Liquid biopsy in the management of advanced lung cancer: Implementation and practical aspects

Autores da FMUP

• Maria Gabriela Oliveira Fernandes

  Autor

• Acácio Agostinho Gonçalves Rodrigues

  Autor

• José Manuel Soares Moreira Almeida Lopes

  Autor

Participantes de fora da FMUP

• Matos, C
• Barata, F
• Cirnes, L
• Ferreira, L
• Felizardo, M
• Fidalgo, P
• Brito, U
• Parente, B

Unidades de investigação

• Laboratório Associado RISE- Rede de Investigação em Saúde

  

  Investigador

  Fernando Carlos De Landér Schmitt

• Medicina

• Patologia

• RISE-Health

  

  Investigador

  Fernando Carlos De Landér Schmitt

Abstract

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In recent years, the discovery of actionable molecular alterations has changed the treatment paradigm of the disease. Tissue biopsies have been the gold standard for the identification of targetable alterations but present several limitations, calling for alternatives to detect driver and acquired resistance alterations. Liquid biopsies reveal great potential in this setting and also in the evaluation and monitoring of treatment response. However, several challenges currently hamper its widespread adoption in clinical practice. This perspective article evaluates the potential and challenges associated with liquid biopsy testing, considering a Portuguese expert panel dedicated to thoracic oncology point of view, and providing practical insights for its implementation based on the experience and applicability in the Portuguese context.

Keywords

• Liquid biopsy; ctDNA; Non-small-cell lung cancer; Molecular characterization; Oncogenic molecular drivers; Therapeutic targets; Next-generation sequencing