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Hijazi A, Galon J. Principles of risk assessment in colon cancer: immunity is key. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2347441. [PMID: 38694625 PMCID: PMC11062361 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2347441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In clinical practice, the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) following tumor surgical resection raises a critical dilemma for stage II colon cancer (CC) patients. The prognostic features used to identify high-risk CC patients rely on the pathological assessment of tumor cells. Currently, these factors are considered for stratifying patients who may benefit from ACT at early CC stages. However, the extent to which these factors predict clinical outcomes (i.e. recurrence, survival) remains highly controversial, also uncertainty persists regarding patients' response to treatment, necessitating further investigation. Therefore, an imperious need is to explore novel biomarkers that can reliably stratify patients at risk, to optimize adjuvant treatment decisions. Recently, we evaluated the prognostic and predictive value of Immunoscore (IS), an immune digital-pathology assay, in stage II CC patients. IS emerged as the sole significant parameter for predicting disease-free survival (DFS) in high-risk patients. Moreover, IS effectively stratified patients who would benefit most from ACT based on their risk of recurrence, thus predicting their outcomes. Notably, our findings revealed that digital IS outperformed the visual quantitative assessment of the immune response conducted by expert pathologists. The latest edition of the WHO classification for digestive tumor has introduced the evaluation of the immune response, as assessed by IS, as desirable and essential diagnostic criterion. This supports the revision of current cancer guidelines and strongly recommends the implementation of IS into clinical practice as a patient stratification tool, to guide CC treatment decisions. This approach may provide appropriate personalized therapeutic decisions that could critically impact early-stage CC patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assia Hijazi
- INSERM, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Paris, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Galon
- INSERM, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Paris, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Veracyte, Marseille, France
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Northcott J, Bartha G, Harris J, Li C, Navarro FC, Pyke RM, Hong M, Zhang Q, Ma S, Chen TX, Lai J, Udar N, Saldivar JS, Ayash E, Anderson J, Li J, Cui T, Le T, Chow R, Velasco RJ, Mallo C, Santiago R, Bruce RC, Goodman LJ, Chen Y, Norton D, Chen RO, Lyle JM. Analytical validation of NeXT Personal®, an ultra-sensitive personalized circulating tumor DNA assay. Oncotarget 2024; 15:200-218. [PMID: 38484152 PMCID: PMC10939476 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe the analytical validation of NeXT Personal®, an ultra-sensitive, tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay for detecting residual disease, monitoring therapy response, and detecting recurrence in patients diagnosed with solid tumor cancers. NeXT Personal uses whole genome sequencing of tumor and matched normal samples combined with advanced analytics to accurately identify up to ~1,800 somatic variants specific to the patient's tumor. A personalized panel is created, targeting these variants and then used to sequence cell-free DNA extracted from patient plasma samples for ultra-sensitive detection of ctDNA. The NeXT Personal analytical validation is based on panels designed from tumor and matched normal samples from two cell lines, and from 123 patients across nine cancer types. Analytical measurements demonstrated a detection threshold of 1.67 parts per million (PPM) with a limit of detection at 95% (LOD95) of 3.45 PPM. NeXT Personal showed linearity over a range of 0.8 to 300,000 PPM (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.9998). Precision varied from a coefficient of variation of 12.8% to 3.6% over a range of 25 to 25,000 PPM. The assay targets 99.9% specificity, with this validation study measuring 100% specificity and in silico methods giving us a confidence interval of 99.92 to 100%. In summary, this study demonstrates NeXT Personal as an ultra-sensitive, highly quantitative and robust ctDNA assay that can be used to detect residual disease, monitor treatment response, and detect recurrence in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Conan Li
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | | | | | | | - Qi Zhang
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | - Shuyuan Ma
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | | | - Janet Lai
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | - Nitin Udar
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | | | - Erin Ayash
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | | | - Jiang Li
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | - Tiange Cui
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | - Tu Le
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi Chen
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | - Dan Norton
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
| | | | - John M. Lyle
- Personalis, Inc., Fremont, CA 94555, USA
- Co-last authors
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Chen ZG, Ji XM, Xu YX, Fong WP, Liu XY, Liang JY, Tan Q, Wen L, Cai YY, Wang DS, Li YH. Methylated ctDNA predicts early recurrence risk in patients undergoing resection of initially unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241230752. [PMID: 38425989 PMCID: PMC10903215 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241230752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with initially unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (IU-CRLM) might benefit from using an effective systemic treatment followed by resection of liver metastases but the curative success rate is quite low. Indeed, nearly one-third of patients exhibit early recurrence within the first 6 months after surgery, and these individuals often have poor overall survival. Objectives This study aims to clarify the application value of serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis in predicting the clinical outcome of IU-CRLM patients following liver metastasectomy. Design A retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of patients with IU-CRLM between February 2018 and April 2021. Methods Plasma samples at different time points during CRLM treatment [baseline (BL), preoperation (PRE), postoperation (POST), end-of-treatment (EOT), and progressive disease (PD)] were retrospectively collected from patients with initially unresectable CRLM enrolled at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Dynamic changes of SEPTIN 9 (SEPT9) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) methylated circulating tumor DNA (MetctDNA) levels in serial plasma samples were detected using droplet-digital PCR (ddPCR). Results SEPT9 and NPY genes were hypermethylated in colon cancer cell lines and tissues while no difference was observed between primary and metastatic tumors. Patients with MetctDNA positive at POST or EOT had significantly lower recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared to patients with MetctDNA negative at these time points [POST: Hazard ratio (HR) 9.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.15-17.30, p < 0.001; EOT: HR 11.48, 95% CI 3.27-40.31, p < 0.001]. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that POST (OR 33.96, 95% CI 4.03-286.10, p = 0.001) and EOT (OR 18.36, 95% CI 1.14-295.71, p = 0.04) MetctDNA was an independent risk factor for early recurrence. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (T-ROC) analysis revealed that area under the curve (AUC) value was greatest at the relapse time point of 6 months post-intervention, with POST-AUC and EOT-AUC values of 0.74 (95% CI 0.66-0.81) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.53-0.94), respectively. Serial MetctDNA analysis showed that RFS was significantly lower in patients with no MetctDNA clearance compared with those with MetctDNA clearance (HR 26.05, 95% CI 4.92-137.81, p < 0.001). Conclusion Our study confirmed that serial ctDNA analysis of NPY and SEPT9 gene methylation could effectively predict early recurrence in IU-CRLM patients, especially at POST and EOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Gang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Meng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Xia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - William Pat Fong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jie-Ying Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lei Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Yu Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - De-Shen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
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Gao Z, Wan Z, Yu P, Shang Y, Zhu G, Jiang H, Chen Y, Wang S, Lei F, Huang W, Zeng Q, Wang Y, Rong W, Hong Y, Gao Q, Niu P, Zhai Z, An K, Ding C, Wang Y, Gu G, Wang X, Meng Q, Ye S, Liu H, Gu J. A recurrence-predictive model based on eight genes and tumor mutational burden/microsatellite instability status in Stage II/III colorectal cancer. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6720. [PMID: 38111983 PMCID: PMC10807589 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) is widely used to treat patients with Stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC), administering ACT to specific patients remains a challenge. The decision to ACT requires an accurate assessment of recurrence risk and absolute treatment benefit. However, the traditional TNM staging system does not accurately assess a patient's individual risk of recurrence. METHODS To identify recurrence risk-related genetic factors for Stage II/III CRC patients after radical surgery, we conducted an analysis of whole-exome sequencing of 47 patients with Stage II/III CRC who underwent radical surgery at five institutions. Patients were grouped into non-recurrence group (NR, n = 24, recurrence-free survival [RFS] > 5 years) and recurrence group (R, n = 23, RFS <2 years). The TCGA-COAD/READ cohort was employed as the validation dataset. RESULTS A recurrence-predictive model (G8plus score) based on eight gene (CUL9, PCDHA12, HECTD3, DCX, SMARCA2, FAM193A, AATK, and SORCS2) mutations and tumor mutation burden/microsatellite instability (TMB/MSI) status was constructed, with 97.87% accuracy in our data and 100% negative predictive value in the TCGA-COAD/READ cohort. For the TCGA-COAD/READ cohort, the G8plus-high group had better RFS (HR = 0.22, p = 0.024); the G8plus-high tumors had significantly more infiltrated immune cell types, higher tertiary lymphoid structure signature scores, and higher immunological signature scores. The G8plus score was also a predict biomarker for immunotherapeutic in advanced CRC in the PUCH cohort. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the G8plus score is a powerful biomarker for predicting the risk of recurrence in patients with stage II/III CRC. It can be used to stratify patients who benefit from ACT and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoya Gao
- Department of General SurgeryPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Zhiyi Wan
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd.Wuxi CityJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Pengfei Yu
- Department of General SurgeryAir Force Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation ArmyBeijingChina
| | - Yan Shang
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryCancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteShenyangLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Guangsheng Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryHubei Cancer HospitalWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Huiyuan Jiang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal SurgeryShanxi Province Cancer Hospital/ Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanShanxi ProvinceChina
| | - Yawei Chen
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd.Wuxi CityJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Shengzhou Wang
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd.Wuxi CityJiangsu ProvinceChina
| | - Fuming Lei
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Wensheng Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Qingmin Zeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yanzhao Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Wanshui Rong
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yuming Hong
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Qingkun Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Pengfei Niu
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Zhichao Zhai
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Ke An
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Changmin Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yunfan Wang
- Department of PathologyPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Guoli Gu
- Department of General SurgeryAir Force Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation ArmyBeijingChina
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of General SurgeryPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Qingkai Meng
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryCancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and InstituteShenyangLiaoning ProvinceChina
| | - Shengwei Ye
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryHubei Cancer HospitalWuhanHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Haiyi Liu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal SurgeryShanxi Province Cancer Hospital/ Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanShanxi ProvinceChina
| | - Jin Gu
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Shougang HospitalBeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
- Peking‐Tsinghua Center for Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- Peking University International Cancer InstituteBeijingChina
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5
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Dong Q, Chen C, Hu Y, Zhang W, Yang X, Qi Y, Zhu C, Chen X, Shen X, Ji W. Clinical application of molecular residual disease detection by circulation tumor DNA in solid cancers and a comparison of technologies: review article. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2274123. [PMID: 37955635 PMCID: PMC10653633 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2274123] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular residual disease (MRD), detected by circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can be involved in the entire process of solid tumor management, including recurrence prediction, efficacy evaluation, and risk stratification. Currently, the detection technologies are divided into two main categories, as follows: tumor-agnostic and tumor informed. Tumor-informed assay obtains mutation information by sequencing tumor tissue samples before blood MRD monitoring, followed by formulation of a personalized MRD panel. Tumor-agnostic assays are carried out using a fixed panel without the mutation information from primary tumor tissue. The choice of testing strategy may depend on the level of evidence from ongoing randomized clinical trials, investigator preference, cost-effectiveness, patient economics, and availability of tumor tissue. The review describes the difference between tumor informed and tumor agnostic detection. In addition, the clinical application of ctDNA MRD in solid tumors was introduced, with emphasis on lung cancer, colorectal cancer, Urinary system cancer, and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiantong Dong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenbin Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanbo Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiteng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinxin Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingxue Qi
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co.Ltd, The state Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing, China
| | - Chan Zhu
- The Medical Department, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co.Ltd, The state Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xian Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiping Ji
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lucheng District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surveillance, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ouhai District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang, China
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Krell M, Llera B, Brown ZJ. Circulating Tumor DNA and Management of Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:21. [PMID: 38201448 PMCID: PMC10778183 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010021] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has decreased as a result of increased screening and awareness, it still remains a major cause of cancer-related death. Additionally, early detection of CRC recurrence by conventional means such as CT, endoscopy, and CEA has not translated into an improvement in survival. Liquid biopsies, such as the detection circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), have been investigated as a biomarker for patients with CRC in terms of prognosis and recurrence, as well as their use to guide therapy. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of ctDNA as well as its utility in providing prognostic information, using it to guide therapy, and monitoring for recurrence in patients with CRC. In addition, we discuss the influence the site of disease may have on the ability to detect ctDNA in patients with metastatic CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zachary J. Brown
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA; (M.K.); (B.L.)
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7
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Kalashnikova E, Aushev VN, Malashevich AK, Tin A, Krinshpun S, Salari R, Scalise CB, Ram R, Malhotra M, Ravi H, Sethi H, Sanchez S, Hagelstrom RT, Brevnov M, Rabinowitz M, Moshkevich S, Zimmermann BG, Liu MC, Aleshin A. Correlation between variant allele frequency and mean tumor molecules with tumor burden in patients with solid tumors. Mol Oncol 2023. [PMID: 38037739 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA); however, the correlation of mean tumor molecules (MTM)/ml of plasma and mean variant allele frequency (mVAF; %) with clinical parameters is yet to be understood. In this study, we analyzed ctDNA data in a pan-cancer cohort of 23 543 patients who had ctDNA testing performed using a personalized, tumor-informed assay (Signatera™, mPCR-NGS assay). For ctDNA-positive patients, the correlation between MTM/ml and mVAF was examined. Two subanalyses were performed: (a) to establish the association of ctDNA with tumor volume and (b) to assess the correlation between ctDNA dynamics and patient outcomes. On a global cohort, a positive correlation between MTM/ml and mVAF was observed. Among 18 426 patients with longitudinal ctDNA measurements, 13.3% had discordant trajectories between MTM/ml and mVAF at subsequent time points. In metastatic patients receiving immunotherapy (N = 51), changes in ctDNA levels expressed both in MTM/ml and mVAF showed a statistically significant association with progression-free survival; however, the correlation with MTM/ml was numerically stronger.
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8
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Wen X, Coradduzza D, Shen J, Scanu AM, Muroni MR, Massidda M, Rallo V, Carru C, Angius A, De Miglio MR. Harnessing Minimal Residual Disease as a Predictor for Colorectal Cancer: Promising Horizons Amidst Challenges. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1886. [PMID: 37893604 PMCID: PMC10608819 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) detection has emerged as an independent factor in clinical and pathological cancer assessment offering a highly effective method for predicting recurrence in colorectal cancer (CRC). The ongoing research initiatives such as the DYNAMIC and CIRCULATE-Japan studies, have revealed the potential of MRD detection based on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to revolutionize management for CRC patients. MRD detection represents an opportunity for risk stratification, treatment guidance, and early relapse monitoring. Here we overviewed the evolving landscape of MRD technology and its promising applications through the most up-to-date research and reviews, underscoring the transformative potential of this approach. Our primary focus is to provide a point-to-point perspective and address key challenges relating to the adoption of ctDNA-based MRD detection in the clinical setting. By identifying critical areas of interest and hurdles surrounding clinical significance, detection criteria, and potential applications of basic research, this article offers insights into the advancements needed to evaluate the role of ctDNA in CRC MRD detection, contributing to favorable clinical options and improved outcomes in the management of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Wen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (X.W.); (D.C.); (J.S.); (C.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Donatella Coradduzza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (X.W.); (D.C.); (J.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Jiaxin Shen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (X.W.); (D.C.); (J.S.); (C.C.)
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Antonio Mario Scanu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Muroni
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Matteo Massidda
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Rallo
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR, Cittadella Universitaria di Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (V.R.); (A.A.)
| | - Ciriaco Carru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (X.W.); (D.C.); (J.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Andrea Angius
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR, Cittadella Universitaria di Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (V.R.); (A.A.)
| | - Maria Rosaria De Miglio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.S.); (M.R.M.); (M.M.)
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Ponomaryova AA, Rykova EY, Solovyova AI, Tarasova AS, Kostromitsky DN, Dobrodeev AY, Afanasiev SA, Cherdyntseva NV. Genomic and Transcriptomic Research in the Discovery and Application of Colorectal Cancer Circulating Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12407. [PMID: 37569782 PMCID: PMC10419249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequently occurring malignancy in the world. However, the mortality from CRC can be reduced through early diagnostics, selection of the most effective treatment, observation of the therapy success, and the earliest possible diagnosis of recurrences. A comprehensive analysis of genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to the CRC development is needed to refine diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies and to ensure appropriate decision making in managing specific CRC cases. The liquid biopsy approach utilizing circulating markers has demonstrated its good performance as a tool to detect the changes in the molecular pathways associated with various cancers. In this review, we attempted to brief the main tendencies in the development of circulating DNA and RNA-based markers in CRC such as cancer-associated DNA mutations, DNA methylation changes, and non-coding RNA expression shifts. Attention is devoted to the existing circulating nucleic acid-based CRC markers, the possibility of their application in clinical practice today, and their future improvement. Approaches to the discovery and verification of new markers are described, and the existing problems and potential solutions for them are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A. Ponomaryova
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Elena Yu. Rykova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Department of Engineering Problems of Ecology, Novosibirsk State Technical University, 630087 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anastasia I. Solovyova
- Department of Biochemistry, Medico-Biological Faculty, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Anna S. Tarasova
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry N. Kostromitsky
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Alexey Yu. Dobrodeev
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Sergey A. Afanasiev
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Nadezhda V. Cherdyntseva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009 Tomsk, Russia
- Faculty of Chemistry, National Research Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
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10
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Liu W, Jin KM, Zhang MH, Bao Q, Liu M, Xu D, Wang K, Xing BC. Recurrence Prediction by Circulating Tumor DNA in the Patient with Colorectal Liver Metastases After Hepatectomy: A Prospective Biomarker Study. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:4916-4926. [PMID: 37219651 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13362-1] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recurrence rate after hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains high. This study aimed to investigate postoperative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) based on ultra-deep next-generation sequencing (NGS) to predict patient recurrence and survival. METHODS Using the high-throughput NGS method tagged with a dual-indexed unique molecular identifier, named the CRLM-specific 25-gene panel (J25), this study sequenced ctDNA in peripheral blood samples collected from 134 CRLM patients who underwent hepatectomy after postoperative day 6. RESULTS Of 134 samples, 42 (31.3%) were shown to be ctDNA-positive, and 37 resulted in recurrence. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that disease-free survival (DFS) in the ctDNA-positive subgroup was significantly shorter than in the ctDNA-negative subgroup (hazard ratio [HR], 2.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.91-4.6; p < 0.05). When the 42 ctDNA-positive samples were further divided by the median of the mean allele frequency (AF, 0.1034%), the subgroup with higher AFs showed a significantly shorter DFS than the subgroup with lower AFs (HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.02-3.85; p < 0.05). The ctDNA-positive patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy longer than 2 months showed a significantly longer DFS than those who received treatment for 2 months or less (HR, 0.377; 95% CI, 0.189-0.751; p < 0.05). Uni- and multivariable Cox regression indicated two factors independently correlated with prognosis: ctDNA positivity and no preoperative chemotherapy. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that ctDNA status 6 days postoperatively could sensitively and accurately predict recurrence for patients with CRLM using the J25 panel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department I, Ministry of Education, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Min Jin
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department I, Ministry of Education, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Huan Zhang
- GloriousMed Clinical Laboratory (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Quan Bao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department I, Ministry of Education, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department I, Ministry of Education, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department I, Ministry of Education, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department I, Ministry of Education, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bao-Cai Xing
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department I, Ministry of Education, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Knapen DG, de Haan JJ, Fehrmann RSN, de Vries EGE, de Groot DJA. Opportunities on the horizon for the management of early colon cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 183:103918. [PMID: 36702421 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103918] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a clear unmet need to improve early colon cancer management. This review encompasses the current systemic treatment landscape and summarises novel and pivotal trials. The Immunoscore and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) are studied to evaluate which patients should receive no, 3, or 6 months of adjuvant treatment. Several trials also test escalating treatment strategies for non-cleared ctDNA following standard adjuvant chemotherapy. Advances made in treating patients with metastatic colon cancer are now being translated to the early colon cancer setting. Two ongoing RCTs study immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with microsatellite instable high (MSI-H) early colon cancer as adjuvant treatment. Neo-adjuvant treatment is being studied in several ongoing RCTs as well. The complete response rate in patients with MSI-H tumours following ICI in neoadjuvant trials has potential organ-sparing implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan G Knapen
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jacco J de Haan
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rudolf S N Fehrmann
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth G E de Vries
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Derk Jan A de Groot
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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12
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Caputo V, Ciardiello F, Corte CMD, Martini G, Troiani T, Napolitano S. Diagnostic value of liquid biopsy in the era of precision medicine: 10 years of clinical evidence in cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:102-138. [PMID: 36937316 PMCID: PMC10017193 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy is a diagnostic repeatable test, which in last years has emerged as a powerful tool for profiling cancer genomes in real-time with minimal invasiveness and tailoring oncological decision-making. It analyzes different blood-circulating biomarkers and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is the preferred one. Nevertheless, tissue biopsy remains the gold standard for molecular evaluation of solid tumors whereas liquid biopsy is a complementary tool in many different clinical settings, such as treatment selection, monitoring treatment response, cancer clonal evolution, prognostic evaluation, as well as the detection of early disease and minimal residual disease (MRD). A wide number of technologies have been developed with the aim of increasing their sensitivity and specificity with acceptable costs. Moreover, several preclinical and clinical studies have been conducted to better understand liquid biopsy clinical utility. Anyway, several issues are still a limitation of its use such as false positive and negative results, results interpretation, and standardization of the panel tests. Although there has been rapid development of the research in these fields and recent advances in the clinical setting, many clinical trials and studies are still needed to make liquid biopsy an instrument of clinical routine. This review provides an overview of the current and future clinical applications and opening questions of liquid biopsy in different oncological settings, with particular attention to ctDNA liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Caputo
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Carminia Maria Della Corte
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giulia Martini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Troiani
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefania Napolitano
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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13
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Puccini A, Martelli V, Pastorino A, Sciallero S, Sobrero A. ctDNA to Guide Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: Ready for Standard of Care? Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:76-92. [PMID: 36656505 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-01048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has already shown clinically relevant results in early-stage colon cancer patient management. Its prognostic value is by far much stronger than that of the available clinico-pathological biomarkers, therefore, has the potential to personalize the treatment after radical surgery through intensifying or de-intensifying the adjuvant therapy. Further developments and improvements should be pursued by (a) optimizing ctDNA assays and (b) validating its clinical utility in the different stages of this disease. Two main avenues of ctDNA testing are being pursued: tumor-informed vs tumor-agnostic assays. Two main clinical trial designs are under study: ctDNA-based strategy and ctDNA-by-treatment interaction. The former needs large sample sizes to address the main questions of the studies; thus, the target delta benefit may be the main challenge in these trial designs. The latter may be challenged by unavoidable contamination bias. To date, several clinical trials are ongoing worldwide. We believe that this large number of trials may provide an excellent common database for the demonstration of surrogacy of ctDNA for the classical 3-year disease-free survival endpoint. This would mark a huge methodological improvement to speed up new drug testing and development in the adjuvant treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Puccini
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentino Martelli
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pastorino
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefania Sciallero
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sobrero
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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14
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Wang F, Lu S, Cao D, Qian J, Li C, Zhang R, Wang F, Wu M, Liu Y, Pan Z, Wu X, Lu Z, Ding P, Li L, Lin J, Catteau A, Galon J, Chen G. Prognostic and predictive value of Immunoscore and its correlation with ctDNA in stage II colorectal cancer. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2161167. [PMID: 36632564 PMCID: PMC9828598 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2161167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to validate the prognostic value of Immunoscore (IS) in stage II colorectal cancer (CRC), and explore the roles of IS and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the adjuvant treatment for early-stage CRC. Resected tumor samples from stage II CRC patients were collected from the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. The densities of CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were quantified and converted to IS and classified into Low, Intermediate (Int), and High groups according to predefined cutoffs. A total of 113 patients were included in the study. Patients with IS-High, Int, and Low were 43 (38%), 62 (55%), and 8 (7%), respectively. Patients with IS-High had an excellent clinical outcome, with none recurring during a median follow-up of 3 years, including 15 (35%) clinical high-risk patients. The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 100% for IS-High, 76% for IS-Int, and 47% for IS-Low (P < .001). In the multivariate Cox analysis, IS was the only significant parameter associated with DFS. IS-Int and IS-Low patients with adjuvant chemotherapy had improved DFS compared to those who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.92; P = .026). Among the 49 patients with postoperative ctDNA data, IS-High patients had the lowest ctDNA positivity rate, suggesting that they were most eligible for chemotherapy-free treatment. IS had a strong prognostic value in Chinese patients with stage II CRC and demonstrates its clinical utility. IS and ctDNA will jointly optimize the adjuvant treatment strategies for early-stage CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulong Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shixun Lu
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Di Cao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Juanjuan Qian
- Department of Medicine, Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Miaoqing Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yifan Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhizhong Pan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhenhai Lu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peirong Ding
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liren Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | - Junzhong Lin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Jérôme Galon
- Veracyte, Marseille, France,INSERM, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Paris, France,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Paris, France,Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France,CONTACT Jérôme Galon INSERM, Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology. Cordeliers Research Centre. 15 rue de l’école de médecine, Paris75006, France
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, China
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15
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Mirza S, Bhadresha K, Mughal MJ, McCabe M, Shahbazi R, Ruff P, Penny C. Liquid biopsy approaches and immunotherapy in colorectal cancer for precision medicine: Are we there yet? Front Oncol 2023; 12:1023565. [PMID: 36686736 PMCID: PMC9853908 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1023565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with nearly half of patients detected in the advanced stages. This is due to the fact that symptoms associated with CRC often do not appear until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. This suggests that CRC is a cancer with a slow progression, making it curable and preventive if detected in its early stage. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical need to improve CRC early detection and personalize therapy for patients with this cancer. Recently, liquid biopsy as a non-invasive or nominally invasive approach has attracted considerable interest for its real-time disease monitoring capability through repeated sample analysis. Several studies in CRC have revealed the potential for liquid biopsy application in a real clinical setting using circulating RNA/miRNA, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, etc. However, Liquid biopsy still remains a challenge since there are currently no promising results with high specificity and specificity that might be employed as optimal circulatory biomarkers. Therefore, in this review, we conferred the plausible role of less explored liquid biopsy components like mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), organoid model of CTCs, and circulating cancer-associated fibroblasts (cCAFs); which may allow researchers to develop improved strategies to unravel unfulfilled clinical requirements in CRC patients. Moreover, we have also discussed immunotherapy approaches to improve the prognosis of MSI (Microsatellite Instability) CRC patients using neoantigens and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a liquid biopsy approach in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheefa Mirza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Department of Internal Medicine, Common Epithelial Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kinjal Bhadresha
- Hematology/Oncology Division, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Muhammed Jameel Mughal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Science, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michelle McCabe
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Reza Shahbazi
- Hematology/Oncology Division, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Paul Ruff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Department of Internal Medicine, Common Epithelial Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Clement Penny
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Department of Internal Medicine, Common Epithelial Cancer Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,*Correspondence: Clement Penny,
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Alden SL, Dhani H, Palsuledesai CC, Krinshpun S, Jurdi A, Christenson E, Browner I, Rosner S. Post-operative ctDNA monitoring in stage I colon cancer: A case report. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1074786. [PMID: 36591529 PMCID: PMC9795219 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1074786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) level monitoring after surgery for colon cancer has been studied in stage II and III colon cancer to risk-stratify patients for adjuvant therapy. However, there is less data regarding the role of this diagnostic tool in the management of stage I disease, where current recommended surveillance is limited to screening colonoscopy at one year. In this report, we describe the case of a 57-year-old man with stage I colon cancer who underwent complete resection with adequate lymph node surgical sampling, normal preoperative CEA and no evidence of metastatic disease on initial imaging. The patient elected to undergo serial ctDNA monitoring after surgery. Rising ctDNA levels, five months after resection, prompted cross-sectional imaging which demonstrated metastatic disease to the liver. The patient subsequently received five cycles of leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan with bevacizumab (FOLFOXIRI-Bev) and definitive microwave ablation to the liver metastases, with resulting undetectable ctDNA levels. The patient's imaging and colonoscopy one-year post-operatively showed no evidence of disease, with ctDNA levels remaining undetectable. This report highlights the value of ctDNA monitoring in patients with early-stage colon cancer and suggests that further, large-scale studies may be warranted to determine its appropriate clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Alden
- Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Eric Christenson
- Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ilene Browner
- Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Samuel Rosner
- Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Samuel Rosner,
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17
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Telekes A, Horváth A. The Role of Cell-Free DNA in Cancer Treatment Decision Making. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:6115. [PMID: 36551600 PMCID: PMC9776613 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to evaluate the present status of the use of cell-free DNA and its fraction of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) because this year July 2022, an ESMO guideline was published regarding the application of ctDNA in patient care. This review is for clinical oncologists to explain the concept, the terms used, the pros and cons of ctDNA; thus, the technical aspects of the different platforms are not reviewed in detail, but we try to help in navigating the current knowledge in liquid biopsy. Since the validated and adequately sensitive ctDNA assays have utility in identifying actionable mutations to direct targeted therapy, ctDNA may be used for this soon in routine clinical practice and in other different areas as well. The cfDNA fragments can be obtained by liquid biopsy and can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and selecting among treatment options in cancer patients. A great proportion of cfDNA comes from normal cells of the body or from food uptake. Only a small part (<1%) of it is related to tumors, originating from primary tumors, metastatic sites, or circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Soon the data obtained from ctDNA may routinely be used for finding minimal residual disease, detecting relapse, and determining the sites of metastases. It might also be used for deciding appropriate therapy, and/or emerging resistance to the therapy and the data analysis of ctDNA may be combined with imaging or other markers. However, to achieve this goal, further clinical validations are inevitable. As a result, clinicians should be aware of the limitations of the assays. Of course, several open questions are still under research and because of it cfDNA and ctDNA testing are not part of routine care yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Telekes
- Omnimed-Etosz, Ltd., 81 Széher Rd., 1021 Budapest, Hungary
- Semmelweis University, 26. Üllői Rd., 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Horváth
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Semmelweis University, 46. Szentkirályi Rd., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
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18
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Wagman LD, Geller DA, Jacobs SA, Petrelli NJ, Allegra CJ, Lipchik C, Pogue‐Geile KL, Srinivasan A, Wang Y, O'Connell MJ. NSABP FC‐6: Surgical conversion rate in colorectal cancer patients with unresectable, KRAS wild‐type liver metastases receiving mFOLFOX7 plus cetuximab. J Surg Oncol 2022; 126:1494-1503. [DOI: 10.1002/jso.27078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence D. Wagman
- Department of Medicine NSABP Foundation Pittsburgh PA
- Department of Surgery/Oncology City of Hope Orange CA
| | - David A. Geller
- Department of Medicine NSABP Foundation Pittsburgh PA
- Department of Surgery/Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA
| | - Samuel A. Jacobs
- Department of Oncology/Hematology NSABP Foundation Pittsburgh PA
| | - Nicholas J. Petrelli
- Department of Medicine NSABP Foundation Pittsburgh PA
- Department of Surgery/Oncology Christiana Care Health Service/Helen F Graham Cancer Center; Newark DE
| | - Carmen J. Allegra
- Department of Medicine NSABP Foundation Pittsburgh PA
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology University of Florida Gainesville FL
| | - Corey Lipchik
- Department of Pathology NSABP Foundation Pittsburgh PA
| | | | | | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathology NSABP Foundation Pittsburgh PA
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19
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Hassan S, Shehzad A, Khan SA, Miran W, Khan S, Lee YS. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of Circulating-Free DNA and Cell-Free RNA in Cancer Management. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10082047. [PMID: 36009594 PMCID: PMC9405989 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10082047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Over time, molecular biology and genomics techniques have been developed to speed up the early diagnosis and clinical management of cancer. These therapies are often most effective when administered to the subset of malignancies harboring the target identified by molecular testing. Important advances in applying molecular testing involve circulating-free DNA (cfDNA)- and cell-free RNA (cfRNA)-based liquid biopsies for the diagnosis, prognosis, prediction, and treatment of cancer. Both cfDNA and cfRNA are sensitive and specific biomarkers for cancer detection, which have been clinically proven through multiple randomized and prospective trials. These help in cancer management based on the noninvasive evaluation of size, quantity, and point mutations, as well as copy number alterations at the tumor site. Moreover, personalized detection of ctDNA helps in adjuvant therapeutics and predicts the chances of recurrence of cancer and resistance to cancer therapy. Despite the controversial diagnostic values of cfDNA and cfRNA, many clinical trials have been completed, and the Food and Drug Administration has approved many multigene assays to detect genetic alterations in the cfDNA of cancer patients. In this review, we underpin the recent advances in the physiological roles of cfDNA and cfRNA, as well as their roles in cancer detection by highlighting recent clinical trials and their roles as prognostic and predictive markers in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Hassan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Adeeb Shehzad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (Y.-S.L.)
| | - Shahid Ali Khan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences (SNS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Waheed Miran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical and Materials Engineering National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Salman Khan
- Department of pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Young-Sup Lee
- School of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (Y.-S.L.)
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20
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Henriksen TV, Reinert T, Rasmussen MH, Demuth C, Løve US, Madsen AH, Gotschalck KA, Iversen LH, Andersen CL. Comparing single-target and multi-target approaches for postoperative circulating tumor DNA detection in stage II-III colorectal cancer patients. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3654-3665. [PMID: 35895438 PMCID: PMC9580876 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) detection for postoperative risk stratification in cancer patients has great clinical potential. However, low ctDNA abundances complicates detection. Multitarget (MT) detection strategies have been developed to increase sensitivity. Yet, empirical evidence supporting performance gains of MT vs. single‐target (ST) strategies in a postoperative setting is limited. We compared ctDNA detection in 379 paired plasma samples from 112 stage II–III colorectal cancer patients by ST digital PCR and MT sequencing of 16 patient‐specific variants. The strategies exhibited good concordance (90%, Cohen's Kappa 0.79), with highly correlated ctDNA quantifications (Pearson r = 0.985). A difference was observed in ctDNA detection preoperatively (ST 72/92, MT 88/92). However, no difference was observed immediately after surgery in recurrence (ST 11/22, MT 10/22) or nonrecurrence (both 2/34) patients. In serial samples, detection was similar within recurrence (ST 13/16, MT 14/16) and nonrecurrence (ST 3/49, MT 1/49) patients. Both approaches yielded similar lead times to standard‐of‐care radiology (ST 4.0 months, MT 4.1 months). Our findings do not support significant performance gains of the MT strategy over the ST strategy for postoperative ctDNA detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenna Vesterman Henriksen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens, Boulevard 99, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Thomas Reinert
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens, Boulevard 99, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Mads Heilskov Rasmussen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens, Boulevard 99, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Christina Demuth
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens, Boulevard 99, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Uffe Schou Løve
- Department of Surgery, Regional Hospital Viborg, Banevejen 7C, DK-8800, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Anders Husted Madsen
- Department of Surgery, Regional Hospital Herning, Hospitalsparken 15, DK-7400, Herning, Denmark
| | | | - Lene Hjerrild Iversen
- Department of Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens, Boulevard 35, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Claus Lindbjerg Andersen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens, Boulevard 99, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 82, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
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21
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Mjahed RB, Astaras C, Roth A, Koessler T. Where Are We Now and Where Might We Be Headed in Understanding and Managing Brain Metastases in Colorectal Cancer Patients? Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:980-1000. [PMID: 35482170 PMCID: PMC9174111 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00982-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Compared to liver and lung metastases, brain metastases (BMs) from colorectal cancer (CRC) are rare and remain poorly investigated despite the anticipated rise in their incidence. CRC patients bearing BM have a dismal prognosis with a median survival of 3-6 months, significantly lower than that of patients with BM from other primary tumors, and of those with metastatic CRC manifesting extracranially. While liver and lung metastases from CRC have more codified treatment strategies, there is no consensus regarding the treatment of BM in CRC, and their management follows the approaches of BM from other solid tumors. Therapeutic strategies are driven by the number and localisation of the lesion, consisting in local treatments such as surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, or whole-brain radiotherapy. Novel treatment modalities are slowly finding their way into this shy unconsented armatorium including immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or a combination of those, among others.This article reviews the pioneering strategies aiming at understanding, diagnosing, and managing this disease, and discusses future directions, challenges, and potential innovations in each of these domains. HIGHLIGHTS • With the increasing survival in CRC, brain and other rare/late-onset metastases are rising. • Distal colon/rectal primary location, long-standing progressive lung metastases, and longer survival are risk factors for BM development in CRC. • Late diagnosis and lack of consensus treatment strategies make BM-CRC diagnosis very dismal. • Liquid biopsies using circulating tumor cells might offer excellent opportunities in the early diagnosis of BM-CRC and the search for therapeutic options. • Multi-modality treatment including surgical metastatic resection, postoperative SRS with/without WBRT, and chemotherapy is the best current treatment option. • Recent mid-sized clinical trials, case reports, and preclinical models show the potential of unconventional therapeutic approaches as monoclonal antibodies, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ribal Bou Mjahed
- Department of Oncology, University hospital of Geneva (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland.
- Département de médecine interne - CHUV, Rue du Bugnon 21, CH-1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Christoforos Astaras
- Department of Oncology, University hospital of Geneva (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arnaud Roth
- Department of Oncology, University hospital of Geneva (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thibaud Koessler
- Department of Oncology, University hospital of Geneva (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
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22
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Kirchweger P, Wundsam HV, Rumpold H. Circulating tumor DNA for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. World J Clin Oncol 2022; 13:473-484. [PMID: 35949436 PMCID: PMC9244970 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v13.i6.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Minimally invasive detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in peripheral blood or other body fluids of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies via liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising biomarker. This is urgently needed, as conventional imaging and plasma protein-derived biomarkers lack sensitivity and specificity in prognosis, early detection of relapse or treatment monitoring. This review summarizes the potential role of liquid biopsy in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment monitoring of gastrointestinal malignancies, including upper gastrointestinal, liver, bile duct, pancreatic and colorectal cancer. CtDNA can now be part of the clinical routine as a promising, highly sensitive and specific biomarker with a broad range of applicability. Liquid-biopsy based postoperative relapse prediction could lead to improved survival by intensification of adjuvant treatment in patients identified to be at risk of early recurrence. Moreover, ctDNA allows monitoring of antineoplastic treatment success, with identification of potentially developed resistance or therapeutic targets during the course of treatment. It may also assist in early change of chemotherapy in metastatic gastrointestinal malignancies prior to imaging findings of relapse. Nevertheless, clinical utility is dependent on the tumor’s entity and burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Kirchweger
- Department of Surgery, Ordensklinikum Linz, Linz 4010, Austria
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Ordensklinikum Linz, Linz 4010, Austria
- Medical Faculty, JKU University Linz, Linz 4040, Austria
| | | | - Holger Rumpold
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Ordensklinikum Linz, Linz 4010, Austria
- Medical Faculty, JKU University Linz, Linz 4040, Austria
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23
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Finding Waldo: The Evolving Paradigm of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)—Guided Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Assessment in Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133078. [PMID: 35804850 PMCID: PMC9265001 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary After the surgical removal of colorectal cancer (CRC), residual cancer cells undetectable by standard blood tests and imaging studies are responsible for cancer recurrence. Currently, chemotherapy is often administered after surgery to eradicate residual cancer cells, a decision guided by clinical and pathologic criteria, which are imprecise. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) consists of DNA fragments in the bloodstream derived from cancer cells, and the presence of ctDNA likely indicates the presence of residual cancer cells. The current article discusses how ctDNA technology can help guide treatment in patients with CRC after curative surgery. Abstract Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), the tumor-derived cell-free DNA fragments in the bloodstream carrying tumor-specific genetic and epigenetic alterations, represents an emerging novel tool for minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment in patients with resected colorectal cancer (CRC). For many decades, precise risk-stratification following curative-intent colorectal surgery has remained an enduring challenge. The current risk stratification strategy relies on clinicopathologic characteristics of the tumors that lacks precision and results in over-and undertreatment in a significant proportion of patients. Consequently, a biomarker that can reliably identify patients harboring MRD would be of critical importance in refining patient selection for adjuvant therapy. Several prospective cohort studies have provided compelling data suggesting that ctDNA could be a robust biomarker for MRD that outperforms all existing clinicopathologic criteria. Numerous clinical trials are currently underway to validate the ctDNA-guided MRD assessment and adjuvant treatment strategies. Once validated, the ctDNA technology will likely transform the adjuvant therapy paradigm of colorectal cancer, supporting ctDNA-guided treatment escalation and de-escalation. The current article presents a comprehensive overview of the published studies supporting the utility of ctDNA for MRD assessment in patients with CRC. We also discuss ongoing ctDNA-guided adjuvant clinical trials that will likely shape future adjuvant therapy strategies for patients with CRC.
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24
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Lefler DS, Snook AE, Bashir B. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in luminal gastrointestinal malignancies: going beyond MSI-H/dMMR, TMB and PD-L1. Immunotherapy 2022; 14:885-902. [PMID: 35694998 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In luminal gastrointestinal tumors, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 have been investigated in multiple settings. The indications for these drugs are primarily dependent on specific biomarkers that imply immunogenicity: overexpression of PD-L1, tumor mutational burden, loss of mismatch repair proteins (dMMR) and/or high microsatellite instability status. Although these markers can be both predictive and prognostic, there is variability in how they are measured and used to guide therapies. Moreover, the use of ICIs can be further refined with a better understanding of the tumor microenvironment and interactions with other available therapies. The purpose of this review is to characterize luminal gastrointestinal tumors' responses to ICIs considering known predictive biomarkers and discuss emerging therapeutic approaches using ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Lefler
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Adam E Snook
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Babar Bashir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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25
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Alese OB, Cook N, Ortega-Franco A, Ulanja MB, Tan L, Tie J. Circulating Tumor DNA: An Emerging Tool in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-20. [PMID: 35471832 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_349143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is tumor-derived fragmented DNA in the bloodstream that has come from primary or metastatic cancer sites. Neoplasm-specific genetic and epigenetic abnormalities are increasingly being identified through liquid biopsy: a novel, minimally invasive technique used to isolate and analyze ctDNA in the peripheral circulation. Liquid biopsy and other emerging ctDNA technologies represent a paradigm shift in cancer diagnostics because they allow for the detection of minimal residual disease in patients with early-stage disease, improve risk stratification, capture tumor heterogeneity and genomic evolution, and enhance ctDNA-guided adjuvant and palliative cancer therapy. Moreover, ctDNA can be used to monitor the tumor response to neoadjuvant and postoperative therapy in patients with metastatic disease. Using clearance of ctDNA as an endpoint for escalation/de-escalation of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients considered to have high-risk disease has become an important area of research. The possibility of using ctDNA as a surrogate for treatment response-including for overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease-free survival-is an attractive concept; this surrogate will arguably reduce study duration and expedite the development of new therapies. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the applications of ctDNA for the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal tumors. Gastrointestinal cancers-including tumors of the esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, and pancreas-account for one-quarter of global cancer diagnoses and contribute to more than one-third of cancer-related deaths. Given the prevalence of gastrointestinal malignancies, ctDNA technology represents a powerful tool to reduce the global burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olatunji B Alese
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Natalie Cook
- Experimental Cancer Medicine Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Ortega-Franco
- Experimental Cancer Medicine Team, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark B Ulanja
- Christus Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital, Lake Charles, LA
| | - Lavinia Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jeanne Tie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Division of Personalized Oncology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
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26
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de Assis JV, Coutinho LA, Oyeyemi IT, Oyeyemi OT, Grenfell RFEQ. Diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in colorectal cancer: a review. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:661-680. [PMID: 35261794 PMCID: PMC8900002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a public health concern and the second most common type of cancer among men and women causing a significant mortality. Biomarkers closely linked to the disease morbidity could holds potential as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for the disease. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the search for colorectal cancer biomarkers through genomics and proteomics according to clinical function and application. Specifically, a number of biomarkers were identified and discussed. Emphasis was placed on their clinical applications relative to the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. The discovery of more sensitive and specific markers for CRC is an urgent need, and the study of molecular targets is extremely important in this process, as they will allow for a better understanding of colorectal carcinogenesis, identification and validation of potential genetic signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Vieira de Assis
- Diagnosis and Therapy of Infectious Diseases and Cancer, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucélia Antunes Coutinho
- Diagnosis and Therapy of Infectious Diseases and Cancer, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Oyetunde Timothy Oyeyemi
- Diagnosis and Therapy of Infectious Diseases and Cancer, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Medical SciencesOndo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Rafaella Fortini e Queiroz Grenfell
- Diagnosis and Therapy of Infectious Diseases and Cancer, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of GeorgiaAthens, Georgia, United States of America
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27
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Broccard SP, Kasbi AA, Bagaria SP, Jones J, Shoudry M, Gabriel EM. Liquid biopsies for colorectal cancer: a narrative review of ongoing clinical trials and the current use of this technology at a comprehensive cancer center. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:438-449. [PMID: 35284120 PMCID: PMC8899730 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this review, we summarize ongoing clinical trials involving liquid biopsies (LB) for colorectal cancer (CRC), outlining the current landscape and the future implementation of this technology. We also describe the current use of LB in CRC treatment at our institution, the Mayo Clinic Enterprise. BACKGROUND The use of LB in CRC treatment merits close attention. Their role is being evaluated in the screening, non-intervention, intervention, and surveillance settings through many active trials. This, coupled with the technique's rapid integration into clinical practice, creates constant evolution of care. METHODS Review of ClinicalTrials.gov was performed identifying relevant and active trials involving LB for CRC. "Colorectal cancer" plus other terms including "liquid biopsies" and "ctDNA" were used as search terms, identifying 35 active trials. CONCLUSIONS LB use for the CRC is actively being investigated and requires close attention. Based on current evidence, Mayo Clinic Enterprise currently uses LB in the non-interventional, interventional and surveillance setting, but not for screening. Results of these trials may further establish the use of LB in the management of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeremy Jones
- Division of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Mira Shoudry
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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28
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Stasik S, Mende M, Schuster C, Mahler S, Aust D, Tannapfel A, Reinacher-Schick A, Baretton G, Krippendorf C, Bornhäuser M, Ehninger G, Folprecht G, Thiede C. Sensitive Quantification of Cell-Free Tumor DNA for Early Detection of Recurrence in Colorectal Cancer. Front Genet 2022; 12:811291. [PMID: 35069704 PMCID: PMC8766716 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.811291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of plasma cell–free tumor DNA (ctDNA) is prognostic in colorectal cancer (CRC) and has potential for early prediction of disease recurrence. In clinical routine, ctDNA-based diagnostics are limited by the low concentration of ctDNA and error rates of standard next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches. We evaluated the potential to increase the stability and yield of plasma cell–free DNA (cfDNA) for routine diagnostic purposes using different blood collection tubes and various manual or automated cfDNA extraction protocols. Sensitivity for low-level ctDNA was measured in KRAS-mutant cfDNA using an error-reduced NGS procedure. To test the applicability of rapid evaluation of ctDNA persistence in clinical routine, we prospectively analyzed postoperative samples of 67 CRC (stage II) patients. ctDNA detection was linear between 0.0045 and 45%, with high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (100%) for mutations at 0.1% VAF. The stability and yield of cfDNA were superior when using Streck BCT tubes and a protocol by Zymo Research. Sensitivity for ctDNA increased 1.5-fold by the integration of variant reads from triplicate PCRs and with PCR template concentration. In clinical samples, ctDNA persistence was found in ∼9% of samples, drawn 2 weeks after surgery. Moreover, in a retrospective analysis of 14 CRC patients with relapse during adjuvant therapy, we successfully detected ctDNA (median 0.38% VAF; range 0.18–5.04% VAF) in 92.85% of patients significantly prior (median 112 days) to imaging-based surveillance. Using optimized pre-analytical conditions, the detection of postoperative ctDNA is feasible with excellent sensitivity and allows the prediction of CRC recurrence in routine oncology testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Stasik
- Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marika Mende
- Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Sandra Mahler
- Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniela Aust
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Anke Reinacher-Schick
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Gustavo Baretton
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Martin Bornhäuser
- Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Ehninger
- Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
| | - Gunnar Folprecht
- Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Thiede
- Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität, Dresden, Germany
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29
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Kuligina E, Moiseyenko F, Belukhin S, Stepanova E, Zakharova M, Chernobrivtseva V, Aliev I, Sharabura T, Moiseyenko V, Aleksakhina S, Laidus T, Martianov A, Kholmatov M, Whitehead A, Yanus G, Imyanitov E. Tumor irradiation may facilitate the detection of tumor-specific mutations in plasma. World J Clin Oncol 2021; 12:1215-1226. [PMID: 35070740 PMCID: PMC8716992 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i12.1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mutation-based analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising diagnostic tool for clinical oncology. However, it has low success rate because many cancer patients do not have detectable ctDNA in the bloodstream.
AIM To evaluate whether preoperative tumor irradiation results in a transient increase of plasma ctDNA concentration due to the induction of apoptosis in radiation-exposed cells.
METHODS This study focused on patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, because preoperative tumor irradiation is a part of their standard treatment plan. Nine subjects, whose tumors contained KRAS, NRAS or BRAF mutations, donated serial blood samples 1 h prior to the first fraction of irradiation (at baseline), immediately after the first fraction (time 0), and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h after the first fraction. The amount of mutated gene copies was measured by droplet digital PCR.
RESULTS Five out of nine patients were mutation-negative by ctDNA test at baseline; two of these subjects demonstrated an emergence of the mutated DNA copies in the bloodstream within the follow-up period. There were 4 patients, who had detectable ctDNA in the plasma at the start of the experiment; three of them showed an evident treatment-induced increase of the content of mutated RAS/RAF alleles.
CONCLUSION Local tumor irradiation may facilitate the detection of tumor-specific DNA in the bloodstream. These data justify further assessment of the clinical feasibility of irradiation-assisted liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Kuligina
- Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
- Department of Medical Genetics, St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, St.-Petersburg 194100, Russia
| | - Fedor Moiseyenko
- Department of Therapy, City Cancer Center, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
| | - Sergey Belukhin
- Department of Surgery, City Cancer Center, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
| | | | - Maria Zakharova
- Department of Radiology, City Cancer Center, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
| | | | - Ikram Aliev
- Department of Surgery, City Cancer Center, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
| | - Tatiana Sharabura
- Department of Radiology, City Cancer Center, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
| | | | - Svetlana Aleksakhina
- Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
- Department of Medical Genetics, St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, St.-Petersburg 194100, Russia
| | - Tatiana Laidus
- Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
| | - Aleksandr Martianov
- Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
- Department of Medical Genetics, St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, St.-Petersburg 194100, Russia
| | - Maksim Kholmatov
- Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
| | - Aldon Whitehead
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, The University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Grigoriy Yanus
- Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
- Department of Medical Genetics, St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, St.-Petersburg 194100, Russia
| | - Evgeny Imyanitov
- Department of Tumor Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, St.-Petersburg 197758, Russia
- Department of Medical Genetics, St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, St.-Petersburg 194100, Russia
- Department of Oncology, I.I. Mechnikov Northwestern Medical University, St.-Petersburg 191015, Russia
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Miron B, Bukavina L, Plimack ER. Placing Adjuvant Chemotherapy in the Evolving Paradigm of Perioperative Therapy for Bladder Cancer. Eur Urol 2021; 81:62-63. [PMID: 34750037 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2021.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Naidoo M, Piercey O, Tie J. Circulating Tumour DNA and Colorectal Cancer: the Next Revolutionary Biomarker? Curr Oncol Rep 2021; 23:140. [PMID: 34735665 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01137-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Improving outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer in both the adjuvant and metastatic setting has been challenging. Here, we review the current and future directions for using ctDNA in clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) with its ability to detect minimal residual disease is beginning to refine the way we assess recurrence risk in the adjuvant setting. We can potentially tailor treatments to reduce recurrence risk and minimize treatment toxicity. In the metastatic setting, ctDNA can provide a less invasive method of detecting clinically important genetic changes to guide molecularly targeted treatment and to identify mechanisms of molecular resistance. ctDNA can be a surrogate marker for treatment response and help guide the timing of anti-EGFR rechallenge. We await the results of the randomized clinical trials assessing clinical utility of ctDNA in both the adjuvant and metastatic setting before incorporating ctDNA into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendra Naidoo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Parkville Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Oliver Piercey
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Parkville Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Jeanne Tie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Parkville Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.,Division of Personalised Oncology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Western Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3021, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum, Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
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Kasi A, Dotan E, Poage GM, Catteau A, Vernerey D, George M, Barzi A. Impact of Immunoscore on the Management of Stage II Colon Cancer Patients: A Physician Survey. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215467. [PMID: 34771628 PMCID: PMC8582441 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Selection of appropriate stage II colon cancer patients for adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) is controversial. A novel immune response classifier has previously been validated to refine patient selection, but its impact on oncologist treatment planning had yet to be described. In this survey, all but one oncologist altered clinical practice recommendations, and recommendations for AC prescriptions were reduced by half (among the Immunoscore-high cases (low recurrence risk)). This study revealed that the Immunoscore results could significantly decrease AC use in patients with stage II colon cancer who may not benefit from it, thereby reducing the administration of nonvalue care. Abstract Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy use in stage II colon cancer is controversial. Current prognostic risk factors do not take the tumor immune microenvironment into account. Consideration of the Immunoscore, which measures the host immune response at the tumor site, may assist clinicians in reducing adjuvant chemotherapy use in patients who are unlikely to benefit from it. This study sought to determine the potential clinical utility of the Immunoscore, via its effect on medical oncologists’ recommendations for management of patients with stage II colon cancer. Methods: De-identified vignettes of 10 patients with stage II colon cancer were presented to 25 practicing medical oncologists. Each participant completed surveys indicating recommendations for adjuvant chemotherapy and surveillance strategies. An educational session was subsequently conducted, and the same patient profiles were re-presented but included immunoscore results. Participants were again asked to provide their recommendations. A participant was counted as influenced if their responses were altered after immunoscore test results were provided. Results: All but one participant (96%) altered a management recommendation for ≥1 case. For individual cases, a mean of 55% (range, 40–80%) of participants altered their recommendations for adjuvant chemotherapy and/or surveillance. For the immunoscore-high cases (low-risk of recurrence), recommendations for adjuvant chemotherapy use decreased from 60% to 31%. Conclusions: These results indicate a willingness by oncologists to integrate immunoscore information into clinical practice recommendations. Incorporation of immunoscore data resulted in the reduction of nonvalue care in the simulated population. Confirmation in prospective studies is planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Kasi
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Westwood, KS 66205, USA;
| | - Efrat Dotan
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA;
| | | | | | - Dewi Vernerey
- Methodology and Quality of Life in Oncology Unit, Besançon Hospital, 25000 Besançon, France;
| | - Manju George
- Paltown Development Foundation, Crownsville, MD 21032, USA;
| | - Afsaneh Barzi
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Correspondence:
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Honoré N, Galot R, van Marcke C, Limaye N, Machiels JP. Liquid Biopsy to Detect Minimal Residual Disease: Methodology and Impact. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5364. [PMID: 34771526 PMCID: PMC8582541 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
One reason why some patients experience recurrent disease after a curative-intent treatment might be the persistence of residual tumor cells, called minimal residual disease (MRD). MRD cannot be identified by standard radiological exams or clinical evaluation. Tumor-specific alterations found in the blood indirectly diagnose the presence of MRD. Liquid biopsies thus have the potential to detect MRD, allowing, among other things, the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTC), or tumor-specific microRNA. Although liquid biopsy is increasingly studied, several technical issues still limit its clinical applicability: low sensitivity, poor standardization or reproducibility, and lack of randomized trials demonstrating its clinical benefit. Being able to detect MRD could give clinicians a more comprehensive view of the risk of relapse of their patients and could select patients requiring treatment escalation with the goal of improving cancer survival. In this review, we are discussing the different methodologies used and investigated to detect MRD in solid cancers, their respective potentials and issues, and the clinical impacts that MRD detection will have on the management of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Honoré
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC, Pôle MIRO), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) ,1200 Brussels, Belgium; (R.G.); (C.v.M.)
| | - Rachel Galot
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC, Pôle MIRO), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) ,1200 Brussels, Belgium; (R.G.); (C.v.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Roi Albert II, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cédric van Marcke
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC, Pôle MIRO), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) ,1200 Brussels, Belgium; (R.G.); (C.v.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Roi Albert II, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nisha Limaye
- Genetics of Autoimmune Diseases and Cancer, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Jean-Pascal Machiels
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC, Pôle MIRO), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) ,1200 Brussels, Belgium; (R.G.); (C.v.M.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Roi Albert II, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Kataoka K, Yamada T, Taniguchi H, Ikeda M, Yamazaki K, Kanemitsu Y. A ctDNA-driven multidisciplinary treatment strategy for resectable colorectal cancer -what surgical oncologists should know. Eur J Surg Oncol 2021; 48:1-2. [PMID: 34635368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kozo Kataoka
- Division of Lower GI, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Yamada
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Japan
| | - Hiroya Taniguchi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masataka Ikeda
- Division of Lower GI, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kentaro Yamazaki
- Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Japan
| | - Yukihide Kanemitsu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Japan
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Clinical Applications of Minimal Residual Disease Assessments by Tumor-Informed and Tumor-Uninformed Circulating Tumor DNA in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184547. [PMID: 34572774 PMCID: PMC8471730 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Circulating tumor DNA, or ctDNA, are fragments of tumor DNA that can be detected in the blood of patients with colorectal cancer. Measuring ctDNA levels in the blood has shown the potential to provide important information that can be helpful in the clinical care of patients with colorectal cancer. For example, in patients with colon cancer that has been removed by surgery, measuring ctDNA in the blood can predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence, while in those with metastatic colorectal cancer, measuring ctDNA can inform the clinician whether chemotherapy is effective at earlier timepoints than currently available tests. In this review, we discuss the results from ongoing studies describing the utility of ctDNA measurements across all stages of colorectal cancer. We also discuss the various clinical scenarios that ctDNA may have the most immediate impact in colorectal cancer management. Abstract Emerging data suggest that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can detect colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific signals across both non-metastatic and metastatic settings. With the development of multiple platforms, including tumor-informed and tumor-agnostic ctDNA assays and demonstration of their provocative analytic performance to detect minimal residual disease, there are now ongoing, phase III randomized clinical trials to evaluate their role in the management paradigm of CRC. In this review, we highlight landmark studies that have formed the basis for ongoing studies on the clinically applicability of plasma ctDNA assays in resected, stage I–III CRC and metastatic CRC. We discuss clinical settings by which ctDNA may have the most immediate impact in routine clinical practice. These include the potential for ctDNA to (1) guide surveillance and intensification or de-intensification strategies of adjuvant therapy in resected, stage I–III CRC, (2) predict treatment response to neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer inclusive of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), and (3) predict response to systemic and surgical therapies in metastatic disease. We end by considering clinical variables that can influence our ability to reliably interpret ctDNA dynamics in the clinic.
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Clinical Applications of Circulating Tumor Cells and Circulating Tumor DNA as a Liquid Biopsy Marker in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184500. [PMID: 34572727 PMCID: PMC8469158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent malignant tumors worldwide and the spread of tumor cells through the blood circulation followed by the colonization of distant organs (“metastases”) is the main cause of cancer-related death. The blood is, therefore, an important fluid that can be explored for diagnostic purposes. Liquid biopsy is a new diagnostic concept defined as the analysis of circulating tumor cells or cellular products such as cell-free DNA in the blood or other body fluids of cancer patients. In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest findings using circulating tumor cells and cell-free DNA derived from tumor lesions in the blood of patients with colorectal cancer. Clinical applications include early detection of cancer, identification of patients with a high risk for disease progression after curative surgery, monitoring for disease progression in the context of cancer therapies, and discovery of mechanisms of resistance to therapy. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. It is a heterogeneous tumor with a wide genomic instability, leading to tumor recurrence, distant metastasis, and therapy resistance. Therefore, adjunct non-invasive tools are urgently needed to help the current classical staging systems for more accurate prognostication and guiding personalized therapy. In recent decades, there has been an increasing interest in the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value of circulating cancer-derived material in CRC. Liquid biopsies provide direct non-invasive access to tumor material, which is shed into the circulation; this enables the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTC) and genomic components such as circulating free DNA (cfDNA), which could provide the key for personalized therapy. Liquid biopsy (LB) allows for the identification of patients with a high risk for disease progression after curative surgery, as well as longitudinal monitoring for disease progression and therapy response. Here, we will review the most recent studies on CRC, demonstrating the clinical potential and utility of CTCs and ctDNA. We will discuss some of the advantages and limitations of LBs and the future perspectives in the field of CRC management.
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Postoperative Circulating Tumor DNA Can Predict High Risk Patients with Colorectal Cancer Based on Next-Generation Sequencing. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164190. [PMID: 34439344 PMCID: PMC8391973 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a minimally invasive biomarker useful for monitoring minimum residual disease, recurrence, and treatment response in colorectal cancer (CRC). We analyzed circulating tumor DNA from patients with CRC to evaluate analytical and clinical performances using next-generation sequencing (NGS). It is clear that postoperative circulating tumor DNA detection provides valuable information to determine whether a patient might at high risk of disease recurrence or have a persistent tumor lesion. The NGS assay not only showed excellent analytical performance, but also shows a state-of-art diagnostic option in patient-oriented precision medicine. Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and evaluate their prognostic values during treatment. Forty-nine patients with CRC planned for operation were enrolled. A total of 115 plasma samples were collected pre-operation, post-operation, and post-chemotherapy. ctDNA analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) including 14 genes. In 22 (44.9%) out of 49 patients, at least one mutation (40 total mutations) was detected in the initial plasma sample. The median sum of variant allele frequency was 0.74% (range: 0.10–29.57%). TP53 mutations were the most frequent (17 of 49 patients, 34.7%), followed by APC (18.4%), KRAS (12.2%), FBXW7 (8.2%), NRAS (2.0%), PIK3CA (2.0%), and SMAD4 (2.0%). After surgery, five (14.3%) out of 35 patients harbored ctDNA mutation. All five patients experienced relapse or metastasis during follow-up. It was noteworthy that all three patients with persistent ctDNA relapsed after R0 resection. After chemotherapy, ctDNA analysis was performed for 31 patients, all of which were ctDNA-negative. Analytical and clinical performances of NGS to utilize ctDNA in CRC were determined. Results revealed that postoperative ctDNA might serve as a marker for identifying risk of recurrence, thus contributing to patient-oriented treatment strategies.
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Loupakis F, Sharma S, Derouazi M, Murgioni S, Biason P, Rizzato MD, Rasola C, Renner D, Shchegrova S, Koyen Malashevich A, Malhotra M, Sethi H, Zimmermann BG, Aleshin A, Moshkevich S, Billings PR, Sedgwick JD, Schirripa M, Munari G, Cillo U, Pilati P, Dei Tos AP, Zagonel V, Lonardi S, Fassan M. Detection of Molecular Residual Disease Using Personalized Circulating Tumor DNA Assay in Patients With Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Resection of Metastases. JCO Precis Oncol 2021; 5:PO.21.00101. [PMID: 34327297 PMCID: PMC8315303 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE More than 50% of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (metastatic colorectal cancer [mCRC]) relapse postresection. The efficacy of postoperative systemic treatment is limited in this setting. Thus, these patients would greatly benefit from the use of a reliable prognostic biomarker, such as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to identify minimal or molecular residual disease (MRD). PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed a cohort of 112 patients with mCRC who had undergone metastatic resection with curative intent as part of the PREDATOR clinical trial. The study evaluated the prognostic value of ctDNA, correlating MRD status postsurgery with clinical outcomes by using a personalized and tumor-informed ctDNA assay (bespoke multiple PCR, next-generation sequencing assay). Postresection, systemic therapy was given to 39.2% of the patients at the discretion of the treating physician. RESULTS Postsurgical, MRD positivity was observed in 54.4% (61 of 112) of patients, of which 96.7% (59 of 61) progressed at the time of data cutoff (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.8; 95% CI, 3.5 to 9.7; P < .001). MRD-positive status was also associated with an inferior overall survival: HR: 16.0; 95% CI, 3.9 to 68.0; P < .001. At the time of analyses, 96% (49 of 51) of patients were alive in the MRD-negative arm compared with 52.4% (32 of 61) in the MRD-positive arm. Patients who did not receive systemic therapy and were MRD-negative in the combined ctDNA analysis at two time points had an overall survival of 100%. In the multivariate analysis, ctDNA-based MRD status was the most significant prognostic factor associated with disease-free survival (HR: 5.78; 95% CI, 3.34 to 10.0; P < .001). CONCLUSION This study confirms that in mCRC undergoing resection of metastases, postoperative MRD analysis is a strong prognostic biomarker. It holds promises for being implemented in clinical decision making, informing clinical trial design, and further translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Loupakis
- Oncology Unit 1, Department Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Veneto, Italy
| | | | - Madiha Derouazi
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, CT
- AMAL Therapeutics, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Sabina Murgioni
- Oncology Unit 1, Department Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Veneto, Italy
| | - Paola Biason
- Oncology Unit 1, Department Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Veneto, Italy
| | - Mario Domenico Rizzato
- Oncology Unit 1, Department Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Veneto, Italy
| | - Cosimo Rasola
- Oncology Unit 1, Department Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Veneto, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jonathon D. Sedgwick
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, CT
| | - Marta Schirripa
- Oncology Unit 1, Department Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Veneto, Italy
| | - Giada Munari
- Oncology Unit 1, Department Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Veneto, Italy
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Pilati
- Unit of Surgical Oncology of the Digestive Tract, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Unit of Surgical Pathology, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Oncology Unit 1, Department Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Veneto, Italy
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Oncology Unit 3, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Castelfranco Veneto, Veneto, Italy
- Early Phase Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Veneto, Italy
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Unit of Surgical Pathology, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Padua, Veneto, Italy
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