WCLC 2025 - Posters & ePosters-P1.11.31 Dynamic Monitoring of Circulating Tumor Cells and Single-Cell Sequencing Predict Therapeutic Efficacy in Advanced Lung Cancer

P1.11.31 Dynamic Monitoring of Circulating Tumor Cells and Single-Cell Sequencing Predict Therapeutic Efficacy in Advanced Lung Cancer

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This study investigates the potential of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and single-cell sequencing to predict therapeutic efficacy in advanced lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). CTCs, detectable in 90% of NSCLC and all SCLC patients, were quantified, and PD-L1 expression on these cells was assessed using a cell search system. Notably, a significant proportion of patients exhibited PD-L1 positive CTCs, with 60% of NSCLC and 100% of SCLC patients displaying this feature.<br /><br />Dynamic monitoring revealed that a reduction in CTC count following treatment cycles strongly correlated with better response rates. Specifically, NSCLC patients experiencing CTC clearance after two treatment cycles had an overall response rate (ORR) of 80%, while SCLC patients with decreased CTC counts after one cycle demonstrated a 100% response rate, significantly outperforming non-reduction groups. However, baseline CTC numbers alone did not significantly influence progression-free survival in NSCLC.<br /><br />Additionally, single-cell whole-exome sequencing (WES) performed on isolated CTCs enhanced predictive precision regarding chemotherapy and immunotherapy effectiveness, demonstrated in two advanced NSCLC cases. This suggests that sequencing can uncover mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy and refine personalized treatment strategies.<br /><br />The study concludes that dynamic CTC monitoring serves as an early predictive biomarker for immunotherapy efficacy in lung cancer patients. Single-cell sequencing further offers insights into therapeutic resistance, aiding clinical decision-making. Future research entails large-scale validation of CTC enumeration’s predictive value, exploration of mutation characteristics in CTCs related to treatment response, and clinical trials focusing on CTC-based prediction models. These efforts aim to enhance the precision of immunotherapy in advanced lung cancer management, potentially improving patient outcomes through tailored treatment approaches.

Asset Subtitle

Chao Zhao

Meta Tag

Speaker Chao Zhao

Topic Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer – Immunotherapy

Keywords

circulating tumor cells

CTCs

single-cell sequencing

advanced lung cancer

non-small cell lung cancer

small cell lung cancer

PD-L1 expression

immunotherapy efficacy

chemotherapy resistance

predictive biomarkers