trials with highly sensitive, next-generation assays are necessary to optimize MRD's role in clinical decision-making for lung cancer treatment.
