ASCO 2021 | Evolving applications of ctDNA in lung cancer: MRD, early detection, and molecular profiling

Circulating tumor DNA utility is growing in lung cancer, with great technological advancements enabling a wide range of novel applications. Vamsidhar Velcheti, MD, NYU Langone, New York, NY, outlines some of the evolving uses of ctDNA in lung cancer including molecular profiling, early disease detection, and relapse prediction. Liquid biopsies can be used to identify actionable mutations to guide targeted treatment selection, especially in patients with inadequate tissue quantity for comprehensive biomarker evaluation. Additionally, ctDNA may offer an opportunity for early detection of cancer. Dr Velcheti notes that several ongoing clinical trials are assessing liquid biopsy-based strategies for early detection. Finally, Dr Velcheti outlines the use of ctDNA for measurable residual disease (MRD) detection, which could be used to look for disease recurrence following surgical resection and identify patients who would benefit from adjuvant therapy. This interview took place at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2021 Virtual Meeting.