Circulating tumor DNA testing in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Lung Cancer. 2018 May:119:42-47. doi: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2018.02.019. Epub 2018 Mar 2.

Abstract

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shed from cancer cells into the peripheral blood can be non-invasively collected and tested for the presence of tumor-specific mutations. Mutations identified in ctDNA can predict responses to targeted therapies and emerging evidence suggests that changes in ctDNA levels over time can be used to monitor response to therapy and detect disease recurrence. Given the emergence of targeted therapies in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), liquid biopsies utilizing ctDNA testing represent a powerful approach to genotype tumors and monitor for the development of resistance. Here, we review current and potential future clinical applications of ctDNA testing for patients with advanced NSCLC.

Keywords: Biomarker; Circulating tumor DNA; Drug resistance; Epidermal growth factor receptor; Liquid biopsy; Non-small cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Pharmacological / blood*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / genetics
  • Circulating Tumor DNA / blood*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Pharmacological
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Circulating Tumor DNA
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors