Tissue and liquid-based next-generation sequencing diagnostics for patients with advanced NSCLC

S1A – Lung Cancer
TISSUE AND LIQUID-BASED NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING DIAGNOSTIC FOR PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED NSCLC

Pathmanathan Rajadurai
Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

The emergence of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has revolutionized the diagnostic landscape for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Both tissue-based and liquid-based biopsies have become pivotal in identifying actionable genetic alterations, guiding precision therapy. Tissue-based NGS, performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples, offers comprehensive genomic profiling, enabling the detection of mutations, copy number variations, and gene fusions across a broad spectrum of genes. However, the invasive nature of tissue biopsies and the challenge of obtaining sufficient and high-quality DNA from small or necrotic samples pose limitations.

Liquid biopsies, on the other hand, utilize circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from blood samples, providing a minimally invasive alternative. They allow for real-time monitoring of tumor dynamics and can detect mutations with high specificity, particularly when tissue samples are inadequate or inaccessible. While liquid biopsies offer rapid turnaround and are less invasive, their sensitivity can be influenced by the ctDNA burden and tumor heterogeneity.

Thus, the integration of tissue and liquid-based NGS in clinical practice enhances the precision of NSCLC diagnosis and treatment, offering a complementary approach to overcoming the limitations of each method. These advancements pave the way for personalized oncology, improving patient outcomes through targeted therapies.