Levels of circulating tumor DNA correlate with tumor volume in gastro-intestinal stromal tumors: an exploratory long-term follow-up study

Roos F Bleckman, Charlotte M S C Haag, Naomi Rifaela, Gerrieke Beukema, Ron H J Mathijssen, Neeltje Steeghs, Hans Gelderblom, Ingrid M E Desar, Arjen Cleven, Arja Ter Elst, Ed Schuuring*, Anna K L Reyners

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

17 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Patients with gastro-intestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) undergoing tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy are monitored with regular computed tomography (CT) scans, exposing patients to cumulative radiation. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing to monitor treatment response and compare changes in ctDNA levels with RECIST 1.1 and total tumor volume measurements. Between 2014 and 2021, six patients with KIT proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) exon-11-mutated GIST from whom long-term plasma samples were collected prospectively were included in the study. ctDNA levels of relevant plasma samples were determined using the KIT exon 11 digital droplet PCR drop-off assay. Tumor volume measurements were performed using a semi-automated approach. In total, 94 of 130 clinically relevant ctDNA samples were analyzed. Upon successful treatment response, ctDNA became undetectable in all patients. At progressive disease, ctDNA was detectable in five out of six patients. Higher levels of ctDNA correlated with larger tumor volumes. Undetectable ctDNA at the time of progressive disease on imaging was consistent with lower tumor volumes compared to those with detectable ctDNA. In summary, ctDNA levels seem to correlate with total tumor volume at the time of progressive disease. Our exploratory study shows promise for including ctDNA testing in treatment follow-up.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages10
JournalMolecular oncology
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 24-May-2024

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Levels of circulating tumor DNA correlate with tumor volume in gastro-intestinal stromal tumors: an exploratory long-term follow-up study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this