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Zhou X, Zamani M, Austin K, De Bock M, Chaj Ullola J, Riki S, Furst AL. Improving electrochemical hybridization assays with restriction enzymes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:1948-1951. [PMID: 38284146 PMCID: PMC10863419 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc06192b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acids in blood are early indicators of disease that could be detected by point-of-care biosensors if sufficiently sensitive and facile sensors existed. Electrochemical hybridization assays are sensitive and specific but are limited to very short nucleic acids. We have developed a restriction enzyme-assisted electrochemical hybridization (REH) assay for improved nucleic acid detection. By incorporating target-specific restriction enzymes, we detect long nucleic acids, with performance dependent on the location of the cut site relative to the electrode surface. Thus, we have further established guidelines for REH design to serve as a generalizable platform for robust electrochemical detection of long nucleic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingcheng Zhou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Marjon Zamani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Katherine Austin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Marieke De Bock
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Joshua Chaj Ullola
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Smah Riki
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Ariel L Furst
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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Wong D, Luo P, Oldfield LE, Gong H, Brunga L, Rabinowicz R, Subasri V, Chan C, Downs T, Farncombe KM, Luu B, Norman M, Sobotka JA, Uju P, Eagles J, Pedersen S, Wellum J, Danesh A, Prokopec SD, Stutheit-Zhao EY, Znassi N, Heisler LE, Jovelin R, Lam B, Lujan Toro BE, Marsh K, Sundaravadanam Y, Torti D, Man C, Goldenberg A, Xu W, Veit-Haibach P, Doria AS, Malkin D, Kim RH, Pugh TJ. Early Cancer Detection in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome with Cell-Free DNA. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:104-119. [PMID: 37874259 PMCID: PMC10784744 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
People with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) harbor a germline pathogenic variant in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene, face a near 100% lifetime risk of cancer, and routinely undergo intensive surveillance protocols. Liquid biopsy has become an attractive tool for a range of clinical applications, including early cancer detection. Here, we provide a proof-of-principle for a multimodal liquid biopsy assay that integrates a targeted gene panel, shallow whole-genome, and cell-free methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing for the early detection of cancer in a longitudinal cohort of 89 LFS patients. Multimodal analysis increased our detection rate in patients with an active cancer diagnosis over uni-modal analysis and was able to detect cancer-associated signal(s) in carriers prior to diagnosis with conventional screening (positive predictive value = 67.6%, negative predictive value = 96.5%). Although adoption of liquid biopsy into current surveillance will require further clinical validation, this study provides a framework for individuals with LFS. SIGNIFICANCE By utilizing an integrated cell-free DNA approach, liquid biopsy shows earlier detection of cancer in patients with LFS compared with current clinical surveillance methods such as imaging. Liquid biopsy provides improved accessibility and sensitivity, complementing current clinical surveillance methods to provide better care for these patients. See related commentary by Latham et al., p. 23. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Wong
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ping Luo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Leslie E. Oldfield
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Haifan Gong
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Vallijah Subasri
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Vector Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Clarissa Chan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tiana Downs
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Beatrice Luu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maia Norman
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julia A. Sobotka
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Precious Uju
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jenna Eagles
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stephanie Pedersen
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Johanna Wellum
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Arnavaz Danesh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Nadia Znassi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Bernard Lam
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Kayla Marsh
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Dax Torti
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carina Man
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anna Goldenberg
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Vector Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wei Xu
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Patrick Veit-Haibach
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - David Malkin
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Raymond H. Kim
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Trevor J. Pugh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada
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van der Leest P, Schuuring E. Critical Factors in the Analytical Work Flow of Circulating Tumor DNA-Based Molecular Profiling. Clin Chem 2024; 70:220-233. [PMID: 38175597 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liquid biopsy testing, especially molecular tumor profiling of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in cell-free plasma, has received increasing interest in recent years as it serves as a reliable alternative for the detection of tumor-specific aberrations to guide treatment decision-making in oncology. Many (commercially available) applications have been developed, however, broad divergences in (pre)analytical work flows and lack of universally applied guidelines impede routine clinical implementation. In this review, critical factors in the blood-based ctDNA liquid biopsy work flow are evaluated. CONTENT In the preanalytical phase, several aspects (e.g., blood collection tubes [BCTs], plasma processing, and extraction method) affect the quantity and quality of the circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) applicable for subsequent molecular analyses and should meet certain standards to be applied in diagnostic work flows. Analytical considerations, such as analytical input and choice of assay, might vary based on the clinical application (i.e., screening, primary diagnosis, minimal residual disease [MRD], response monitoring, and resistance identification). In addition to practical procedures, variant interpretation and reporting ctDNA results should be harmonized. Collaborative efforts in (inter)national consortia and societies are essential for the establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in attempts to standardize the plasma-based ctDNA analysis work flow. SUMMARY Development of universally applicable guidelines regarding the critical factors in liquid biopsy testing are necessary to pave the way to clinical implementation for routine diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul van der Leest
- Department of Pathology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ed Schuuring
- Department of Pathology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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On J, Natsumeda M, Takahashi H, Koyama A, Shibuma S, Shibata N, Watanabe J, Saito S, Kanemaru Y, Tsukamoto Y, Okada M, Ogura R, Eda T, Tada M, Shimizu H, Adachi JI, Mishima K, Nishikawa R, Kakita A, Oishi M. Reliable detection of genetic alterations in cyst fluid DNA for the diagnosis of brain tumors. J Neurooncol 2024; 166:273-282. [PMID: 38227143 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04555-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Liquid biopsy of cyst fluid in brain tumors has not been extensively studied to date. The present study was performed to see whether diagnostic genetic alterations found in brain tumor tissue DNA could also be detected in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of cyst fluid in cystic brain tumors. METHODS Cyst fluid was obtained from 22 patients undergoing surgery for a cystic brain tumor with confirmed genetic alterations in tumor DNA. Pathological diagnoses based on WHO 2021 classification and diagnostic alterations in the tumor DNA, such as IDH1 R132H and TERT promoter mutation for oligodendrogliomas, were detected by Sanger sequencing. The same alterations were analyzed by both droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and Sanger sequencing in cyst fluid cfDNA. Additionally, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assays were performed to assess 1p/19q status, presence of CDKN2A loss, PTEN loss and EGFR amplification, to assess whether differentiating between astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas and grading is possible from cyst fluid cfDNA. RESULTS Twenty-five genetic alterations were found in 22 tumor samples. All (100%) alterations were detected in cyst fluid cfDNA by ddPCR. Twenty of the 25 (80%) alterations were also detected by Sanger sequencing of cyst fluid cfDNA. Variant allele frequency (VAF) in cyst fluid cfDNA was comparable to that of tumor DNA (R = 0.62, Pearson's correlation). MLPA was feasible in 11 out of 17 (65%) diffuse gliomas, with close correlation of results between tumor DNA and cyst fluid cfDNA. CONCLUSION Cell-free DNA obtained from cyst fluid in cystic brain tumors is a reliable alternative to tumor DNA when diagnosing brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jotaro On
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Manabu Natsumeda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
- Advanced Treatment of Neurological Diseases Branch, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Haruhiko Takahashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akihide Koyama
- Department of Legal Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Niigata, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shibuma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Nao Shibata
- Department of Pediatrics, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Jun Watanabe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shoji Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yu Kanemaru
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Tsukamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masayasu Okada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ogura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takeyoshi Eda
- Division of Pharmacy, Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Mari Tada
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimizu
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Adachi
- Department of Neuro-Oncology/Neurosurgery, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Mishima
- Department of Neuro-Oncology/Neurosurgery, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Nishikawa
- Department of Neuro-Oncology/Neurosurgery, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata, Japan
| | - Makoto Oishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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Radefeldt M, Stellmacher-Kaiser S, Krake S, Kragl B, Lemke S, Beetz C, Bauer P, Junghanß C, Al-Ali R. Basic ctDNA Panel Promises Affordable Clinical Validity in Colon Cancer Patients but Not in Pancreas Cancer Patients. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2274. [PMID: 38137875 PMCID: PMC10744654 DOI: 10.3390/life13122274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a biomarker to assess the progression of various solid tumors has been explored extensively. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of utilizing a ctDNA sequencing panel specifically designed to target the most frequently mutated genomic regions in colon and pancreas cancers. Through somatic analysis of colon and pancreas tumors, we targeted 27 regions within eight genes. By employing PCR amplification and Illumina NGS, we ensured that each region was adequately covered with a minimum of 5000 reads (with an average of 12,000 reads). Our method exhibited reproducibility with repetition and dilutions. The positive detection threshold for ctDNA was set at a cutoff value of 0.5% ctDNA of the total reads using IGV. Among the samples analyzed, 71% of colon cancer cases displayed somatic mutations covered by the targeted regions. Within this group, detectable ctDNA was observed in 34% of the cases. Conversely, in pancreatic cancer, 55% of mutations were covered by the panel's regions, but only 13% of these cases exhibited detectable ctDNA. In follow-ups with the patients, changes in ctDNA percentages demonstrated complete concordance with changes in the clinical condition in 88% of the cases. Our findings suggest that employing a basic ctDNA-targeted panel can serve as a cost-effective and reliable approach for repeated monitoring of the efficacy of colon cancer therapy. However, in the case of pancreatic cancer, ctDNA showed limited utility, and alternative biomarkers may offer superior diagnostic value. Additionally, we found that a negative ctDNA test is not a guarantee for a relapse-free recovery; thus, we recommend a continuous follow-up with the patient on a long-term basis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silke Stellmacher-Kaiser
- Clinical for Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medicine Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Susann Krake
- CENTOGENE GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18055 Rostock, Germany (S.K.)
| | - Brigitte Kragl
- Clinical for Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medicine Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Sabrina Lemke
- CENTOGENE GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18055 Rostock, Germany (S.K.)
| | | | - Peter Bauer
- CENTOGENE GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18055 Rostock, Germany (S.K.)
- Clinical for Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medicine Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian Junghanß
- Clinical for Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, University Medicine Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Str. 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Ruslan Al-Ali
- CENTOGENE GmbH, Am Strande 7, 18055 Rostock, Germany (S.K.)
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Yaghoubi Naei V, Bordhan P, Mirakhorli F, Khorrami M, Shrestha J, Nazari H, Kulasinghe A, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. Advances in novel strategies for isolation, characterization, and analysis of CTCs and ctDNA. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231192401. [PMID: 37692363 PMCID: PMC10486235 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231192401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the detection and analysis of liquid biopsy biomarkers such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have advanced significantly. They have received recognition for their clinical usefulness in detecting cancer at an early stage, monitoring disease, and evaluating treatment response. The emergence of liquid biopsy has been a helpful development, as it offers a minimally invasive, rapid, real-time monitoring, and possible alternative to traditional tissue biopsies. In resource-limited settings, the ideal platform for liquid biopsy should not only extract more CTCs or ctDNA from a minimal sample volume but also accurately represent the molecular heterogeneity of the patient's disease. This review covers novel strategies and advancements in CTC and ctDNA-based liquid biopsy platforms, including microfluidic applications and comprehensive analysis of molecular complexity. We discuss these systems' operational principles and performance efficiencies, as well as future opportunities and challenges for their implementation in clinical settings. In addition, we emphasize the importance of integrated platforms that incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence in accurate liquid biopsy detection systems, which can greatly improve cancer management and enable precision diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Yaghoubi Naei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pritam Bordhan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Fatemeh Mirakhorli
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Motahare Khorrami
- Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jesus Shrestha
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hojjatollah Nazari
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 1, Broadway, Ultimo New South Wales 2007, Australia
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Nishio K, Sakai K, Nishio M, Seto T, Visseren-Grul C, Carlsen M, Matsui T, Enatsu S, Nakagawa K. Impact of ramucirumab plus erlotinib on circulating cell-free DNA from patients with untreated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR-activating mutations (RELAY phase 3 randomized study). Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:1702-1716. [PMID: 37691865 PMCID: PMC10483085 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-22-736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Background An exploratory, proof-of-concept, liquid biopsy addendum to examine biomarkers within cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the RELAY phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted. RELAY showed improved progression-free survival (PFS) with ramucirumab (RAM), a human immunoglobulin G1 vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 antagonist, plus erlotinib (ERL), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, compared with placebo (PL) plus ERL. Methods Treatment-naïve patients with endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer were randomized (1:1) to RAM + ERL or PL + ERL. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, on treatment, and at 30-day post-study treatment discontinuation follow-up. Baseline and treatment-emergent gene alterations and EGFR-activating mutation allele counts were investigated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), respectively. cfDNA concentration and fragment size were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and the BioAnalyzer. Patients with a valid baseline plasma sample were included (70 RAM + ERL, 61 PL + ERL). Results TP53 mutation was the most frequently co-occurring baseline gene alteration (43%). Post-study treatment discontinuation EGFR T790M mutation rates were 54.5% (6/11) and 41.2% (7/17) by ddPCR, and 22.2% (2/9) and 29.4% (5/17) by NGS, in the RAM + ERL and PL + ERL arms, respectively. EGFR-activating mutation allele count decreased at Cycle 4 in both treatment arms and was sustained at follow-up with RAM + ERL. PFS improved for patients with no detectable EGFR-activating mutation at Cycle 4 vs. those with detectable EGFR-activating mutation. Total cfDNA concentration increased from baseline at Cycle 4 and through to follow-up with RAM + ERL. cfDNA fragment size was similar between treatment arms at baseline [mean (standard deviation) base pairs: RAM + ERL, 173.4 (2.6); PL + ERL, 172.9 (3.2)] and was shorter at Cycle 4 with RAM + ERL vs. PL + ERL [169.5 (2.8) vs. 174.1 (3.3), respectively; P<0.0001]. Baseline vs. Cycle 4 paired analysis showed a decrease in cfDNA fragment size for 84% (48/57) and 23% (11/47) of patient samples in the RAM + ERL and PL + ERL arms, respectively. Conclusions EGFR-activating mutation allele count was suppressed, total cfDNA concentration increased, and short fragment-sized cfDNA increased with RAM + ERL, suggesting the additional anti-tumor effect of RAM may contribute to the PFS benefit observed in RELAY with RAM + ERL vs. PL + ERL. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier: NCT02411448.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuto Nishio
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuko Sakai
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Nishio
- Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Seto
- National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Kazuhiko Nakagawa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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8
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Fitzgerald S, Blenkiron C, Stephens R, Mathy JA, Somers-Edgar T, Rolfe G, Martin R, Jackson C, Eccles M, Robb T, Rodger E, Lawrence B, Guilford P, Lasham A, Print CG. Dynamic ctDNA Mutational Complexity in Patients with Melanoma Receiving Immunotherapy. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:537-550. [PMID: 37099071 PMCID: PMC10131510 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00651-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) analysis promises to improve the clinical care of people with cancer, address health inequities and guide translational research. This observational cohort study used ctDNA to follow 29 patients with advanced-stage cutaneous melanoma through multiple cycles of immunotherapy. METHOD A melanoma-specific ctDNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel, droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and mass spectrometry analysis were used to identify ctDNA mutations in longitudinal blood plasma samples from Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) patients receiving immunotherapy for melanoma. These technologies were used in conjunction to identify the breadth and complexity of tumour genomic information that ctDNA analysis can reliably report. RESULTS During the course of immunotherapy treatment, a high level of dynamic mutational complexity was identified in blood plasma, including multiple BRAF mutations in the same patient, clinically relevant BRAF mutations emerging through therapy and co-occurring sub-clonal BRAF and NRAS mutations. The technical validity of this ctDNA analysis was supported by high sample analysis-reanalysis concordance, as well as concordance between different ctDNA measurement technologies. In addition, we observed > 90% concordance in the detection of ctDNA when using cell-stabilising collection tubes followed by 7-day delayed processing, compared with standard EDTA blood collection protocols with rapid processing. We also found that the undetectability of ctDNA at a proportion of treatment cycles was associated with durable clinical benefit (DCB). CONCLUSION We found that multiple ctDNA processing and analysis methods consistently identified complex longitudinal patterns of clinically relevant mutations, adding support for expanded clinical trials of this technology in a variety of oncology settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Fitzgerald
- Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cherie Blenkiron
- Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rosalie Stephens
- Cancer and Blood Service, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai (previously Auckland City Hospital), Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jon A Mathy
- Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tiffany Somers-Edgar
- Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Richard Martin
- Te Whatu Ora Wāitemata (previously Waitemata District Health Board, New Zealand), Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christopher Jackson
- Te Whatu Ora Southern (previously Southern District Health Board, New Zealand), Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Michael Eccles
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
- University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tamsin Robb
- Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Euan Rodger
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
- University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ben Lawrence
- Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
- Cancer and Blood Service, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai (previously Auckland City Hospital), Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Annette Lasham
- Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Cristin G Print
- Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand.
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9
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Vlataki K, Antonouli S, Kalyvioti C, Lampri E, Kamina S, Mauri D, Harissis HV, Magklara A. Circulating Tumor DNA in the Management of Early-Stage Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:1573. [PMID: 37371043 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsies refer to the isolation and analysis of tumor-derived biological material from body fluids, most commonly blood, in order to provide clinically valuable information for the management of cancer patients. Their non-invasive nature allows to overcome the limitations of tissue biopsy and complement the latter in guiding therapeutic decision-making. In the past years, several studies have demonstrated that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection can be used in the clinical setting to improve patient prognosis and monitor therapy response, especially in metastatic cancers. With the advent of significant technological advances in assay development, ctDNA can now be accurately and reliably identified in early-stage cancers despite its low levels in the bloodstream. In this review, we discuss the most important studies that highlight the potential clinical utility of ctDNA in early-stage breast cancer focusing on early diagnosis, detection of minimal residual disease and prediction of metastatic relapse. We also offer a concise description of the most sensitive techniques that are deemed appropriate for ctDNA detection in early-stage cancer and we examine their advantages and disadvantages, as they have been employed in various studies. Finally, we discuss future perspectives on how ctDNA could be better integrated into the everyday oncology practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Vlataki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christina Kalyvioti
- Breast Unit, Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Evangeli Lampri
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Sevasti Kamina
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Davide Mauri
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Haralampos V Harissis
- Breast Unit, Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki Magklara
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Institute of Biosciences, University Research Center of Ioannina (URCI), 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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10
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Talotta D, Almasri M, Cosentino C, Gaidano G, Moia R. Liquid biopsy in hematological malignancies: current and future applications. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1164517. [PMID: 37152045 PMCID: PMC10157039 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1164517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The assessment of the cancer mutational profile is crucial for patient management, stratification, and therapeutic decisions. At present, in hematological malignancies with a solid mass, such as lymphomas, tumor genomic profiling is generally performed on the tissue biopsy, but the tumor may harbor genetic lesions that are unique to other anatomical compartments. The analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) on the liquid biopsy is an emerging approach that allows genotyping and monitoring of the disease during therapy and follow-up. This review presents the different methods for ctDNA analysis and describes the application of liquid biopsy in different hematological malignancies. In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), ctDNA analysis on the liquid biopsy recapitulates the mutational profile of the tissue biopsy and can identify mutations otherwise absent on the tissue biopsy. In addition, changes in the ctDNA amount after one or two courses of chemotherapy significantly predict patient outcomes. ctDNA analysis has also been tested in myeloid neoplasms with promising results. In addition to mutational analysis, liquid biopsy also carries potential future applications of ctDNA, including the analysis of ctDNA fragmentation and epigenetic patterns. On these grounds, several clinical trials aiming at incorporating ctDNA analysis for treatment tailoring are currently ongoing in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Riccardo Moia
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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11
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O’Sullivan HM, Feber A, Popat S. Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring in Radically Treated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Challenges and Future Directions. Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:249-259. [PMID: 37056631 PMCID: PMC10089274 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s322242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis can identify patients with residual disease before it is clinically or radiologically evident. Minimal residual disease (MRD) is an advancing area in the management of radically treated solid tumors. Which MRD assay is optimum and when it should be used is still not defined. Whilst promising, the clinical utility of this technology to guide patient care is still investigational in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has not entered routine care. Once technically and clinically optimized, MRD may be utilized to personalize adjuvant therapy, detect disease relapse earlier and improve cure rates. In this review, we discuss the current status of MRD monitoring in NSCLC by summarizing frequently used MRD assays and their associated evidence in NSCLC. We discuss the potential applications of these technologies and the challenge of demonstrating MRD clinical utility in trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sanjay Popat
- Lung Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Correspondence: Sanjay Popat, The Lung Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom, Tel +442073528171, Email
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12
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Maurer K, Schandl CA. Liquid Biopsy for Advanced Cancer: An Amplicon-Based Massively Parallel Sequencing Panel Approach to Precision Oncology. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2621:111-126. [PMID: 37041443 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2950-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Although discovered in the 1940s (Mandel and Metais, C R Seances Soc Biol Fil 142:241-243, 1948), cell-free DNA has only recently become a tool practical for use in clinical settings. The challenges associated with detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patient plasma are many and exist in the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical periods. Initiation of a ctDNA program in a small academic clinical laboratory setting can be challenging. Thus, cost-effective, fast methods should be leveraged to promote a self-supporting system. Any assay should be based on clinical utility and have the potential to adapt in order to maintain relevance in a rapidly developing genomic landscape. Herein is described one of many approaches to ctDNA mutation testing - a massively parallel sequencing (MPS) method that is widely applicable and relatively easy to perform. Sensitivity and specificity are enhanced by unique molecular identification tagging and deep sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Maurer
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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13
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Zheng T. DETexT: An SNV detection enhancement for low read depth by integrating mutational signatures into TextCNN. Front Genet 2022; 13:943972. [PMID: 36246660 PMCID: PMC9554618 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.943972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Detecting SNV at very low read depths helps to reduce sequencing requirements, lowers sequencing costs, and aids in the early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. However, the accuracy of SNV detection is significantly reduced at read depths below ×34 due to the lack of a sufficient number of read pairs to help filter out false positives. Many recent studies have revealed the potential of mutational signature (MS) in detecting true SNV, understanding the mutational processes that lead to the development of human cancers, and analyzing the endogenous and exogenous causes. Here, we present DETexT, an SNV detection method better suited to low read depths, which classifies false positive variants by combining MS with deep learning algorithms to mine correlation information around bases in individual reads without relying on the support of duplicate read pairs. We have validated the effectiveness of DETexT on simulated and real datasets and conducted comparative experiments. The source code has been uploaded to https://github.com/TrinaZ/extra-lowRD for academic use only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zheng
- Department of Computer Science and Technology, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Institute of Data Science and Information Quality, Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Medical and Health Big Data, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Tian Zheng,
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14
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Duffy MJ, Crown J. Circulating Tumor DNA as a Biomarker for Monitoring Patients with Solid Cancers: Comparison with Standard Protein Biomarkers. Clin Chem 2022; 68:1381-1390. [PMID: 35962648 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein-based biomarkers are widely used in monitoring patients with diagnosed cancer. These biomarkers however, lack specificity for cancer and have poor sensitivity in detecting early recurrences and monitoring therapy effectiveness. Emerging data suggest that the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has several advantages over standard biomarkers. CONTENT Following curative-intent surgery for cancer, the presence of ctDNA is highly predictive of early disease recurrence, while in metastatic cancer an early decline in ctDNA following the initiation of treatment is predictive of good outcome. Compared with protein biomarkers, ctDNA provides greater cancer specificity and sensitivity for detecting early recurrent/metastatic disease. Thus, in patients with surgically resected colorectal cancer, multiple studies have shown that ctDNA is superior to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in detecting residual disease and early recurrence. Similarly, in breast cancer, ctDNA was shown to be more accurate than carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) in detecting early recurrences. Other advantages of ctDNA over protein biomarkers in monitoring cancer patients include a shorter half-life in plasma and an ability to predict likely response to specific therapies and identify mechanisms of therapy resistance. However, in contrast to proteins, ctDNA biomarkers are more expensive to measure, less widely available, and have longer turnaround times for reporting. Furthermore, ctDNA assays are less well standardized. SUMMARY Because of their advantages, it is likely that ctDNA measurements will enter clinical use in the future, where they will complement existing biomarkers and imaging in managing patients with cancer. Hopefully, these combined approaches will lead to a better outcome for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Duffy
- UCD School of Medicine, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD Clinical Research Centre, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Crown
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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15
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Kunimasa K, Nishino K, Sato Y, Mori M, Ihara S, Suzuki H, Nagatomo I, Kumagai T, Morishima T, Imamura F. Fragment size and dynamics of EGFR-mutated tumor-derived DNA provide prognostic information regarding EGFR-TKI efficacy in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13544. [PMID: 35941190 PMCID: PMC9360008 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17848-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a complementary and alternative test to tissue-based NGS. We performed NGS analysis of ctDNA samples collected from patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received osimertinib; the samples were collected after second-line treatment, before osimertinib treatment, one week and one month after osimertinib treatment, and at the time of resistance formation. We examinedthe correlation with osimertinib efficacy. From January to December 2018, 34 patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC harboring EGFR T790M mutations were enrolled, and a total of 132 peripheral blood samples were collected. The fragment sizes of EGFR-mutated ctDNAs were significantly shorter than that of their corresponding normal fragments. Osimertinib treatment of patients with shorter EGFR-mutated ctDNA fragments resulted in shorter progression-free survival (PFS). The disappearance time of EGFR-mutated fragment fractions and clonal evolution patterns (new driver mutation group, additional mutation group vs. attenuation group) were each associated with the PFS achieved with osimertinib treatment; however,multivariate analysis revealed that only shorter EGFR-mutated ctDNA fragments were associated with the PFS resulting from osimertinib treatment. EGFR-mutated ctDNA fragment size, time of disappearance of these fragments, and clonal evolution pattern were related to the effects of osimertinib. In particular, short EGFR-mutated ctDNA fragmentation may be closely related to osimertinib efficacy prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Kunimasa
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae Chuoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan.
| | - Kazumi Nishino
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae Chuoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan
| | | | - Masahide Mori
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka Toneyama Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shoichi Ihara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Osaka Police Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Suzuki
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Izumi Nagatomo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Kumagai
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae Chuoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan
| | | | - Fumio Imamura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, 3-1-69 Otemae Chuoku, Osaka City, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan
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16
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Cell-Free DNA Fragmentation Patterns in a Cancer Cell Line. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081896. [PMID: 36010246 PMCID: PMC9406536 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Unique bits of genetic, biological and pathological information occur in differently sized cell-free DNA (cfDNA) populations. This is a significant discovery, but much of the phenomenon remains to be explored. We investigated cfDNA fragmentation patterns in cultured human bone cancer (143B) cells using increasingly sensitive electrophoresis assays, including four automated microfluidic capillary electrophoresis assays from Agilent, i.e., DNA 1000, High Sensitivity DNA, dsDNA 915 and dsDNA 930, and an optimized manual agarose gel electrophoresis protocol. This comparison showed that (i) as the sensitivity and resolution of the sizing methods increase incrementally, additional nucleosomal multiples are revealed (hepta-nucleosomes were detectable with manual agarose gel electrophoresis), while the estimated size range of high molecular weight (HMW) cfDNA fragments narrow correspondingly; (ii) the cfDNA laddering pattern extends well beyond the 1–3 nucleosomal multiples detected by commonly used methods; and (iii) the modal size of HMW cfDNA populations is exaggerated due to the limited resolving power of electrophoresis, and instead consists of several poly-nucleosomal subpopulations that continue the series of DNA laddering. Furthermore, the most sensitive automated assay used in this study (Agilent dsDNA 930) revealed an exponential decay in the relative contribution of increasingly longer cfDNA populations. This power-law distribution suggests the involvement of a stochastic inter-nucleosomal DNA cleavage process, wherein shorter populations accumulate rapidly as they are fed by the degradation of all larger populations. This may explain why similar size profiles have historically been reported for cfDNA populations originating from different processes, such as apoptosis, necrosis, accidental cell lysis and purported active release. These results not only demonstrate the diversity of size profiles generated by different methods, but also highlight the importance of caution when drawing conclusions on the mechanisms that generate different cfDNA size populations, especially when only a single method is used for sizing.
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17
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Daryabari SS, Giroux S, Caron A, Chau B, Langlois S, Rousseau F. Improving Fetal Fraction of Noninvasive Prenatal Screening Samples Collected in EDTA-Gel Tubes Using Gel Size Selection: A Head-To-Head Comparison of Methods. J Mol Diagn 2022; 24:955-962. [PMID: 35820622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the use of EDTA-gel blood collection tubes with and without size selection to cell-stabilizing collection tubes for remote blood sampling for noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS). We recruited 61 pregnant women at 10 to 14 weeks' gestation undergoing NIPS. Participants were phlebotomized with Streck and EDTA-gel tubes. EDTA-gel tubes were centrifuged before shipping. Libraries prepared from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from both types of tubes were sequenced on Illumina NextSeq 500, and fetal fraction was estimated using SeqFF. EDTA-gel tube libraries were size selected on agarose gel to eliminate cfDNA fragments >160 bp and resequenced. The main outcome measure was fetal fraction expressed as percentage of total cfDNA sequenced, calculated from sequence read counts (SeqFF). Streck tube samples showed an average 1% higher fetal fraction than centrifuged EDTA-gel tubes without size selection. This difference increased with temperature. When EDTA-gel samples' libraries were size selected, the mean fetal fraction increased from 7% to 13%, with no sample having fetal fraction <4%. Using EDTA-gel tubes reduces NIPS sampling cost and tube processing time in the laboratory. Also, using EDTA-gel tubes does not lead to cfDNA degradation. Size selection increases fetal fraction, reduces the number of test failures, increases NIPS clinical performance, and may be helpful in situations asking for a higher fetal fraction, such as twin pregnancies or screening for sub-chromosomal imbalances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh S Daryabari
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Giroux
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
| | - André Caron
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Briana Chau
- UBC Department of Medical Genetics, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sylvie Langlois
- UBC Department of Medical Genetics, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - François Rousseau
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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18
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Chan HT, Chin YM, Low SK. Circulating Tumor DNA-Based Genomic Profiling Assays in Adult Solid Tumors for Precision Oncology: Recent Advancements and Future Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3275. [PMID: 35805046 PMCID: PMC9265547 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic profiling using tumor biopsies remains the standard approach for the selection of approved molecular targeted therapies. However, this is often limited by its invasiveness, feasibility, and poor sample quality. Liquid biopsies provide a less invasive approach while capturing a contemporaneous and comprehensive tumor genomic profile. Recent advancements in the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from plasma samples at satisfactory sensitivity, specificity, and detection concordance to tumor tissues have facilitated the approval of ctDNA-based genomic profiling to be integrated into regular clinical practice. The recent approval of both single-gene and multigene assays to detect genetic biomarkers from plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as companion diagnostic tools for molecular targeted therapies has transformed the therapeutic decision-making procedure for advanced solid tumors. Despite the increasing use of cfDNA-based molecular profiling, there is an ongoing debate about a 'plasma first' or 'tissue first' approach toward genomic testing for advanced solid malignancies. Both approaches present possible advantages and disadvantages, and these factors should be carefully considered to personalize and select the most appropriate genomic assay. This review focuses on the recent advancements of cfDNA-based genomic profiling assays in advanced solid tumors while highlighting the major challenges that should be tackled to formulate evidence-based guidelines in recommending the 'right assay for the right patient at the right time'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiu Ting Chan
- Project for Development of Liquid Biopsy Diagnosis, Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan; (Y.M.C.); (S.-K.L.)
| | - Yoon Ming Chin
- Project for Development of Liquid Biopsy Diagnosis, Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan; (Y.M.C.); (S.-K.L.)
- Cancer Precision Medicine, Inc., Kawasaki 213-0012, Japan
| | - Siew-Kee Low
- Project for Development of Liquid Biopsy Diagnosis, Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan; (Y.M.C.); (S.-K.L.)
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19
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Main SC, Cescon DW, Bratman SV. Liquid biopsies to predict CDK4/6 inhibitor efficacy and resistance in breast cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 5:727-748. [PMID: 36176758 PMCID: PMC9511796 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors combined with endocrine therapy have transformed the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer. However, some patients do not respond to this treatment, and patients inevitably develop resistance, such that novel biomarkers are needed to predict primary resistance, monitor treatment response for acquired resistance, and personalize treatment strategies. Circumventing the spatial and temporal limitations of tissue biopsy, newly developed liquid biopsy approaches have the potential to uncover biomarkers that can predict CDK4/6 inhibitor efficacy and resistance in breast cancer patients through a simple blood test. Studies on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based liquid biopsy biomarkers of CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance have focused primarily on genomic alterations and have failed thus far to identify clear and clinically validated predictive biomarkers, but emerging epigenetic ctDNA methodologies hold promise for further discovery. The present review outlines recent advances and future directions in ctDNA-based biomarkers of CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha C Main
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto M5G 2C1, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1L7, Ontario, Canada
| | - David W Cescon
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto M5G 2C1, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 1A8, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott V Bratman
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto M5G 2C1, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1L7, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto M5T 1P5, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Deciphering Tumour Heterogeneity: From Tissue to Liquid Biopsy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061384. [PMID: 35326534 PMCID: PMC8946040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Most malignant tumours are highly heterogeneous at molecular and phenotypic levels. Tumour variability poses challenges for the management of patients, as it arises between patients and even evolves in space and time within a single patient. Currently, treatment-decision making usually relies on the molecular characteristics of a limited tumour tissue sample at the time of diagnosis or disease progression but does not take into account the complexity of the bulk tumours and their constant evolution over time. In this review, we explore the extent of tumour heterogeneity and report the mechanisms that promote and sustain this diversity in cancers. We summarise the clinical strikes of tumour diversity in the management of patients with cancer. Finally, we discuss the current material and technological approaches that are relevant to adequately appreciate tumour heterogeneity. Abstract Human solid malignancies harbour a heterogeneous set of cells with distinct genotypes and phenotypes. This heterogeneity is installed at multiple levels. A biological diversity is commonly observed between tumours from different patients (inter-tumour heterogeneity) and cannot be fully captured by the current consensus molecular classifications for specific cancers. To extend the complexity in cancer, there are substantial differences from cell to cell within an individual tumour (intra-tumour heterogeneity, ITH) and the features of cancer cells evolve in space and time. Currently, treatment-decision making usually relies on the molecular characteristics of a limited tumour tissue sample at the time of diagnosis or disease progression but does not take into account the complexity of the bulk tumours and their constant evolution over time. In this review, we explore the extent of tumour heterogeneity with an emphasis on ITH and report the mechanisms that promote and sustain this diversity in cancers. We summarise the clinical strikes of ITH in the management of patients with cancer. Finally, we discuss the current material and technological approaches that are relevant to adequately appreciate ITH.
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