Best Practices and Research Advances in Thoracic Oncology: A Regional Series SE Asia Course 1: Liquid Biopsy in Lung Cancer-Use of Liquid Biopsy in Early Stage

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Video Summary

Dr. Myung-Joo Ahn discusses the emerging role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in managing early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although surgery is primary in treatment, relapse due to micrometastasis is common, prompting the exploration of ctDNA as a non-invasive marker. CtDNA can aid in screening, risk stratification, and monitoring for minimal residual disease (MRD) and relapse. Studies show ctDNA positivity often correlates with poorer outcomes, whereas negativity indicates better survival rates. Comparisons include ctDNA-informed neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, highlighting potential improvements in patient management. However, ctDNA's clinical application remains investigational, requiring further validation through prospective trials. Dr. Ahn suggests prospective studies are essential for verifying ctDNA's role in personalized patient care, involving intensification or de-escalation of treatments based on ctDNA status. Currently, ctDNA assessment isn't standard practice but shows promise if its technology is refined and validated through future trials.

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Myung-Ju Ahn, MD, PhD

Keywords

ctDNA

non-small cell lung cancer

micrometastasis

minimal residual disease

personalized patient care