The Utility of ctDNA in Lung Cancer Clinical Research and Practice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies
Xuezheng Sun, Page E. Abrahamson, Nick Ballew, Linda Kalilani, Kelesitse Phiri, Kelly Bell, Alexander Slowley, Magdalena Zając, Erin Hofstatter, Alexander Stojadinovic, Angela Silvestro, Zebin Wang, Amine Aziez, Solange Peters
Abstract
This systematic review with embedded meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in lung cancer. After screening and review of the Embase database search, 111 studies from 2015 to 2020 demonstrated ctDNA's value in prognostication/monitoring disease progression, mainly in patients with advanced/metastatic disease and non-small cell lung cancer. ctDNA positivity/detection at any time point was associated with shorter progression-free survival and overall survival, whereas ctDNA clearance/decrease during treatment was associated with a lower risk of progression and death. Validating these findings and addressing challenges regarding ctDNA testing integration into clinical practice will require further research.