Circulating tumour DNA as a predictor of survival of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a daily practice

Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is a promising biomarker for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) risk stratification and treatment response assessment, but real-world studies were limited. Using a targeted sequencing approach (521-gene panel), we showed that (1) baseline ctDNA level correlated with tumour burden and was an independent predictor of treatment outcome, (2) achievement of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity was associated with a better treatment outcome and (3) interim MRD-positivity combined with positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan-positivity identified a high-risk subgroup of DLBCL patients. Baseline ctDNA level and treatment related achievement of MRD negativity are valuable prognostic tools in DLBCL to improve risk stratification in routine clinical practice.