1
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Church AJ, Wakefield CE, Hetherington K, Shern JF. Promise and Perils of Precision Oncology for Patients With Pediatric and Young Adult Sarcomas. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e432794. [PMID: 38924707 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_432794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The completion of multiple national pediatric precision oncology platform trials and the incorporation of standardized molecular profiling into the diagnostic care of pediatric and young adult patients with sarcomas have proven the feasibility and potential of the approach. In this work, we explore the current state of the art of precision oncology for pediatric and young adults with sarcoma. We highlight important lessons learned and the challenges that should be addressed in the next generation of trials. The chapter outlines current efforts to improve standardization of molecular assays, harmonization of data collection, and novel molecular tools such as cell-free DNA analyses. Finally, we discuss the impacts and psychosocial outcomes experienced by patients and communication strategies for providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanna J Church
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate Hetherington
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jack F Shern
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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2
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Padhye BD, Nawaz U, Hains PG, Reddel RR, Robinson PJ, Zhong Q, Poulos RC. Proteomic insights into paediatric cancer: Unravelling molecular signatures and therapeutic opportunities. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30980. [PMID: 38556739 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Survival rates in some paediatric cancers have improved greatly over recent decades, in part due to the identification of diagnostic, prognostic and predictive molecular signatures, and the development of risk-directed therapies. However, other paediatric cancers have proved difficult to treat, and there is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers that reveal therapeutic opportunities. The proteome is the total set of expressed proteins present in a cell or tissue at a point in time, and is vastly more dynamic than the genome. Proteomics holds significant promise for cancer research, as proteins are ultimately responsible for cellular phenotype and are the target of most anticancer drugs. Here, we review the discoveries, opportunities and challenges of proteomic analyses in paediatric cancer, with a focus on mass spectrometry (MS)-based approaches. Accelerating incorporation of proteomics into paediatric precision medicine has the potential to improve survival and quality of life for children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna D Padhye
- Cancer Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Research, Children's Cancer Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Urwah Nawaz
- ProCan, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter G Hains
- ProCan, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roger R Reddel
- ProCan, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip J Robinson
- ProCan, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qing Zhong
- ProCan, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca C Poulos
- ProCan, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Andersson D, Kebede FT, Escobar M, Österlund T, Ståhlberg A. Principles of digital sequencing using unique molecular identifiers. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101253. [PMID: 38367531 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Massively parallel sequencing technologies have long been used in both basic research and clinical routine. The recent introduction of digital sequencing has made previously challenging applications possible by significantly improving sensitivity and specificity to now allow detection of rare sequence variants, even at single molecule level. Digital sequencing utilizes unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) to minimize sequencing-induced errors and quantification biases. Here, we discuss the principles of UMIs and how they are used in digital sequencing. We outline the properties of different UMI types and the consequences of various UMI approaches in relation to experimental protocols and bioinformatics. Finally, we describe how digital sequencing can be applied in specific research fields, focusing on cancer management where it can be used in screening of asymptomatic individuals, diagnosis, treatment prediction, prognostication, monitoring treatment efficacy and early detection of treatment resistance as well as relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Andersson
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Firaol Tamiru Kebede
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mandy Escobar
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tobias Österlund
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Ståhlberg
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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4
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McCabe MG, Geoerger B, Chesler L, Hargrave D, Parsons DW, van Tilburg CM, Schleiermacher G, Hickman JA, George SL. Precision Medicine for Childhood Cancer: Current Limitations and Future Perspectives. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2300117. [PMID: 38207228 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Greater collaboration needed to realize potential of molecular profiling initiatives for pediatric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin G McCabe
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, INSERM U1015, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Louis Chesler
- Paediatric Oncology Experimental Medicine Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Children and Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Darren Hargrave
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - D Williams Parsons
- Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Cornelis M van Tilburg
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology & Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gudrun Schleiermacher
- SiRIC RTOP (Recherche Translationelle en Oncologie Pédiatrique), Translational Research Department, Institut Curie Research Center, PSL Research University, Institut Curie, Parbe the only one citing a postcodeis, France
| | - John A Hickman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sally L George
- Paediatric Oncology Experimental Medicine Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Children and Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Mangum R, Reuther J, Baksi KS, Gandhi I, Zabriskie RC, Recinos A, Raesz-Martinez R, Lin FY, Potter SL, Sher AC, Kralik SF, Mohila CA, Chintagumpala MM, Muzny D, Hu J, Gibbs RA, Fisher KE, Bernini JC, Gill J, Griffin TC, Tomlinson GE, Vallance KL, Plon SE, Roy A, Parsons DW. Circulating tumor DNA sequencing of pediatric solid and brain tumor patients: An institutional feasibility study. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 40:719-738. [PMID: 37366551 PMCID: PMC10592361 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2023.2228837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The potential of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis to serve as a real-time "liquid biopsy" for children with central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS solid tumors remains to be fully elucidated. We conducted a study to investigate the feasibility and potential clinical utility of ctDNA sequencing in pediatric patients enrolled on an institutional clinical genomics trial. A total of 240 patients had tumor DNA profiling performed during the study period. Plasma samples were collected at study enrollment from 217 patients and then longitudinally from a subset of patients. Successful cell-free DNA extraction and quantification occurred in 216 of 217 (99.5%) of these initial samples. Twenty-four patients were identified whose tumors harbored 30 unique variants that were potentially detectable on a commercially-available ctDNA panel. Twenty of these 30 mutations (67%) were successfully detected by next-generation sequencing in the ctDNA from at least one plasma sample. The rate of ctDNA mutation detection was higher in patients with non-CNS solid tumors (7/9, 78%) compared to those with CNS tumors (9/15, 60%). A higher ctDNA mutation detection rate was also observed in patients with metastatic disease (9/10, 90%) compared to non-metastatic disease (7/14, 50%), although tumor-specific variants were detected in a few patients in the absence of radiographic evidence of disease. This study illustrates the feasibility of incorporating longitudinal ctDNA analysis into the management of relapsed or refractory patients with childhood CNS or non-CNS solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Mangum
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Jacquelyn Reuther
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Koel Sen Baksi
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ilavarasi Gandhi
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ryan C. Zabriskie
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Alva Recinos
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Robin Raesz-Martinez
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Frank Y. Lin
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Samara L. Potter
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Andrew C. Sher
- Department of Radiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Carrie A. Mohila
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Murali M. Chintagumpala
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Donna Muzny
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jianhong Hu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Richard A Gibbs
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Kevin E. Fisher
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Juan Carlos Bernini
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jonathan Gill
- Division of Pediatrics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Timothy C. Griffin
- Department of Hematology Oncology, The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Baylor College of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Gail E Tomlinson
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Kelly L. Vallance
- Hematology and Oncology, Cook Children’s Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Sharon E. Plon
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Angshumoy Roy
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - D. Williams Parsons
- Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- The Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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6
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Kjær EKR, Vase CB, Rossing M, Ahlborn LB, Hjalgrim LL. Detection of circulating tumor-derived material in peripheral blood of pediatric sarcoma patients: A systematic review. Transl Oncol 2023; 34:101690. [PMID: 37201250 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection of circulating tumor-derived material (cTM) in the peripheral blood (PB) of cancer patients has been shown to be useful in early diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, and disease monitoring. However, it has not yet been thoroughly evaluated for pediatric sarcoma patients. METHODS We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies reporting the detection of circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, and circulating RNA in PB of pediatric sarcoma patients. Data on performance in identifying cTM and its applicability in diagnosis, and evaluation of tumor characteristics, prognostic factors, and treatment response was extracted from publications. RESULTS A total of 79 studies were assigned for the present systematic review, including detection of circulating tumor cells (116 patients), circulating tumor DNA (716 patients), and circulating RNA (2887 patients). Circulating tumor cells were detected in 76% of patients. Circulating DNA was detected in 63% by targeted NGS, 66% by shallow WGS, and 79% by digital droplet PCR. Circulating RNA was detected in 37% of patients. CONCLUSION Of the cTM from Ewing's sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma ctDNA proved to be the best target for clinical application including diagnosis, tumor characterization, prognosis, and monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. For osteosarcoma the most promising targets are copy number alterations or patient specific micro RNAs, however, further investigations are needed to obtain consensus on clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kristine Ruud Kjær
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Paediatric Oncology Research Laboratory (Bonkolab), Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 5704, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Christian Bach Vase
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Paediatric Oncology Research Laboratory (Bonkolab), Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 5704, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Maria Rossing
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Genomic Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lise Barlebo Ahlborn
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisa Lyngsie Hjalgrim
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Paediatric Oncology Research Laboratory (Bonkolab), Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 5704, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark.
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Abbou S, Klega K, Tsuji J, Tanhaemami M, Hall D, Barkauskas DA, Krailo MD, Cibulskis C, Nag A, Thorner AR, Pollock S, Imamovic-Tuco A, Shern JF, DuBois SG, Venkatramani R, Hawkins DS, Crompton BD. Circulating Tumor DNA Is Prognostic in Intermediate-Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:2382-2393. [PMID: 36724417 PMCID: PMC10150913 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Novel biomarkers are needed to differentiate outcomes in intermediate-risk rhabdomyosarcoma (IR RMS). We sought to evaluate strategies for identifying circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in IR RMS and to determine whether ctDNA detection before therapy is associated with outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS Pretreatment serum and tumor samples were available from 124 patients with newly diagnosed IR RMS from the Children's Oncology Group biorepository, including 75 patients with fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (FN-RMS) and 49 with fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma (FP-RMS) disease. We used ultralow passage whole-genome sequencing to detect copy number alterations and a new custom sequencing assay, Rhabdo-Seq, to detect rearrangements and single-nucleotide variants. RESULTS We found that ultralow passage whole-genome sequencing was a method applicable to ctDNA detection in all patients with FN-RMS and that ctDNA was detectable in 13 of 75 serum samples (17%). However, the use of Rhabdo-Seq in FN-RMS samples also identified single-nucleotide variants, such as MYOD1L122R, previously associated with prognosis. Identification of pathognomonic translocations between PAX3 or PAX7 and FOXO1 by Rhabdo-Seq was the best method for measuring ctDNA in FP-RMS and detected ctDNA in 27 of 49 cases (55%). Patients with FN-RMS with detectable ctDNA at diagnosis had significantly worse outcomes than patients without detectable ctDNA (event-free survival, 33.3% v 68.9%; P = .0028; overall survival, 33.3% v 83.2%; P < .0001) as did patients with FP-RMS (event-free survival, 37% v 70%; P = .045; overall survival, 39.2% v 75%; P = .023). In multivariable analysis, ctDNA was independently associated with worse prognosis in FN-RMS but not in the smaller FP-RMS cohort. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that baseline ctDNA detection is feasible and is prognostic in IR RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abbou
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
- Children and Adolescent Oncology Department, INSERM U1015, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Kelly Klega
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
| | - Junko Tsuji
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - David Hall
- QuadW-COG Childhood Sarcoma Biostatistics and Annotation Office, Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA
| | - Donald A. Barkauskas
- QuadW-COG Childhood Sarcoma Biostatistics and Annotation Office, Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Mark D. Krailo
- QuadW-COG Childhood Sarcoma Biostatistics and Annotation Office, Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Anwesha Nag
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron R. Thorner
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
| | | | - Alma Imamovic-Tuco
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
| | - Jack F. Shern
- Genetics Branch, Oncogenomics Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Steven G. DuBois
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
| | - Rajkumar Venkatramani
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Brian D. Crompton
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
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8
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Stankunaite R, Marshall LV, Carceller F, Chesler L, Hubank M, George SL. Liquid biopsy for children with central nervous system tumours: Clinical integration and technical considerations. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:957944. [PMID: 36467471 PMCID: PMC9709284 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.957944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis has the potential to revolutionise the care of patients with cancer and is already moving towards standard of care in some adult malignancies. Evidence for the utility of cfDNA analysis in paediatric cancer patients is also accumulating. In this review we discuss the limitations of blood-based assays in patients with brain tumours and describe the evidence supporting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cfDNA analysis. We make recommendations for CSF cfDNA processing to aid the standardisation and technical validation of future assays. We discuss the considerations for interpretation of cfDNA analysis and highlight promising future directions. Overall, cfDNA profiling shows great potential as an adjunct to the analysis of biopsy tissue in paediatric cancer patients, with the potential to provide a genetic molecular profile of the tumour when tissue biopsy is not feasible. However, to fully realise the potential of cfDNA analysis for children with brain tumours larger prospective studies incorporating serial CSF sampling are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda Stankunaite
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Genomics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Evolutionary Genomics and Modelling, Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lynley V. Marshall
- Paediatric Tumour Biology, Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Children and Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fernando Carceller
- Paediatric Tumour Biology, Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Children and Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Chesler
- Paediatric Tumour Biology, Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Children and Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Hubank
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Genomics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sally L. George
- Paediatric Tumour Biology, Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Children and Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Ruhen O, Lak NS, Stutterheim J, Danielli SG, Chicard M, Iddir Y, Saint-Charles A, Di Paolo V, Tombolan L, Gatz SA, Aladowicz E, Proszek P, Jamal S, Stankunaite R, Hughes D, Carter P, Izquierdo E, Wasti A, Chisholm JC, George SL, Pace E, Chesler L, Aerts I, Pierron G, Zaidi S, Delattre O, Surdez D, Kelsey A, Hubank M, Bonvini P, Bisogno G, Di Giannatale A, Schleiermacher G, Schäfer BW, Tytgat GA, Shipley J. Molecular Characterization of Circulating Tumor DNA in Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Feasibility Study. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2100534. [PMID: 36265118 PMCID: PMC9616639 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are rare neoplasms affecting children and young adults. Efforts to improve patient survival have been undermined by a lack of suitable disease markers. Plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has shown promise as a potential minimally invasive biomarker and monitoring tool in other cancers; however, it remains underexplored in RMS. We aimed to determine the feasibility of identifying and quantifying ctDNA in plasma as a marker of disease burden and/or treatment response using blood samples from RMS mouse models and patients. METHODS We established mouse models of RMS and applied quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to detect ctDNA within the mouse plasma. Potential driver mutations, copy-number alterations, and DNA breakpoints associated with PAX3/7-FOXO1 gene fusions were identified in the RMS samples collected at diagnosis. Patient-matched plasma samples collected from 28 patients with RMS before, during, and after treatment were analyzed for the presence of ctDNA via ddPCR, panel sequencing, and/or whole-exome sequencing. RESULTS Human tumor-derived DNA was detectable in plasma samples from mouse models of RMS and correlated with tumor burden. In patients, ctDNA was detected in 14/18 pretreatment plasma samples with ddPCR and 7/7 cases assessed by sequencing. Levels of ctDNA at diagnosis were significantly higher in patients with unfavorable tumor sites, positive nodal status, and metastasis. In patients with serial plasma samples (n = 18), fluctuations in ctDNA levels corresponded to treatment response. CONCLUSION Comprehensive ctDNA analysis combining high sensitivity and throughput can identify key molecular drivers in RMS models and patients, suggesting potential as a minimally invasive biomarker. Preclinical assessment of treatments using mouse models and further patient testing through prospective clinical trials are now warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Ruhen
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathalie S.M. Lak
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janine Stutterheim
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sara G. Danielli
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Chicard
- SiRIC RTOP (Recherche Translationelle en Oncologie Pediatrique), Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Yasmine Iddir
- SiRIC RTOP (Recherche Translationelle en Oncologie Pediatrique), Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Saint-Charles
- SiRIC RTOP (Recherche Translationelle en Oncologie Pediatrique), Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Virginia Di Paolo
- Department of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Tombolan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Susanne A. Gatz
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ewa Aladowicz
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Proszek
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Molecular Diagnostics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sabri Jamal
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Molecular Diagnostics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Reda Stankunaite
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Molecular Diagnostics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Hughes
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Molecular Diagnostics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Carter
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Molecular Diagnostics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Izquierdo
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Molecular Diagnostics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ajla Wasti
- Children & Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julia C. Chisholm
- Children & Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sally L. George
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Children & Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erika Pace
- Children & Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louis Chesler
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Children & Young People's Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Aerts
- SiRIC RTOP (Recherche Translationelle en Oncologie Pediatrique), Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Gaelle Pierron
- SiRIC RTOP (Recherche Translationelle en Oncologie Pediatrique), Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Sakina Zaidi
- INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisée LNCC, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Centre, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Delattre
- INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisée LNCC, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Centre, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Didier Surdez
- INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisée LNCC, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Centre, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Bone Sarcoma Research Laboratory, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Kelsey
- Department of Pediatric Histopathology, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Hubank
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Molecular Diagnostics, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Bonvini
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianni Bisogno
- Department of Woman's and Children's Health, Hematology and Oncology Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angela Di Giannatale
- Department of Pediatric Haematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gudrun Schleiermacher
- SiRIC RTOP (Recherche Translationelle en Oncologie Pediatrique), Institut Curie, Paris, France
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hospital Group, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Beat W. Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Godelieve A.M. Tytgat
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janet Shipley
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Madanat-Harjuoja LM, Renfro LA, Klega K, Tornwall B, Thorner AR, Nag A, Dix D, Dome JS, Diller LR, Fernandez CV, Mullen EA, Crompton BD. Circulating Tumor DNA as a Biomarker in Patients With Stage III and IV Wilms Tumor: Analysis From a Children's Oncology Group Trial, AREN0533. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:3047-3056. [PMID: 35580298 PMCID: PMC9462535 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analyses has not been established in the risk stratification of Wilms tumor (WT). We evaluated the detection of ctDNA and selected risk markers in the serum and urine of patients with WT and compared findings with those of matched diagnostic tumor samples. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty of 395 children with stage III or IV WT enrolled on Children's Oncology Group trial AREN0533 had banked pretreatment serum, urine, and tumor available. Next-generation sequencing was used to detect ctDNA. Copy-number changes in 1q, 16q, and 1p, and single-nucleotide variants in serum and urine were compared with tumor biopsy data. Event-free survival (EFS) was compared between patients with and without ctDNA detection. RESULTS ctDNA was detected in the serum of 41/50 (82%) and in the urine in 13/50 (26%) patients. Agreement between serum ctDNA detection and tumor sequencing results was as follows: 77% for 1q gain, 88% for 16q deletions, and 70% for 1p deletions, with ĸ-coefficients of 0.56, 0.74, and 0.29, respectively. Sequencing also demonstrated that single-nucleotide variants detected in tumors could be identified in the ctDNA. There was a trend toward worse EFS in patients with ctDNA detected in the serum (4-year EFS 80% v 100%, P = .14). CONCLUSION ctDNA demonstrates promise as an easily accessible prognostic biomarker with potential to detect tumor heterogeneity. The observed trend toward more favorable outcome in patients with undetectable ctDNA requires validation. ctDNA profiling should be further explored as a noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic tool in the risk-adapted treatment of patients with WT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kelly Klega
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
| | - Brett Tornwall
- Children's Oncology Group Statistics and Data Center, Monrovia, CA
| | - Aaron R. Thorner
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Anwesha Nag
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - David Dix
- BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jeffrey S. Dome
- Children's National Hospital and the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Lisa R. Diller
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Brian D. Crompton
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA
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11
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Cahn F, Revon-Riviere G, Min V, Rome A, Filaine P, Pelletier A, Abed S, Gentet JC, Verschuur A, André N. Blood-Derived Liquid Biopsies Using Foundation One ® Liquid CDx for Children and Adolescents with High-Risk Malignancies: A Monocentric Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112774. [PMID: 35681754 PMCID: PMC9179410 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Precision oncology requires tumor molecular profiling to identify actionable targets. Blood-derived liquid biopsy (LB) is a potential alternative that is not yet documented in real-world settings, especially in pediatric oncology. Analyzing, retrospectively, the use of LB in children with refractory relapsing diseases, we were able to show that this is a feasible alternative to tissue biopsy, resulting in successful analysis in a subset of patients. Abstract Precision oncology requires tumor molecular profiling to identify actionable targets. Tumor biopsies are considered as the gold standard, but their indications are limited by the burden of procedures in children. Blood-derived liquid biopsy (LB) is a potential alternative that is not yet documented in real-world settings, especially in pediatric oncology. We performed a retrospective analysis of children and teenagers with a relapsing or refractory disease, upon whom LB was performed using the Foundation One® liquid CDx from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021 in a single center. Forty-five patients (27 boys) were included, with a median age of 9 years of age (range: 1.5–17 years old). Underlying malignancies were neuroblastoma (12 patients), bone sarcoma (12), soft tissue sarcoma (9), brain tumors (7), and miscellaneous tumors (5). Forty-three patients had metastatic disease. Six patients had more than one biopsy because of a failure in first LB. Median time to obtain results was 13 days. Overall, analysis was successful for 33/45 patients. Eight patients did not present any molecular abnormalities. Molecular alterations were identified in 25 samples with a mean of 2.1 alterations per sample. The most common alterations concerned TP53 (7 pts), EWS-FLI1 (5), ALK (3), MYC (3), and CREBBP (2). TMB was low in all cases. Six patients received treatment based on the results from LB analysis and all were treated off-trial. Three additional patients were included in early phase clinical trials. Mean duration of treatment was 85 days, with one patient with stable disease after eight months. Molecular profiling using Foundation One® Liquid CDx was feasible in pediatric patients with high-risk solid tumors and lead to identification of targetable mutations in a subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Cahn
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.C.); (G.R.-R.); (V.M.); (A.R.); (P.F.); (S.A.); (J.-C.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Gabriel Revon-Riviere
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.C.); (G.R.-R.); (V.M.); (A.R.); (P.F.); (S.A.); (J.-C.G.); (A.V.)
- Centre d’essais Précoces en Cancérologie de Marseille (CEPCM), CLIPP2, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Victoria Min
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.C.); (G.R.-R.); (V.M.); (A.R.); (P.F.); (S.A.); (J.-C.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Angélique Rome
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.C.); (G.R.-R.); (V.M.); (A.R.); (P.F.); (S.A.); (J.-C.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Pauline Filaine
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.C.); (G.R.-R.); (V.M.); (A.R.); (P.F.); (S.A.); (J.-C.G.); (A.V.)
- Centre d’essais Précoces en Cancérologie de Marseille (CEPCM), CLIPP2, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Annick Pelletier
- Centre d’essais Précoces en Cancérologie de Marseille (CEPCM), CLIPP2, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Sylvie Abed
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.C.); (G.R.-R.); (V.M.); (A.R.); (P.F.); (S.A.); (J.-C.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Jean-Claude Gentet
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.C.); (G.R.-R.); (V.M.); (A.R.); (P.F.); (S.A.); (J.-C.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Arnauld Verschuur
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.C.); (G.R.-R.); (V.M.); (A.R.); (P.F.); (S.A.); (J.-C.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Nicolas André
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, La Timone University Hospital of Marseille, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France; (F.C.); (G.R.-R.); (V.M.); (A.R.); (P.F.); (S.A.); (J.-C.G.); (A.V.)
- Centre d’essais Précoces en Cancérologie de Marseille (CEPCM), CLIPP2, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France;
- SMARTc Unit, CRCM Inserm 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence:
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12
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Seidel MG, Kashofer K, Moser T, Thueringer A, Liegl-Atzwanger B, Leithner A, Szkandera J, Benesch M, El-Heliebi A, Heitzer E. Clinical implementation of plasma cell-free circulating tumor DNA quantification by digital droplet PCR for the monitoring of Ewing sarcoma in children and adolescents. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:926405. [PMID: 36046479 PMCID: PMC9420963 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.926405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment stratification and response assessment in pediatric sarcomas has relied on imaging studies and surgical/histopathological evidence of vital tumor cells. Such studies and evidence collection processes often involve radiation and/or general anesthesia in children. Cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection in blood plasma is one available method of so-called liquid biopsies that has been shown to correlate qualitatively and quantitatively with the existence of vital tumor cells in the body. Our clinical observational study focused on the utility and feasibility of ctDNA detection in pediatric Ewing sarcoma (EWS) as a marker of minimal residual disease (MRD). PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) to identify the exact breakpoints in tumors known to carry the EWS-FLI1 fusion gene. Patient-specific fusion breakpoints were tracked in peripheral blood plasma using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) before, during, and after therapy in six children and young adults with EWS. Presence and levels of fusion breakpoints were correlated with clinical disease courses. RESULTS We show that the detection of ctDNA in the peripheral blood of EWS patients (i) is feasible in the clinical routine and (ii) allows for the longitudinal real-time monitoring of MRD activity in children and young adults. Although changing ctDNA levels correlated well with clinical outcome within patients, between patients, a high variability was observed (inter-individually). CONCLUSION ctDNA detection by ddPCR is a highly sensitive, specific, feasible, and highly accurate method that can be applied in EWS for follow-up assessments as an additional surrogate parameter for clinical MRD monitoring and, potentially, also for treatment stratification in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus G Seidel
- Division for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Karl Kashofer
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tina Moser
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Diagnostic and Research Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Liquid Biopsies for Early Detection of Cancer, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andrea Thueringer
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernadette Liegl-Atzwanger
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Leithner
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Joanna Szkandera
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Benesch
- Division for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Amin El-Heliebi
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.,Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
| | - Ellen Heitzer
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Diagnostic and Research Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Liquid Biopsies for Early Detection of Cancer, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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