The Utility of ctDNA in Lung Cancer Clinical Research and Practice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies

Cancer Invest. 2023 Jul;41(6):571-592. doi: 10.1080/07357907.2023.2220820. Epub 2023 Jun 18.

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.

Keywords: Biomarker; circulating tumor DNA; lung cancer; non-small cell lung cancer; small cell lung cancer.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / genetics
  • Circulating Tumor DNA* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Mutation

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Circulating Tumor DNA