Personalized Blood Test Detecting ctDNA Can Help Predict Lung Cancer Relapse

Scientists at the University of Cambridge evaluated the use of a personalized blood test that detects ctDNA to help predict the relapse risk of lung cancer. The study population involved 88 patients with early-stage NSCLC who underwent treatment with curative intent. Patient blood samples were collected for longitudinal monitoring of ctDNA to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence. The researchers observed lead times of approximately 200 days from the detection of ctDNA to cancer recurrence. In addition, they detected ctDNA after treatment in 64 percent of patients who showed recurrence of their primary tumor.