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Research Article

Liquid biopsy for ALK-positive early non-small-cell lung cancer predicts disease relapse

    Ji Li

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: gggliji@hotmail.com

    Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, China. Hai Nan Province, Hai Kou City, Xiu Ying District, Xiu Hua Road, Number 19, 570311, China

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    ,
    Wen Dong

    Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, China. Hai Nan Province, Hai Kou City, Xiu Ying District, Xiu Hua Road, Number 19, 570311, China

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    ,
    Li Na Liu

    Hainan Eye Hospital & Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Haikou, 570311, Hainan Province, China

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    ,
    Yi Jiang Huang

    Department of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, China. Hai Nan Province, Hai Kou City, Xiu Ying District, Xiu Hua Road, Number 19, 570311, China

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    &
    Mei Fang Xiao

    **Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: xiaomeifang2006@hotmail.com

    Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Women & Children's Medical Center Haikou, Hainan, 570206, China

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    Published Online:29 Sep 2020https://doi.org/10.2217/fon-2020-0554

    Abstract

    Background: We aimed to determine whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) aids in prognosis of relapse-free survival (RFS). Methods: Non-small cell lung cancer patients with ALK mutations were recruited prospectively. CTCs and cfDNA were quantified at different time points. RFS was estimated and correlated. Results: Baseline median CTCs and cfDNA were 16 cells and 57 ng/mL and declined to nine cells and 30 ng/mL, respectively, postsurgery in 150 patients. Interestingly, patients without detectable CTCs postsurgery fared better for RFS. cfDNA monitoring showed deviations within 7 months of surgery that were significant predictors for RFS. Conclusion: Short-term monitoring of CTCs and cfDNA variations shows promise for early risk detection and may aid in better disease control.

    Lay abstract

    Various treatment options are available for lung cancer. The challenge is monitoring disease relapse. We tested patients with specific mutations using liquid biopsy consisting of tumor cells (CTCs) or cell-free DNA (cfDNA). In this study, we examined the benefit of these tests. The tests help us identify high-risk patients. Briefly, 150 patients were followed. Patients without detectable CTCs in blood after surgery showed better relapse-free survival. Trends in cfDNA within 7 months of surgery showed an impact on risk detection. Such testing helps recognize patients at higher risk for relapse. Short-term monitoring of CTCs and cfDNA in blood shows promise for early risk detection and may aid in better disease control.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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