Post-mortem Plasma Cell-Free DNA Sequencing: Proof-of-Concept Study for the "Liquid Autopsy"

Sci Rep. 2020 Feb 7;10(1):2120. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-59193-y.

Abstract

Recent genomic studies on cancer tissues obtained during rapid autopsy have provided insights into the clonal evolution and heterogeneity of cancer. However, post-mortem blood has not been subjected to genetic analyses in relation to cancer. We first confirmed that substantial quantities of cell-free DNA were present in the post-mortem plasma of 12 autopsy cases. Then, we focused on a pilot case of prostate cancer with multiple metastases for genetic analyses. Whole-exome sequencing of post-mortem plasma-derived cell-free DNA and eight frozen metastatic cancer tissues collected during rapid autopsy was performed, and compared their mutational statuses. The post-mortem plasma cell-free DNA was successfully sequenced and 344 mutations were identified. Of these, 160 were detected in at least one of the metastases. Further, 99% of the mutations shared by all metastases were present in the plasma. Sanger sequencing of 30 additional formalin-fixed metastases enabled us to map the clones harboring mutations initially detected only in the plasma. In conclusion, post-mortem blood, which is usually disposed of during conventional autopsies, can provide valuable data if sequenced in detail, especially regarding cancer heterogeneity. Furthermore, post-mortem plasma cell-free DNA sequencing (liquid autopsy) can be a novel platform for cancer research and a tool for genomic pathology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Autopsy / methods*
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids / blood*
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids / genetics*
  • Exome Sequencing / methods
  • Female
  • Genetic Testing / methods
  • Genomics / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Plasma / metabolism*
  • Proof of Concept Study

Substances

  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids