ASCO 2023 | Improving MRD sensitivity to optimize lung cancer management

Natalie Vokes, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, discusses how circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) panels implemented over recent years have been off-the-shelf tests, with a select number of genes available. On the basis of sequencing technology, there is a lower limit in sensitivity of these panels. Sensitivity can be improved through tissue-linked assays, which use the genomic profile of a single patient’s tumor to form a customized panel that has higher sensitivity for minimal-residual disease (MRD) assessment. Other researchers are using different techniques, such as exploring methylation and transcriptomic profiles. This will enable a wider understanding of disease outside of mutational profile. The future involves optimizing these techniques for use in clinical practice. This interview took place at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2023 Annual Congress in Chicago, IL.

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