Using precision genotyping for identifying resistance mechanisms in advanced lung cancer can help guide treatment decisions and prolong the benefit of targeted therapy. Advancements in the use of circulating tumor cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has simplified this procedure to look for multiple mutations, although further tests are usually needed to confirm the mutation present.

The use of cfDNA has also been evaluated for the detection of multiple cancer types, and a recent publication in the Annals of Oncology showed that over 50 cancer subtypes can be successfully detected, paving the way for earlier detection, earlier treatment and potentially higher survival rates.

In this podcast, Geoffrey Oxnard, MD, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, firstly discusses the use of liquid biopsy in genotyping for resistance mechanisms in lung cancer, the importance of genotyping patients upfront and some practical comments on sequencing of biopsies and treatment. Dr Oxnard also discusses the data from the multi-detection of cancers study.

This interview was recorded via an online conference call with The Video Journal of Oncology (VJOncology).