1
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Ntzifa A, Marras T, Georgoulias V, Lianidou E. Liquid biopsy for the management of NSCLC patients under osimertinib treatment. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024; 61:347-369. [PMID: 38305080 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2024.2302116] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic management of NSCLC patients is quite challenging as they are mainly diagnosed at a late stage of disease, and they present a high heterogeneous molecular profile. Osimertinib changed the paradigm shift in treatment of EGFR mutant NSCLC patients achieving significantly better clinical outcomes. To date, osimertinib is successfully administered not only as first- or second-line treatment, but also as adjuvant treatment while its efficacy is currently investigated during neoadjuvant treatment or in stage III, unresectable EGFR mutant NSCLC patients. However, resistance to osimertinib may occur due to clonal evolution, under the pressure of the targeted therapy. The utilization of liquid biopsy as a minimally invasive tool provides insight into molecular heterogeneity of tumor clonal evolution and potent resistance mechanisms which may help to develop more suitable therapeutic approaches. Longitudinal monitoring of NSCLC patients through ctDNA or CTC analysis could reveal valuable information about clinical outcomes during osimertinib treatment. Therefore, several guidelines suggest that liquid biopsy in addition to tissue biopsy should be considered as a standard of care in the advanced NSCLC setting. This practice could significantly increase the number of NSCLC patients that will eventually benefit from targeted therapies, such as EGFR TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliki Ntzifa
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Marras
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilis Georgoulias
- First Department of Medical Oncology, Metropolitan General Hospital of Athens, Cholargos, Greece
| | - Evi Lianidou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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2
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Laguna JC, Tagliamento M, Lambertini M, Hiznay J, Mezquita L. Tackling Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Young Adults: From Risk Factors and Genetic Susceptibility to Lung Cancer Profile and Outcomes. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e432488. [PMID: 38788188 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_432488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer has traditionally been associated with advanced age; however, its increasing incidence among young adults raises concerning questions regarding its etiology and unique considerations for this population. In contrast to the older population, the onset of lung cancer at younger age may be attributed to a complex interplay of incompletely understood individual susceptibility and prevalent environmental risk factors beyond tobacco smoke exposure, such as radon gas and air pollution, which are widespread globally. Consequently, this leads to distinct clinical and molecular profiles, requiring a tailored approach. Furthermore, a diagnosis of cancer represents a threatening event during the prime years of a young person's life, prompting concern about career development, social aspects, fertility aspirations, and physical independence. This poses significant additional challenges for health care professionals in a field that remains underexplored. This comprehensive review recognizes lung cancer in young adults as a distinct entity, exploring its clinical and molecular characteristics, diverse predisposing factors, and priorities in terms of quality of life, with the aim of providing practical support to oncologists and enhancing our understanding of this under-researched population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Laguna
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco Tagliamento
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DIMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Laura Mezquita
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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3
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Laguna JC, Pastor B, Nalda I, Hijazo-Pechero S, Teixido C, Potrony M, Puig-Butillé JA, Mezquita L. Incidental pathogenic germline alterations detected through liquid biopsy in patients with solid tumors: prevalence, clinical utility and implications. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1420-1431. [PMID: 38532104 PMCID: PMC11059286 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02607-9] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy, a minimally invasive approach for detecting tumor biomarkers in blood, has emerged as a leading-edge technique in cancer precision medicine. New evidence has shown that liquid biopsies can incidentally detect pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) associated with cancer predisposition, including in patients with a cancer for which genetic testing is not recommended. The ability to detect these incidental PGV in cancer patients through liquid biopsy raises important questions regarding the management of this information and its clinical implications. This incidental identification of PGVs raises concerns about cancer predisposition and the potential impact on patient management, not only in terms of providing access to treatment based on the tumor molecular profiling, but also the management of revealing genetic predisposition in patients and families. Understanding how to interpret this information is essential to ensure proper decision-making and to optimize cancer treatment and prevention strategies. In this review we provide a comprehensive summary of current evidence of incidental PGVs in cancer predisposition genes identified by liquid biopsy in patients with cancer. We critically review the methodological considerations of liquid biopsy as a tool for germline diagnosis, clinical utility and potential implications for cancer prevention, treatment, and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Laguna
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belén Pastor
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Nalda
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Hijazo-Pechero
- Preclinical and Experimental Research in Thoracic Tumors (PRETT), Oncobell, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Teixido
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Potrony
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Antón Puig-Butillé
- CIBER of Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Biology CORE, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Mezquita
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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4
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Torres-Martínez S, Calabuig-Fariñas S, Gallach S, Mosqueda M, Munera-Maravilla E, Sirera R, Navarro L, Blasco A, Camps C, Jantus-Lewintre E. Circulating Immune Proteins: Improving the Diagnosis and Clinical Outcome in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17587. [PMID: 38139416 PMCID: PMC10743468 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417587] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been proven a viable treatment option for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment in patients. However, some patients still do not benefit. Finding new predictive biomarkers for immunocheckpoint inhibitor (ICI) response will improve treatment management in the clinical routine. In this regard, liquid biopsy is a useful and noninvasive alternative to surgical biopsies. In the present study, we evaluated the potential diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive value of seven different soluble mediators involved in immunoregulation. Fifty-two plasma samples from advanced NSCLC treated in first-line with pembrolizumab at baseline (PRE) and at first response assessment (FR) were analyzed. In terms of diagnostic value, our results revealed that sFGL1, sGAL-3, and sGAL-1 allowed for optimal diagnostic efficacy for cancer patients. Additionally, the combination of sFGL1 and sGAL-3 significantly improved diagnostic accuracy. Regarding the predictive value to assess patients' immune response, sCD276 levels at PRE were significantly higher in patients without tumor response (p = 0.035). Moreover, we observed that high levels of sMICB at PRE were associated with absence of clinical benefit (pembrolizumab treatment less than 6 months) (p = 0.049), and high levels of sMICB and sGAL-3 at FR are also related to a lack of clinical benefit (p = 0.027 and p = 0.03, respectively). Finally, in relation to prognosis significance, at PRE and FR, sMICB levels above the 75th percentile are related to poor progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.013 and p = 0.023, respectively) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). An increase in sGAL3 levels at FR was associated with worse PFS (p = 0.037). Interestingly, high sGAL-3 at PRE was independently associated with PFS and OS with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.45 (95% CI 1.14-5.25; p = 0.021) and 4.915 (95% CI 1.89-12.73; p = 0.001). In conclusion, plasma levels of sFGL1, sGAL-3, and sGAL-1 could serve as diagnostic indicators and sMICB, sCD276, and sGAL3 were linked to outcomes, suggesting their potential in assessing NSCLC under pembrolizumab treatment. Our results highlight the value of employing soluble immune biomarkers in advanced lung cancer patients treated with pembrolizumab at first-line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Torres-Martínez
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (E.M.-M.); (C.C.); (E.J.-L.)
- TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe—Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Calabuig-Fariñas
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (E.M.-M.); (C.C.); (E.J.-L.)
- TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe—Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Gallach
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (E.M.-M.); (C.C.); (E.J.-L.)
- TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe—Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marais Mosqueda
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (E.M.-M.); (C.C.); (E.J.-L.)
- TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe—Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ester Munera-Maravilla
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (E.M.-M.); (C.C.); (E.J.-L.)
- TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe—Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Sirera
- Department of Biotechnology, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Lara Navarro
- Department of Pathology, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ana Blasco
- TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe—Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Camps
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (E.M.-M.); (C.C.); (E.J.-L.)
- TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe—Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Eloisa Jantus-Lewintre
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain; (S.T.-M.); (S.G.); (M.M.); (E.M.-M.); (C.C.); (E.J.-L.)
- TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe—Fundación Investigación Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biotechnology, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
- Nanomedicine, Centro Investigación Príncipe Felipe—Universitat Politècnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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5
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Ntzifa A, Lianidou E. Pre-analytical conditions and implementation of quality control steps in liquid biopsy analysis. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2023; 60:573-594. [PMID: 37518938 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2230290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decade, great advancements have been made in the field of liquid biopsy through extensive research and the development of new technologies that facilitate the use of liquid biopsy for cancer patients. This is shown by the numerous liquid biopsy tests that gained clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in recent years. Liquid biopsy has significantly altered cancer treatment by providing clinicians with powerful and immediate information about therapeutic decisions. However, the clinical integration of liquid biopsy is still challenging and there are many critical factors to consider prior to its implementation into routine clinical practice. Lack of standardization due to technical challenges and the definition of the clinical utility of specific assays further complicates the establishment of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in liquid biopsy. Harmonization of laboratories to established guidelines is of major importance to overcome inter-lab variabilities observed. Quality control assessment in diagnostic laboratories that offer liquid biopsy testing will ensure that clinicians can base their therapeutic decisions on robust results. The regular participation of laboratories in external quality assessment schemes for liquid biopsy testing aims to promptly pinpoint deficiencies and efficiently educate laboratories to improve their quality of services. Accreditation of liquid biopsy diagnostic laboratories based on the ISO15189 standard in Europe or by CLIA/CAP accreditation procedures in the US is the best way to achieve the adaptation of liquid biopsy into the clinical setting by assuring reliable results for the clinicians and their cancer patients. Nowadays, various organizations from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies collaborate to set a framework that will include all procedures from the pre-analytical phase and the analytical process to the final interpretation of results. In this review, we underline several challenges in the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) concerning standardization of protocols, quality control assessment, harmonization of laboratories, and compliance to specific guidelines that need to be thoroughly considered before liquid biopsy enters the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliki Ntzifa
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evi Lianidou
- Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells Lab, Lab of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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6
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Andrikou K, Rossi T, Verlicchi A, Priano I, Cravero P, Burgio MA, Crinò L, Bandini S, Ulivi P, Delmonte A. Circulating Tumour Cells: Detection and Application in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16085. [PMID: 38003273 PMCID: PMC10671094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216085] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide. Tissue biopsy is the current gold standard for the diagnosis and molecular profiling of NSCLC. However, this approach presents some limitations due to inadequate tissue sampling, and intra- and intertumour heterogenicity. Liquid biopsy is a noninvasive method to determine cancer-related biomarkers in peripheral blood, and can be repeated at multiple timepoints. One of the most studied approaches to liquid biopsies is represented by circulating tumour cells (CTCs). Several studies have evaluated the prognostic and predictive role of CTCs in advanced NSCLC. Despite the limitations of these studies, the results of the majority of studies seem to be concordant regarding the correlation between high CTC count and poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Similarly, the decrease of CTC count during treatment may represent an important predictive marker of sensitivity to therapy in advanced NSCLC. Furthermore, molecular characterization of CTCs can be used to provide information on tumour biology, and on the mechanisms involved in resistance to targeted treatment. This review will discuss the current status of the clinical utility of CTCs in patients with advanced NSCLC, highlighting their potential application to prognosis and to treatment decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Andrikou
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Tania Rossi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (S.B.); (P.U.)
| | - Alberto Verlicchi
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Ilaria Priano
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Paola Cravero
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Marco Angelo Burgio
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Lucio Crinò
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
| | - Sara Bandini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (S.B.); (P.U.)
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (S.B.); (P.U.)
| | - Angelo Delmonte
- Medical Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (K.A.); (A.V.); (I.P.); (P.C.); (M.A.B.); (L.C.); (A.D.)
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7
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Pisapia P, Malapelle U, Vielh P, Troncone G. The liquid biopsy series: A cytopathological perspective. Cytopathology 2023; 34:517-518. [PMID: 37675604 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
In the modern era of personalised medicine, the correct assessment of the genomic landscape for patients affected by cancer with haematological malignancies is crucial. In this scenario, liquid biopsy represents not only an alternative but a complementary source of tumour nucleic acids to tissue in order to guarantee the best clinical management for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Pisapia
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Philippe Vielh
- Department of Pathology, Medipath and the American Hospital of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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8
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Porta C, Pradelli L, Sicari E, Castellani S, Sivakumar S, Sokol E, Montesion M, Wieland T, Rambichler J, Minari R, Tiseo M. Liquid biopsy comprehensive genomic profiling of lung cancer in the Italian population: A real-world experience. Lung Cancer 2023; 185:107359. [PMID: 37703610 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107359] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Liquid biopsy with next-generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a promising tool for tumor mutation profiling. In this study, we describe the genomic profile of Italian lung cancer patients tested with blood-based comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to assess the genomic landscape complexity and its impact on enhancing treatment options for patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 2021 and December 2021, a total of 229 lung cancer patients were profiled by FoundationOne®Liquid CDx (F1LCDx®) assay on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). F1LCDx® reports alterations across 324 cancer-related genes and genomic signatures, including tumor fraction (TF) and blood-based tumor mutational burden (bTMB). Detected variants were classified according to the ESMO Scale of Clinical Actionability for molecular Targets (ESCAT). RESULTS 90.4% of patients had at least one detectable alteration in plasma. The most frequently mutated genes were TP53 (47.6%), DNMT3A (33.2%), EGFR (20.1%), and KRAS (15.7%). Elevated TF was detected in 18.3% of patients, suggesting high reliability of test results. According to the ESCAT classification, potentially actionable alterations (Tier I-II) were identified in 27.1% of samples. An additional 5.2% harbored an alteration for which an approved drug is available in other cancer types (Tier III). Furthermore, 13.1% of tumors exhibited high bTMB, which may predict response to immunotherapy. Overall, 156 (68.1%) patients were eligible for enrolment in clinical trials. CONCLUSION Liquid biopsy NGS is a viable and valuable approach to guide personalized therapy. The use of blood-based CGP may help identify a larger number of actionable mutations and increase chances of enrolment in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ethan Sokol
- Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Roberta Minari
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marcello Tiseo
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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9
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Rinaldi L, Guerini Rocco E, Spitaleri G, Raimondi S, Attili I, Ranghiero A, Cammarata G, Minotti M, Lo Presti G, De Piano F, Bellerba F, Funicelli G, Volpe S, Mora S, Fodor C, Rampinelli C, Barberis M, De Marinis F, Jereczek-Fossa BA, Orecchia R, Rizzo S, Botta F. Association between Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography Radiomic Features, Genomic Alterations and Prognosis in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4553. [PMID: 37760521 PMCID: PMC10527057 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive methods to assess mutational status, as well as novel prognostic biomarkers, are warranted to foster therapy personalization of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study investigated the association of contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) radiomic features of lung adenocarcinoma lesions, alone or integrated with clinical parameters, with tumor mutational status (EGFR, KRAS, ALK alterations) and Overall Survival (OS). In total, 261 retrospective and 48 prospective patients were enrolled. A Radiomic Score (RS) was created with LASSO-Logistic regression models to predict mutational status. Radiomic, clinical and clinical-radiomic models were trained on retrospective data and tested (Area Under the Curve, AUC) on prospective data. OS prediction models were trained and tested on retrospective data with internal cross-validation (C-index). RS significantly predicted each alteration at training (radiomic and clinical-radiomic AUC 0.95-0.98); validation performance was good for EGFR (AUC 0.86), moderate for KRAS and ALK (AUC 0.61-0.65). RS was also associated with OS at univariate and multivariable analysis, in the latter with stage and type of treatment. The validation C-index was 0.63, 0.79, and 0.80 for clinical, radiomic, and clinical-radiomic models. The study supports the potential role of CT radiomics for non-invasive identification of gene alterations and prognosis prediction in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma, to be confirmed with independent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Rinaldi
- Radiation Research Unit, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Elena Guerini Rocco
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (E.G.R.); (A.R.); (M.B.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.V.)
| | - Gianluca Spitaleri
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.S.); (I.A.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Sara Raimondi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (F.B.)
| | - Ilaria Attili
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.S.); (I.A.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Alberto Ranghiero
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (E.G.R.); (A.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Giulio Cammarata
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (F.B.)
| | - Marta Minotti
- Division of Radiology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (C.R.); (R.O.)
| | - Giuliana Lo Presti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (F.B.)
| | - Francesca De Piano
- Division of Radiology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (C.R.); (R.O.)
| | - Federica Bellerba
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy (F.B.)
| | - Gianluigi Funicelli
- Division of Radiology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (C.R.); (R.O.)
| | - Stefania Volpe
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.V.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Mora
- Data Management Unit, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (C.F.)
| | - Cristiana Fodor
- Data Management Unit, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (C.F.)
| | - Cristiano Rampinelli
- Division of Radiology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (C.R.); (R.O.)
| | - Massimo Barberis
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (E.G.R.); (A.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Filippo De Marinis
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (G.S.); (I.A.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Barbara Alicja Jereczek-Fossa
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.V.)
- Department of Radiation Oncology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Orecchia
- Division of Radiology, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (C.R.); (R.O.)
- Scientific Direction, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Rizzo
- Clinica di Radiologia EOC, Istituto Imaging della Svizzera Italiana (IIMSI), Via Tesserete 46, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via G. Buffi 13, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Botta
- Medical Physics Unit, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy;
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10
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Kemper M, Krekeler C, Menck K, Lenz G, Evers G, Schulze AB, Bleckmann A. Liquid Biopsies in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1430. [PMID: 36900221 PMCID: PMC10000706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As lung cancer has the highest cancer-specific mortality rates worldwide, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to detect early-stage tumors and to monitor their response to the therapy. In addition to the well-established tissue biopsy analysis, liquid-biopsy-based assays may evolve as an important diagnostic tool. The analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is the most established method, followed by other methods such as the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Both PCR- and NGS-based assays are used for the mutational assessment of lung cancer, including the most frequent driver mutations. However, ctDNA analysis might also play a role in monitoring the efficacy of immunotherapy and its recent accomplishments in the landscape of state-of-the-art lung cancer therapy. Despite the promising aspects of liquid-biopsy-based assays, there are some limitations regarding their sensitivity (risk of false-negative results) and specificity (interpretation of false-positive results). Hence, further studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of liquid biopsies for lung cancer. Liquid-biopsy-based assays might be integrated into the diagnostic guidelines for lung cancer as a tool to complement conventional tissue sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Kemper
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Carolin Krekeler
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Kerstin Menck
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Georg Lenz
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Georg Evers
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Arik Bernard Schulze
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Annalen Bleckmann
- Department of Medicine A for Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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11
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Hallermayr A, Neuhann TM, Steinke-Lange V, Scharf F, Laner A, Ewald R, Liesfeld B, Holinski-Feder E, Pickl JMA. Highly sensitive liquid biopsy Duplex sequencing complements tissue biopsy to enhance detection of clinically relevant genetic variants. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1014592. [PMID: 36636551 PMCID: PMC9831673 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1014592] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liquid biopsy (LB) is a promising complement to tissue biopsy for detection of clinically relevant genetic variants in cancer and mosaic diseases. A combined workflow to enable parallel tissue and LB analysis is required to maximize diagnostic yield for patients. Methods We developed and validated a cost-efficient combined next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflow for both tissue and LB samples, and applied Duplex sequencing technology for highly accurate detection of low frequency variants in plasma. Clinically relevant cutoffs for variant reporting and quantification were established. Results We investigated assay performance characteristics for very low amounts of clinically relevant variants. In plasma, the assay achieved 100% sensitivity and 92.3% positive predictive value (PPV) for single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and 91.7% sensitivity and 100% PPV for insertions and deletions (InDel) in clinically relevant hotspots with 0.5-5% variant allele frequencies (VAFs). We further established a cutoff for reporting variants (i.e. Limit of Blank, LOB) at 0.25% VAF and a cutoff for quantification (i.e. Limit of Quantification, LOQ) at 5% VAF in plasma for accurate clinical interpretation of analysis results. With our LB approach, we were able to identify the molecular cause of a clinically confirmed asymmetric overgrowth syndrome in a 10-year old child that would have remained undetected with tissue analysis as well as other molecular diagnostic approaches. Conclusion Our flexible and cost-efficient workflow allows analysis of both tissue and LB samples and provides clinically relevant cutoffs for variant reporting and precise quantification. Complementing tissue analysis by LB is likely to increase diagnostic yield for patients with molecular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Hallermayr
- MGZ – Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Germany,Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany,Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology –IBE, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Verena Steinke-Lange
- MGZ – Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Germany,Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Laner
- MGZ – Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Ewald
- Limbus Medical Technologies GmbH, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ben Liesfeld
- Limbus Medical Technologies GmbH, Rostock, Germany
| | - Elke Holinski-Feder
- MGZ – Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Germany,Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia M. A. Pickl
- MGZ – Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Germany,Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany,*Correspondence: Julia M. A. Pickl,
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12
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Navani N, Butler R, Ibrahimo S, Verma A, Evans M, Doherty GJ, Ahmed S. Optimising tissue acquisition and the molecular testing pathway for patients with non-small cell lung cancer: A UK expert consensus statement. Lung Cancer 2022; 172:142-153. [PMID: 36099709 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.08.003] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapy against actionable variants has revolutionised the treatment landscape for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Approximately half of NSCLC adenocarcinomas have an actionable variant, making molecular testing a critical component of the diagnostic process to personalise therapeutic options, optimise clinical outcomes and minimise toxicity. Recently, genomic testing in England has undergone major changes with the introduction of Genomic Laboratory Hubs, designed to consolidate and enhance existing laboratory provision and deliver genomic testing as outlined in the National Genomic Test Directory. Similar changes are ongoing in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, multiple challenges exist with current tissue acquisition procedures and the molecular testing pathway in the UK, including quantity and quality of available tissue, adequacy rates, test availability among genomic laboratories, turnaround times, multidisciplinary team communication, and limited guidance and standardisation. The COVID-19 pandemic has added an extra layer of complexity. Herein, we summarise best practice recommendations, based on expert opinion, to overcome existing challenges in the UK. The least invasive biopsy technique should be undertaken with the aim of acquiring the greatest quality and quantity of tissue. Use of sedation should be considered to improve patient experience. Rapid on-site evaluation may also be useful to help guide adequate sampling, and liquid biopsy may be beneficial in some instances. Sample processing should be appropriate to facilitate biomarker testing, in particular, next-generation sequencing for comprehensive genomic information. Steps to optimise tissue utilisation and turnaround times, such as planning of tissue usage, limiting immunohistochemistry, tumour enrichment, and reflex testing at diagnosis, should be implemented. Guidelines for tissue acquisition and sample processing may help to improve sample adequacy to perform downstream testing. Communication among genomic laboratories will help to standardise test availability across England and local auditing could identify further areas for optimisation, including ways to improve turnaround times and adequacy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Navani
- Lungs for Living Research Centre, UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, United Kingdom; University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Rachel Butler
- North Thames Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Matthew Evans
- Black Country Pathology Services, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Gary J Doherty
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Samreen Ahmed
- University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
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13
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Horgan D, Čufer T, Gatto F, Lugowska I, Verbanac D, Carvalho Â, Lal JA, Kozaric M, Toomey S, Ivanov HY, Longshore J, Malapelle U, Hasenleithner S, Hofman P, Alix-Panabières C. Accelerating the Development and Validation of Liquid Biopsy for Early Cancer Screening and Treatment Tailoring. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:1714. [PMID: 36141326 PMCID: PMC9498805 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10091714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy (LB) is a minimally invasive method which aims to detect circulating tumor-derived components in body fluids. It provides an alternative to current cancer screening methods that use tissue biopsies for the confirmation of diagnosis. This paper attempts to determine how far the regulatory, policy, and governance framework provide support to LB implementation into healthcare systems and how the situation can be improved. For that reason, the European Alliance for Personalised Medicine (EAPM) organized series of expert panels including different key stakeholders to identify different steps, challenges, and opportunities that need to be taken to effectively implement LB technology at the country level across Europe. To accomplish a change of patient care with an LB approach, it is required to establish collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including payers, policymakers, the medical and scientific community, and patient organizations, both at the national and international level. Regulators, pharma companies, and payers could have a major impact in their own domain. Linking national efforts to EU efforts and vice versa could help in implementation of LB across Europe, while patients, scientists, physicians, and kit manufacturers can generate a pull by undertaking more research into biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Horgan
- European Alliance for Personalised Medicine, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, India
| | - Tanja Čufer
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Francesco Gatto
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iwona Lugowska
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute and Oncology Centre (MSCI), 02781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Donatella Verbanac
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Ante Kovačića 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ângela Carvalho
- i3S—nstituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jonathan A. Lal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, India
- Institute for Public Health Genomics, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW School of Oncology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Kozaric
- European Alliance for Personalised Medicine, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sinead Toomey
- Department of Molecular Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Beaumont Hospital, Smurfit Building, D09 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hristo Y. Ivanov
- Department of Paediatric and Medical Genetics, Medical University, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - John Longshore
- Astra Zeneca, 1800 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Samantha Hasenleithner
- Institute of Human Genetics, Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Paul Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, FHU OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, University Côte d’Azur, CEDEX 01, 06001 Nice, France
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, 641 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, CEDEX 5, 34093 Montpellier, France
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14
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Penault-Llorca F, Kerr KM, Garrido P, Thunnissen E, Dequeker E, Normanno N, Patton SJ, Fairley J, Kapp J, de Ridder D, Ryška A, Moch H. Expert opinion on NSCLC small specimen biomarker testing - Part 1: Tissue collection and management. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:335-350. [PMID: 35857102 PMCID: PMC9485167 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03343-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Biomarker testing is crucial for treatment selection in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the quantity of available tissue often presents a key constraint for patients with advanced disease, where minimally invasive tissue biopsy typically returns small samples. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we summarise evidence-based recommendations relating to small sample processing for patients with NSCLC. Generally, tissue biopsy techniques that deliver the greatest quantity and quality of tissue with the least risk to the patient should be selected. Rapid on-site evaluation can help to ensure sufficient sample quality and quantity. Sample processing should be managed according to biomarker testing requirements, because tissue fixation methodology influences downstream nucleic acid, protein and morphological analyses. Accordingly, 10% neutral buffered formalin is recommended as an appropriate fixative, and the duration of fixation is recommended not to exceed 24–48 h. Tissue sparing techniques, including the ‘one biopsy per block’ approach and small sample cutting protocols, can help preserve tissue. Cytological material (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded [FFPE] cytology blocks and non-FFPE samples such as smears and touch preparations) can be an excellent source of nucleic acid, providing either primary or supplementary patient material to complete morphological and molecular diagnoses. Considerations on biomarker testing, reporting and quality assessment are discussed in Part 2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith M Kerr
- Department of Pathology, Aberdeen University Medical School and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Pilar Garrido
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón Y Cajal, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Erik Thunnissen
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Dequeker
- Department of Public Health, Biomedical Quality Assurance Research Unit, Campus Gasthuisberg, University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicola Normanno
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione Giovanni Pascale" IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Aleš Ryška
- Department of Pathology, Charles University Medical Faculty Hospital, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Holger Moch
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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15
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Expert opinion on NSCLC small specimen biomarker testing - Part 2: Analysis, reporting, and quality assessment. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:351-366. [PMID: 35857103 PMCID: PMC9297263 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
The diagnostic work-up for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) requires biomarker testing to guide therapy choices. This article is the second of a two-part series. In Part 1, we summarised evidence-based recommendations for obtaining and processing small specimen samples (i.e. pre-analytical steps) from patients with advanced NSCLC. Here, in Part 2, we summarise evidence-based recommendations relating to analytical steps of biomarker testing (and associated reporting and quality assessment) of small specimen samples in NSCLC. As the number of biomarkers for actionable (genetic) targets and approved targeted therapies continues to increase, simultaneous testing of multiple actionable oncogenic drivers using next-generation sequencing (NGS) becomes imperative, as set forth in European Society for Medical Oncology guidelines. This is particularly relevant in advanced NSCLC, where tissue specimens are typically limited and NGS may help avoid tissue exhaustion compared with sequential biomarker testing. Despite guideline recommendations, significant discrepancies in access to NGS persist across Europe, primarily due to reimbursement constraints. The use of increasingly complex testing methods also has implications for the reporting of results. Molecular testing reports should include clinical interpretation with additional commentary on sample adequacy as appropriate. Molecular tumour boards are recommended to facilitate the interpretation of complex genetic information arising from NGS, and to collaboratively determine the optimal treatment for patients with NSCLC. Finally, whichever testing modality is employed, it is essential that adequate internal and external validation and quality control measures are implemented.
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16
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Daily Practice Assessment of KRAS Status in NSCLC Patients: A New Challenge for the Thoracic Pathologist Is Right around the Corner. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071628. [PMID: 35406400 PMCID: PMC8996900 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary RAS mutation is the most frequent oncogenic alteration in human cancers and KRAS is the most frequently mutated, notably in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). Various attempts to inhibit KRAS in the past were unsuccessful in these latter tumors. However, recently, several small molecules (AMG510, MRTX849, JNJ-74699157, and LY3499446) have been developed to specifically target KRAS G12C-mutated tumors, which seems promising for patient treatment and should soon be administered in daily practice for non-squamous (NS)-NSCLC. In this context, it will be mandatory to systematically assess the KRAS status in routine clinical practice, at least in advanced NS-NSCLC, leading to new challenges for thoracic oncologists. Abstract KRAS mutations are among the most frequent genomic alterations identified in non-squamous non-small cell lung carcinomas (NS-NSCLC), notably in lung adenocarcinomas. In most cases, these mutations are mutually exclusive, with different genomic alterations currently known to be sensitive to therapies targeting EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, and NTRK. Recently, several promising clinical trials targeting KRAS mutations, particularly for KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC, have established new hope for better treatment of patients. In parallel, other studies have shown that NSCLC harboring co-mutations in KRAS and STK11 or KEAP1 have demonstrated primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, the assessment of the KRAS status in advanced-stage NS-NSCLC has become essential to setting up an optimal therapeutic strategy in these patients. This stimulated the development of new algorithms for the management of NSCLC samples in pathology laboratories and conditioned reorganization of optimal health care of lung cancer patients by the thoracic pathologists. This review addresses the recent data concerning the detection of KRAS mutations in NSCLC and focuses on the new challenges facing pathologists in daily practice for KRAS status assessment.
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17
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Molecular Testing and Treatment Strategies in RET-Rearranged NSCLC Patients: Stay on Target to Look Forward. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmp3010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RET alterations are recognized as key oncogenic drivers in different cancer types, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) with anti-RET activities resulted in variable efficacy with significant toxicities because of low target specificity. Selective RET kinase inhibitors, such as pralsetinib and selepercatinib, demonstrated high efficacy and favorable tolerability in advanced RET-rearranged NSCLC patients, leading to their introduction in the clinical setting. Among the different approaches available for the identification of RET rearrangements, next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays present substantial advantages in terms of turnaround time and diagnostic accuracy, even if potentially limited by accessibility issues. The recent advent of novel effective targeted therapies raises several questions regarding the emergence of resistance mechanisms and the potential ways to prevent/overcome them. In this review, we discuss molecular testing and treatment strategies to manage RET fusion positive NSCLC patients with a focus on resistance mechanisms and future perspectives in this rapidly evolving scenario.
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18
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Makarem M, García-Pardo M, Leighl NB. Plasma-Based Genotyping in Advanced Solid Tumors: A Comprehensive Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5299. [PMID: 34771462 PMCID: PMC8582457 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular genotyping for advanced solid malignancies has transformed the clinical management of patients with metastatic disease. Treatment decisions in a growing number of tumors require knowledge of molecularly driven alterations in order to select optimal targeted therapy. Although genomic testing of tumor tissue is the gold standard for identifying targetable genomic alterations, biopsy samples are often limited or difficult to access. This has paved the way for the development of plasma-based approaches for genomic profiling. Recent advances in the detection of plasma-circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have enabled the integration of plasma-based molecular profiling into clinical practice as an alternative or complementary tool for genomic testing in the setting of advanced cancer, to facilitate the identification of driver mutations to guide initial treatment and diagnose resistance. Several guidelines now recommend the use of plasma where tumor tissue is limited to identify a targetable genomic alteration. Current plasma-based assays can evaluate multiple genes in comprehensive panels, and their application in advanced disease will be increasingly incorporated into standard practice. This review focuses on current and future applications of plasma ctDNA-based assays in advanced solid malignancies, while highlighting some limitations in implementing this technology into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Natasha B. Leighl
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; (M.M.); (M.G.-P.)
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Prabhash K, Batra U. Impact of epidermal growth factor receptor T790M testing in relapsed non-small cell lung cancer: A narrative review of the T790M reflex testing algorithm. CANCER RESEARCH, STATISTICS, AND TREATMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/crst.crst_169_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
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