Circulating tumor DNA kinetics: A future tool for radiation therapy personalization in lung cancer?

Consolidative radiotherapy in oligometastatic and oligoprogressive NSCLC: A systematic review

Consolidative radiation is increasingly regarded as an effective treatment for oligometastatic and oligoprogressive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This systematic review examines the clinical evidence on the significance of consolidative radiation in improving outcomes in NSCLC, including progression-free survival and overall survival. Innovations in radiotherapy, including stereotactic body radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy, have enhanced the accuracy and effectiveness of local control in oligometastatic disease. This paper analyzes the integration of consolidative radiotherapy with systemic agents, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy, along with the application of biomarkers such circulating tumor DNA for patient selection. Our findings indicate that consolidative radiotherapy could benefit some patients with controlled oligometastatic NSCLC following systemic therapy, emphasizing the importance of proper patient selection. Additional research is necessary to optimize treatment combinations and develop biomarkers for better patient stratification in consolidative radiotherapy.

Emergence of Circulating Tumor DNA as a Precision Biomarker in Lung Cancer Radiation Oncology and Beyond

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a transformative biomarker in the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This review focuses on its role in detecting minimal residual disease (MRD), predicting treatment response, and guiding therapeutic decision-making in radiation oncology and immunotherapy. Key studies demonstrate ctDNA's prognostic value, particularly in identifying relapse risk and refining patient stratification for curative-intent and consolidative treatments. Future research is essential to standardize ctDNA assays, optimize integration into clinical workflows, and expand its clinical utility. This biomarker holds substantial promise by enabling non-invasive, real-time monitoring and improving outcomes for patients with NSCLC and beyond.