Optimizing Early-Stage NSCLC Management: A Multidisciplinary Perspective - Episode 11
Leveraging MRD Testing to Guide Treatment Decisions in Early-Stage Resectable NSCLC
Panelists discuss how circulating tumor DNA could serve as a potential marker for minimal residual disease (MRD) in this setting, offering a noninvasive and sensitive method for monitoring treatment response and detecting relapse.
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The Role of ctDNA As a Marker for MRD
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a promising biomarker for MRD detection, particularly in oncology. In the context of MRD, ctDNA offers several potential advantages:
- Noninvasive monitoring: ctDNA can be detected through a blood test, providing a less invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies.
- Early detection of relapse: By identifying small amounts of residual cancer DNA after treatment, ctDNA can potentially detect relapse earlier than conventional imaging or clinical assessment.
- Dynamic monitoring: ctDNA levels can fluctuate in real time, allowing for the monitoring of treatment response, disease progression, or the emergence of resistance mutations.
- Personalized treatment: ctDNA analysis can provide insights into tumor genomics, which may help guide treatment decisions, including the use of targeted therapies or immunotherapies.
- Prediction of patient outcomes: The presence and quantity of ctDNA can correlate with patient prognosis, helping clinicians predict the risk of relapse and tailor follow-up strategies.
In summary, ctDNA is a promising tool for MRD detection, providing a less invasive, more sensitive method for monitoring residual disease and potentially guiding personalized treatment strategies in patients with cancer. However, further validation is needed to solidify its role in clinical practice.
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