2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - ePosters-EP.07G.06 Utilization of Tissue-Free Minimal Residual Disease MRD Testing in Early-Stage Lung Cancer Patients from Asia and the Middle East

EP.07G.06 Utilization of Tissue-Free Minimal Residual Disease MRD Testing in Early-Stage Lung Cancer Patients from Asia and the Middle East

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The study explores the use of tissue-free minimal residual disease (MRD) testing, particularly via the Guardant Reveal assay, among early-stage lung cancer patients in Asia and the Middle East. Conducted by Chun-Ming Tsai and colleagues, the study analyzes data from 58 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients over a period from July 2023 to July 2024. The assay identifies circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a prognostic biomarker, with detection rates varying across cancer stages: 0% in stage I and rising to 40% in stage IV. A positivity rate of 17.4% was noted for all samples.<br /><br />Most tests were ordered during surveillance phases, rather than immediately post-resection, regardless of cancer stage—indicating a predominant focus on long-term monitoring over immediate postoperative assessments. Notably, although the median turnaround time for test results was relatively short at eight days, the potential for early detection of recurrences through MRD testing offers a significant clinical advantage.<br /><br />The real-world introduction of MRD testing shows potential benefits, yet the absence of specific guidelines or widespread clinical trial data makes its application largely contingent on the clinical judgment of physicians. The case report included exemplifies how MRD testing, with a positive result, delayed but led to further interventions that eventually showed a partial response. This underscores MRD testing's role in real-time treatment adjustments, albeit with a need for more robust trials to truly integrate its use into standard practice.<br /><br />Despite its promise, the study acknowledges limitations, like the lack of complete recurrence data, suggesting that larger clinical trials are essential to validate MRD testing as a regular component of NSCLC patient management. The findings encourage more comprehensive studies and clinical trials to ascertain the practical value and influence of MRD tests in managing lung cancer.

Asset Subtitle

Chun Ming Tsai

Meta Tag

Speaker Chun Ming Tsai

Topic Early-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Keywords

tissue-free MRD testing

Guardant Reveal assay

early-stage lung cancer

non-small cell lung cancer

circulating tumor DNA

prognostic biomarker

long-term monitoring

clinical trials

treatment adjustments

NSCLC management