The field of oncology is experiencing a paradigm shift through the integration of liquid biopsies, which are non-invasive diagnostic methods that analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood samples. These advanced technologies are transforming lung cancer care by allowing clinicians to detect genetic mutations, monitor disease progression, and assess treatment responses with molecular precision.
In a recent episode of “Lung Cancer Considered,” a podcast hosted by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), Dr. Stephen Liu interviewed liquid biopsy experts Dr. Valsamo (Elsa) Anagnostou and Dr. Umberto Malapelle about the evolving role of liquid biopsy in clinical practice. The discussion highlighted how this innovative approach is especially valuable for identifying actionable mutations that can guide the selection of targeted therapies. Compared to traditional tissue biopsies, liquid biopsy reduces procedural risks and allows for more frequent monitoring, enabling oncologists to detect treatment resistance in real time. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of liquid biopsy render it a practical solution for ongoing patient care, minimizing the need for invasive procedures while delivering timely molecular insights. As we continue to refine these technologies, their integration into routine clinical workflows can improve outcomes for lung cancer patients worldwide.
Follow the [link] for the podcast episode to listen to the full conversation and gain deeper insights into the future of lung cancer diagnostics.
In this study, our group at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center demonstrated that a minimally invasive blood test effectively captures early responses to immunotherapy in patients with advanced lung cancer. By measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels, this liquid biopsy approach provides monitoring of therapy response with molecular precision and predicts survival. This advancement holds great potential for molecular response-adaptive treatment decision-making.
To gain a deeper insight, view the following video, “Capturing Immunotherapy Response in a Blood Drop”.
In a webinar hosted by Labroots, Dr. Anagnostou discussed cutting-edge advancements in diagnostics that enable precision oncology, focusing on the integration of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and matched white blood cell (WBC) analyses. This approach represents a significant advancement in the evaluation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), providing improved sensitivity and specificity for assessing tumor dynamics and therapeutic responses.
The combined analysis of cfDNA and WBCs addresses a key challenge in liquid biopsy applications: distinguishing tumor-derived mutations from clonal hematopoiesis and other non-tumor genetic alterations. This method enhances the reliability of ctDNA assays by cross-referencing genomic alterations in plasma and matched WBCs, thereby reducing false-positive results. Using this method, clinicians can track molecular responses more accurately and identify new resistance mutations. With the ongoing advancements in liquid biopsy, this detailed analytical framework shows significant potential in providing non-invasive and real-time insights into tumor biology and its evolution under the selective pressure of treatment.
Listen to the full presentation and gain deeper insights into this innovative approach, by visiting this [link]
Here are some highlights from yesterday’s C3PO Postdoctoral Lecture Series, featuring Dr. Lavanya Sivapalan, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Molecular Oncology Lab.
In her presentation titled “Longitudinal cell-free tumor load dynamics represent an early endpoint for immunotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer,” Lavanya shared insights into tracking immunotherapy responses in non-small cell lung cancer through liquid biopsies and tackled some of the challenges associated with these approaches.
Her lecture sparked engaging discussions and showcased her significant contributions to the field.
We are excited to share the outstanding posters presented by our team at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Trainee Research Day, which took place on April 24, 2024. Our researchers showcased innovative projects that are making a significant impact on cancer research and precision oncology. Here are the highlights from the event:
“Landscape of acquired resistance to immunotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer” by Archana Balan
“Plasma comprehensive genomic profiling for the identification of actionable mutations and mechanisms of resistance to EGFR targeted therapy in lung cancer” by Michael Conroy
“Liquid biopsy-informed precision oncology clinical trial to evaluate the utility of ctDNA comprehensive genomic profiling” by Maria Fatteh
“Combination pembrolizumab and radiotherapy induces systemic anti-tumor immune responses in immunologically-cold non-small cell lung cancer” by Mimi Najjar
“Combined epigenetic therapy and immune checkpoint blockade drive reshaping of the tumor microenvironment of platinum resistant ovarian cancer” by Blair Landon
“Longitudinal cell-free tumor load dynamics represent an early endpoint for immunotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer” by Lavanya Sivapalan
“Precision oncology decision-support informatics approaches to match actionable genotypes with targeted therapies” by Jaime Wehr
Congratulations to our wonderful team for their outstanding contributions and to Maria Fatteh, Blair Landon, and Lavanya Sivapalan for receiving honorable mentions during the event!
