Ultrasensitive ctDNA test Shows Promise in Lung Cancer Recurrence prediction
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Archynetys.com – May 3, 2025
A groundbreaking advancement in liquid biopsy technology offers new hope for predicting lung cancer recurrence, possibly revolutionizing patient prognosis and treatment strategies.
The Promise of Liquid Biopsies: Detecting Cancer’s Silent Footprint
Liquid biopsies, notably those analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), are increasingly vital in assessing metastasis risk and patient prognosis. The ability to detect ctDNA, wich originates from decaying tumor cells and carries unique cancer-specific mutations, provides a non-invasive window into the disease’s progression. Traditional methods, however, have faced limitations in sensitivity.
Recent data indicates that lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. According to the World Health Association, lung cancer accounts for approximately 1.8 million deaths annually. Early and accurate prediction of recurrence is therefore paramount to improving patient outcomes.
“Next Personal”: A Quantum Leap in ctDNA Detection
The “Next personal” assay,developed by Personalis,represents a significant leap forward in ctDNA detection. This ultrasensitive test dramatically lowers the detection threshold to 1 part per million (ppm), a significant improvement over previous methods requiring approximately 80 ppm.This enhanced sensitivity allows for earlier and more accurate identification of minimal residual disease, potentially predicting recurrence risk in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
A study published in Nature Medicine (DOI: 10.1038/S41591–03216-Y) highlights the potential of “Next Personal” in predicting recurrence after surgery in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.The research, led by Charles swanton from the Francis Crick Institute in London, analyzed data from participants in the Tracerx study, a large-scale investigation into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
TRACERx Study: Unveiling the Clinical Impact
The TRACERx study included 171 patients with early-stage NSCLC, with 94 diagnosed with adenocarcinoma.Notably, in 18 of these 94 patients, “Next Personal” detected no ctDNA preoperatively. Encouragingly, all 18 patients remained alive five years after primary tumor removal. In the remaining 76 patients, the five-year survival rate was substantially different based on ctDNA levels: 61.4% in ctDNA-low patients compared to 48.8% in ctDNA-high patients.
these findings suggest that the “Next Personal” assay could identify a subset of patients who are effectively cured by surgery alone. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this conclusion is based on a retrospective analysis, warranting cautious interpretation. Interestingly,in the 77 patients with other forms of NSCLC,ctDNA was detected in all cases,suggesting potential differences in ctDNA shedding patterns across different lung cancer subtypes.
Implications and Future Directions for ctDNA Testing
The enhanced sensitivity of “Next Personal” holds significant implications for personalized cancer care. By accurately identifying patients at high risk of recurrence, clinicians can tailor adjuvant therapies more effectively, potentially improving survival rates. Conversely, patients with undetectable ctDNA may be spared unnecessary treatments and their associated side effects.
Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and to explore the utility of “Next Personal” in guiding treatment decisions. Additionally, research is ongoing to investigate the role of ctDNA monitoring in other cancer types and to develop even more sensitive and specific ctDNA assays.