# Circulating Tumor DNA as a Prognostic and Predictive Biomarker in Lung Cancer

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how blood-based tumor DNA testing can help diagnose, treat, and monitor lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer.

## Contribution

The paper summarizes the current state and potential of ctDNA as a biomarker in lung cancer precision medicine.

## Key findings

- ctDNA can detect actionable genomic changes in lung cancer patients.
- ctDNA helps predict treatment response and cancer evolution.
- ctDNA is useful for minimal residual disease detection and risk stratification.

## Abstract

Liquid biopsy is a type of blood test which detects circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). This is a key advance in precision medicine which can help in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring lung cancer. This article reviews the current applications of ctDNA in the context of lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Research to date reveal ctDNA is useful in detecting actionable genomic alterations, helps guide treatment, and may predict how the cancer may respond to treatment and evolve. Minimal residual disease detection is another key area of interest. ctDNA detection and tracking have powerful potential uses, and many studies are currently underway.

Background/Objectives: Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. In recent years, the development of liquid biopsy, or ctDNA detection in body fluids, particularly blood, has been shown to be effective in detection, genotyping, prognostication, and evaluating therapy response, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: In this review, we present a summary of the current landscape of ctDNA, applications, and limitations, as well as future areas of research. Results/Conclusions: Though not yet in its prime, ctDNA detection and tracking have powerful current and potential uses, including treatment selection, prognostication, and risk stratification.