Early circulating tumour DNA kinetics measured by ultra-deep next-generation sequencing during radical radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer: a feasibility study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) from clinical blood samples, liquid biopsy, offers several diagnostic advantages compared with traditional tissue biopsy, such as shorter processing time, reduced patient risk and the opportunity to assess tumour heterogeneity. The historically poor sensitivity of ctDNA testing, has restricted its integration into routine clinical practice for non-metastatic disease. The early kinetics of ctDNA during radical radiotherapy for localised NSCLC have not been described with ultra-deep next generation sequencing previously. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with CT/PET-staged locally advanced, NSCLC prospectively consented to undergo seri..