Next generation sequencing (NGS) panel using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Health Economics and Outcomes Research (2020;7[2]:158-163. doi:10.36469/jheor.2020.17088).
“The aim of the study was to carry out a systematic review and a meta-analysis in order to determine the accuracy of NGS of ctDNA to detect six oncogenic driver alterations: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK); ROS proto-oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS-1); serine/threonine-protein kinase B-RAF (BRAF); RET proto-oncogene (RET); and MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET) exon 14 in patients with aNSCLC,” explained the study authors.
In the systematic review, researchers probed 4 major databases for studies that evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of NGS using ctDNA in patients with aNSCLC. Eligibility of study selection included data comparing NGS of ctDNA with tissue tests to detect oncogenic driver alternations. Sensitivity and specificity data were pooled, and statistical tests were used to analyze the data.
Results of the literature review indicated 10 studies eligible for data extraction. The pooled data determined estimates of sensitivity and specificity to be 0.766 (95% CI: 0.678-0.835); 0.999 (95% CI: 0.990-1.000), respectively.
“The analysis has demonstrated that the NGS panel using ctDNA has a high accuracy to identify the six actionable oncogenic driver alterations in patients with aNSCLC,” concluded the study authors. “Therefore, it can be considered a reliable alternative to guide the patients with aNSCLC to the right treatment who cannot undergo an invasive procedure or have insufficient tissue material for molecular tests.”—Lisa Kuhns
