Tumor Markers
Number: 0352
Table Of Contents
PolicyApplicable CPT / HCPCS / ICD-10 Codes
Background
References
Policy
Scope of Policy
This Clinical Policy Bulletin addresses tumor markers, including somatic (acquired) mutations, in oncology.
For criteria related to germline (inherited) mutations, see CPB 0140 - Genetic Testing.
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Medical Necessity
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Aetna considers any of the following tumor markers for the stated indication medically necessary (unless otherwise stated):
- 1p19q codeletion molecular cytogenetic analysis for astrocytomas and gliomas;
- 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) for neuroendocrine tumors;
- Afirma Thyroid FNA analysis for assessing fine needle aspiration samples from thyroid nodules that are indeterminate; experimental for other indications. Repeat testing is considered experimental, investigational, or unproven;
- ALK expression for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, pediatric Hodgkin's lymphoma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) with ALK translocation, breast implant-associated ALCL, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and uterine sarcoma;
- ALK gene fusion as a molecular biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer;
- ALK gene rearrangement for diffuse large B cell lymphoma, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, primary cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, and non-small cell lung cancer;
- Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) for testing for hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B carriers, or for persons with cirrhosis and one or more of the following risk factors: alcohol use; alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; Asian female at least 50 years of age; Asian male at least 40 years of age; family history of HCC; genetic hemochromatosis; hepatitis C; nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; and stage 4 primary biliary cirrhosis;
- Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) for the following indications: hepatocellular carcinoma; mediastinal mass; ovarian cancer; pelvic mass; testicular cancer; testicular mass; thymic carcinoma; and thymoma;
- Alpha fetoprotein (AFP): serial measurements to diagnose germ cell tumors in members with adenocarcinoma, or carcinoma not otherwise specified, involving mediastinal nodes; or the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatocellular carcinoma (e.g., before considering liver transplantation);
- Androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) in circulating tumor cells (CTC) to select therapy in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer after progression on abiraterone or enzalutamide;
- APC for familial adenomatous polyposis when criteria are met in CPB 0140 - Genetic Testing; and for desmoid fibromatosis; experimental for other indications;
- BCL2 and BCL6 for the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Castleman's disease;
- BCR/ABL for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and suspected myeloproliferative neoplasm; experimental, investigational, or unproven for other indications;
- Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) for multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia/ lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma;
- BIRC3 and MALT1 for gastric MALT lymphoma, non-gastric MALT lymphoma, nodal marginal zone lymphoma, and splenic marginal zone lymphoma;
- BRAF V600 mutation for indeterminate thyroid nodules, hairy cell leukemia; gastrointestinal stromal tumors; colorectal cancer, Lynch syndrome; non-small cell lung cancer; thyroid carcinoma; infiltrative glioma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and melanoma (see CPB 0715 - Pharmacogenomic and Pharmacodynamic Testing); or Lynch syndrome for persons meeting criteria in CPB 0140 - Genetic Testing; and colorectal cancer if KRAS nonmutated; experimental for other indications;
- Breast Cancer Index (BCI) Footnote2** to assess necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy or adjuvant endocrine therapy in females or males with recently diagnosed breast tumors, where all of the following criteria are met:
- Breast cancer is nonmetastatic (node negative) or with 1-3 involved ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes; and
- Breast tumor is estrogen receptor and/or progesterone receptor positive; and
- Breast tumor is HER2 receptor negative; and
- Adjuvant therapy is not precluded due to any other factor (e.g., advanced age and/or significant co-morbidities); and
- Member and physician (prior to testing) have discussed the potential results of the test and agree to use the results to guide therapy;
BCI is also considered medically necessary for persons with HER2-negative breast cancer with 0-3 positive nodes who received 5 years of endocrine therapy without recurrence to guide decisions about extended endocrine therapy.
- BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma;
- CA 15-3: Serial measurements of CA 15-3 (also known as CA 27-29 or Truquant RIA) in following the course of treatment in women diagnosed with breast cancer, especially advanced metastatic breast cancer (an increasing CA 15-3 level may suggest treatment failure);
- CA 19-9 for the following indications:
- To monitor the clinical response to therapy or detect early recurrence of disease in members with known gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, ovarian cancer, small bowel adenocarcinoma, or adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater; or
- To rule out cholangiocarcinoma in persons with primary sclerosing cholangitis undergoing liver transplantation; or
- For evaluation of jaundice, abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) or hepatobiliary obstruction/abnormality on abdominal imaging; or
- For initial work-up and surveillance for recurrence of ovarian masses; or
- As a tumor marker for mucinous appendiceal carcinoma.
- CALB2 (calretinin) expression for lung cancer and occult primary;
- CALCA (calcitonin) expression for medullary thyroid cancer or for adenocarcinoma or anaplastic/undifferentiated tumors of the head and neck;
- CALR (calreticulin) for chronic myeloid leukemia (chronic phase, adult), myelodysplastic syndrome, or myeloproliferative neoplasms;
- Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) levels for any of the following:
- As a preoperative diagnostic aid in women with ovarian masses that are suspected to be malignant, such that arrangements can be made for intraoperative availability of a gynecological oncologist if the CA 125 is increased; or
- As a screening test for ovarian cancer when there is a family history of hereditary ovarian cancer syndrome (a pattern of clusters of ovarian cancer within two or more generations), where testing is performed concurrently with transvaginal ultrasound and prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy has not been performed. For this indication, screening is considered medically necessary every six months beginning at 30 years of age or 10 years before the earliest age of the first diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the family; or
- Diagnosis of ovarian cancer in women with new symptoms (bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, or urinary frequency and urgency) that have persisted for three or more weeks, where the clinician has performed a pelvic and rectal examination and suspects ovarian cancer; or
- In members with adenocarcinoma of unknown primary, to rule out ovarian cancer; or
- In members with known ovarian cancer, as an aid in the monitoring of disease, response to treatment, detection of recurrent disease, or assessing value of performing second-look surgery;
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Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for any of the following:
- As a preoperative prognostic indicator in members with known colorectal carcinoma or mucinous appendiceal carcinoma when it will assist in staging and surgical treatment planning; or
- Pancreatic cyst fluid CEA for distinguishing mucinous from non-mucinous malignant pancreatic cysts; or
- To detect asymptomatic recurrence of colorectal cancer after surgical and/or medical treatment for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (not as a screening test for colorectal cancer); or
- To monitor response to treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer; or
- For cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, lung cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, metastatic breast cancer, mucinous ovarian cancer, and occult primary; or
- For evaluation of jaundice, abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) or for obstruction/abnormality of the bile duct on liver imaging;
- CBFB for acute myeloid leukemia;
- CCND1 (cyclin D1) for B-cell lymphomas, primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, and hairy cell leukemia;
- CD 20, for determining eligibility for anti-CD20 treatment (rituximab) (see CPB 0314 - Rituximab);
- CD 25, for determining eligibility for denileukin diftitox (Ontak) treatment;
- CD 31 immunostaining, for diagnosis of angiosarcoma;
- CD 33, for lymphoblastic lymphoma and for determining eligibility for anti-CD33 (gemtuzumab, Mylotarg) treatment;
- CD 52, for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, and for determining eligibility for anti-CD52 (alemtuzumab, Campath) treatment;
- CD117 (c-kit), for acute myeloid leukemia, cutaneous melanoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and systemic mastocytosis;
- CHGA (Chromogranin A) expression for neuroendocrine tumors, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma and occult primary;
- Copy number alterations molecular testing for pediatric diffuse high-grade glioma;
- DecipherFootnote3*** for the following indications:
- Post biopsy in men with NCCN very-low-risk, low-risk, and favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer who have a greater than 10 year life expectancy who have not received treatment for prostate cancer and are candidates for active surveillance or definitive therapy; or
- Post biopsy in men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer when deciding whether to add androgen-deprivation therapy to radiation; or
- Men with an undetectable PSA after prostatectomy for prostate cancer, to determine adjuvant versus salvage radiation therapy or to determine whether to initiate systemic therapies;
- DecisionDx-UM (Castle Biosciences, Phoenix, AZ) for risk stratification of persons with localized uveal melanoma;
- EndoPredict (also known as 12-gene score)Footnote2** to assess necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy in females or males with recently diagnosed breast tumors, where all of the following criteria are met:
- Breast cancer is nonmetastatic (node negative) or with 1-3 involved ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes; and
- Breast tumor is estrogen receptor positive; and
- Breast tumor is HER2 receptor negative; and
- Adjuvant chemotherapy is not precluded due to any other factor (e.g., advanced age and/or significant co-morbidities); and
- Member and physician (prior to testing) have discussed the potential results of the test and agree to use the results to guide therapy;
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EZH2 (enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit) for the workup of the following:
- myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and
- myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) to evaluate for higher-risk mutations associated with disease progression in members with primary myelofibrosis (PMF);
Aetna considers EZH2 experimental, investigational, or unproven for all other indications including diffuse large B-cell lymphomas;
- FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion oncogene for systemic mastocytosis with peripheral blood eosinophilia;
- FIP1L1-PDGFRA gene rearrangements for myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with peripheral blood eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase fusion genes;
- FLT3 gene mutation testing for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase fusion genes;
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), serial measurement to diagnose germ cell tumors in members with adenocarcinoma, or carcinoma not otherwise specified, involving mediastinal nodes, or to monitor treatment in members with known trophoblastic tumors (invasive hydatidiform moles and choriocarcinomas) and germinal cell tumors (teratocarcinoma and embryonal cell carcinoma) of the ovaries or testes, or to monitor for relapse after remission is achieved;
- Human chorionic gonadotropin, beta (beta-HCG) for mediastinal mass; ovarian cancer; pelvic mass; testicular mass; testicular cancer; thymoma; or thymic carcinoma;
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (ERBB2) evaluation in biliary tract, bladder, breast, cervical, colorectal, esophageal, esophageal gastric junction, gastric, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), ovarian/fallopian tube, and salivary gland tumors. See CPB 0313 - Trastuzumab (Herceptin and biosimilars), Trastuzumab and Hyaluronidase-oysk (Herceptin Hylecta);
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) tumor testing (p16) for the workup of head and neck cancer (including oropharynx cancer) or occult primary cancers;
- IDH1 and IDH2 (isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2) gene mutation for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chondrosarcoma, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), glioma or glioblastoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, or myeloproliferative neoplasms;
- IDH1, IDH2, and TERT mutation analysis (e.g., IDTRT [Mayo Clinic Laboratories]) for workup of glioma or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS);
- IGH@ (Immunoglobulin heavy chain locus), gene rearrangement analysis to detect abnormal clonal population(s) in non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder;
- IGK@ (Immunoglobulin kappa light chain locus), gene rearrangement analysis, evaluation to detect abnormal clonal population(s) for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, systemic light chain amyloidosis;
- INHA (inhibin) expression for ovarian cancer or pelvic mass;
- KRAS for metastatic colorectal cancer, myelodysplastic syndromes, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and uterine sarcoma;
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), bone cancer, kidney cancer, kidney mass, lung cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, pelvic mass, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, or testicular mass;
- Liquid biopsy (up to 50 genes) (e.g., Resolution ctDx Lung, InVisionFirst-Lung) for persons with non-small cell lung cancer who are not medically fit for invasive sampling, or there is insufficient tissue for molecular analysis and follow-up tissue-based analysis will be done if an oncogenic driver is not identified; large liquid biopsy panels (greater than 50 genes) are considered experimental, investigational, or unproven for non-small cell lung cancer; for Guardant360CDx non-small cell lung cancer and FoundationOne Liquid CDx for non-small cell lung cancer and prostate cancer (see CPB 0715 - Pharmacogenetic and Pharmacodynamic Testing);
- MammaprintFootnote2** to assess necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy in females or males with recently diagnosed breast tumors, where all of the following criteria are met:
- Breast cancer is nonmetastatic (node negativeFootnote1*) or with 1-3 involved ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes; and
- Breast tumor is estrogen receptor positive or progesterone receptor positive; and
- Breast tumor is HER2 receptor negative (Rationale: adjuvant chemotherapy with trastuzumab (Herceptin) is considered to be medically necessary regardless of Mammaprint score for HER2 receptor positive lesions); and
- Member is determined to be at "high clinical risk" of recurrence using Adjuvant! Online (see page 20 of MINDACT study supplement for definitions of high clinical risk); and
- Adjuvant chemotherapy is not precluded due to any other factor (e.g., advanced age and/or significant co-morbidities); and
- Member and physician (prior to testing) have discussed the potential results of the test and agree to use the results to guide therapy;
- Measurement of estrogen receptors (ESR1) for breast cancer, endometrial carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, occult primary, ovarian cancer, or uterine sarcoma;
- Measurement of progesterone receptors (PGR) for breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, occult primary, or uterine sarcoma;
- Microsatellite instability (MSI) molecular testing for any of the following indications:
- Adrenal gland tumor (including adrenocortical carcinoma)
- Biliary tract cancers (i.e., extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, intrahepatic cholangiocarinoma)
- Bone cancer (i.e., chondrosarcoma, chordoma, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma)
- Breast cancer (invasive)
- Cervical cancer
- Colon cancer (including appendiceal adenocarcinoma)
- Esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancers
- Gastric cancer
- Head and neck cancer (including salivary gland tumors)
- Lynch syndrome
- Neuroendocrine (i.e., extrapulmonary poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma / large or small cell carcinoma / mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm)
- Occult primary
- Ovarian cancer / fallopian tube cancer / primary peritoneal cancer (including epithelial ovarian cancer, and less common ovarian cancers [e.g., grade 1 endometrioid carcinoma])
- Penile cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Small bowel adenocarcinoma
- Testicular Cancer (including nonseminoma, seminoma)
- Thyroid carcinoma (i.e., anaplastic, follicular, oncocytic, papillary)
- Upper genitourinary tract (GU) tract tumors
- Uterine neoplasms (i.e., endometrial carcinoma, uterine sarcoma)
- Vulvar cancer - squamous cell carcinoma;
- Mismatch repair (MSI/dMMR) (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2) tumor testing (somatic mutations) for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, small bowel adenocarcinoma, esophageal cancer, esophagogastric junction cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, penile cancer, myelodysplastic syndromes, Ewing sarcoma, and occult primary; for medical necessity of screening of germline mutations for HNPCC/Lynch Syndrome with MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, see CPB 0140 - Genetic Testing;
- MLH1 tumor promoter hypermethylation for endometrial cancer;
- MPL (myeloproliferative leukemia protein) for chronic myeloid leukemia (chronic phase, adult), myelodysplastic syndromes, or myeloproliferative neoplasms;
- Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) for uterine sarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma;
- Mycosis fungoides, diagnosis: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for T-cell receptor gamma chain gene rearrangement as an adjunct to the histopathologic diagnosis of mycosis fungoides;
- MYD88 (myeloid differentiation primary response 88) to differentiate Waldenstrom's macroglobinemia (WM) versus marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) if plasmacytic differentiation present for gastric MALT lymphoma, nodal marginal zone lymphoma, nongastric MALT lymphoma, and splenic marginal zone lymphoma; and for multiple myeloma;
- Myeloperoxidase (MPO) immunostaining, CEBPA mutation, and KIT mutation for diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia;
- Next generation sequencing of tumor DNA (e.g., ClonoSEQ) to detect or quantify minimal residual disease (MRD) in persons with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), or multiple myeloma;
- NPM1 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (chronic phase, adult), myelodysplastic syndromes, or myeloproliferative neoplasms; experimental for other indications;
- NRAS for colorectal cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, or blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN);
- NTRK for all solid tumors;
- Oncotype Dx Breast (also known as 21 gene RT-PCR test) to assess necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy in females or males with recently diagnosed breast tumors, where all of the following criteria are met:
- Breast cancer is nonmetastatic (node negativeFootnote1*) or with 1-3 involved ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes; and
- Breast tumor is estrogen receptor positive; and
- Breast tumor is HER2 receptor negative or breast tumor is HER2 receptor positive and less than 1 cm in diameter. (Rationale: adjuvant chemotherapy with trastuzumab (Herceptin) is considered to be medically necessary regardless of an Oncotype Dx Breast score for HER2 receptor positive lesions 1 cm or more in diameter); and
- Adjuvant chemotherapy is not precluded due to any other factor (e.g., advanced age and/or significant co-morbidities); and
- Member and physician (prior to testing) have discussed the potential results of the test and agree to use the results to guide therapy (i.e., member will forgo adjuvant chemotherapy if Oncotype Dx Breast score is low);
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Oncotype DX ProstateFootnote3*** for the following indications post biopsy:
- Men with NCCN very-low-risk, low-risk, and favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer who have greater than 10 year life expectancy and who have not received treatment for prostate cancer and are candidates for active surveillance or definitive therapy; or
- Men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer when deciding whether to add androgen-deprivation therapy to radiation;
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PAM50 Risk of Recurrence (ROR) Score (also known as Prosigna Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay)Footnote2** to assess necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy in females or males with recently diagnosed breast tumors, where all of the following criteria are met:
- Breast cancer is nonmetastatic (node negative); and
- Breast tumor is estrogen receptor positive; and
- Breast tumor is HER2 receptor negative; and
- Adjuvant chemotherapy is not precluded due to any other factor (e.g., advanced age and/or significant co-morbidities); and
- Member and physician (prior to testing) have discussed the potential results of the test and agree to use the results to guide therapy;
- PDGFRA for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (see also entry above for FIP1L1-PDGFRA gene rearrangements and fusions);
- PDGFRB testing for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and for myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with peripheral blood eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase fusion genes;
- Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphonate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha polypeptide gene (PIK3CA) for breast cancer and uterine sarcoma;
- Placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), to diagnose germ cell seminoma and non-seminoma germ cell tumors in unknown primary cancers;
- PLCG2 (phospholipase C gamma 2) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL);
- PML/RARA for acute promyelocytic leukemia; experimental for all other indications;
- Predicting response to EGFR-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); KRAS mutation testing to predict non-response to treatment of anal adenocarcinoma, metastatic colorectal cancer, NSCLC, and small bowel adenocarcinoma; or ROS-1 to predict response to treatment of NSCLC, see CPB 0715 - Pharmacogenetic and Pharmacodynamic Testing
- ProlarisFootnote3*** for the following indications post-biopsy:
- Men with NCCN very-low-risk, low-risk, and favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer who have greater than 10 year life expectancy and who have not received treatment for prostate cancer and are candidates for active surveillance or definitive therapy; or
- Men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer when deciding whether to add androgen-deprivation therapy to radiation;
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ProMarkFootnote3*** for the following indications post-biopsy:
- Men with NCCN very-low-risk, low-risk men, and favorable intermediate risk prostate cancer who have greater than 10 year life expectancy and who have not received treatment for prostate cancer and are candidates for active surveillance or definitive therapy; or
- Men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer when deciding whether to add androgen-deprivation therapy to radiation;
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer screening (see CPB 0521 - Prostate Cancer Screening), staging, monitoring response to therapy, and detecting disease recurrence;
- PTEN for uterine sarcoma and for persons meeting Cowden syndrome testing criteria in CPB 0140 - Genetic Testing; experimental for all other indications;
- Quest Diagnostics Thyroid Cancer Mutation Panel for assessing fine needle aspiration samples from thyroid nodules that are indeterminate; experimental for other indications. Repeat testing is considered experimental, investigational, or unproven;
- RUNX1 for acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and systemic mastocytosis;
- SF3B1 (splicing factor 3b subunit 1) for chronic myeloid leukemia (chronic phase, adult), myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms, or uveal melanoma;
- SRSF2 (serine and arginine rich splicing factor 2) for chronic myeloid leukemia (chronic phase, adult), myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms, or systemic mastocytosis;
- Steroid hormone receptor status in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal members to identify individuals most likely to benefit from endocrine forms of adjuvant therapy and therapy for recurrent or metastatic breast cancer;
- Targeted hematologic genomic sequencing panel (5-50 genes) for acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) (e.g., MedFusion myeloid malignancy analysis panel). Repeating a hematologic malignancy genomic sequencing panel within 60 days of prior panel testing for the same indication is considered not medically necessary;
- Targeted solid organ genomic sequencing panel (5-50 genes) for the following indications:
- Advanced esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer;
- Advanced gastric cancer;
- Colorectal cancer;
- Cutaneous melanom;
- Non-small cell lung cancer (e.g., Lung HDPCR [Proteans BioDiagnostics], Oncomine Dx Target Test [Thermo Fisher Scientific]);
- Ovarian cancer;
- Pancreatic cancer;
- Prostate cancer;
- Stage IV or recurrent unresectable breast cancer;
Repeating a solid organ malignancy genomic sequencing panel within 60 days of prior panel testing for the same indication is considered not medically necessary;
- T-cell receptor gene rearrangements (TRA@, TRB@, TRD@, TRG@) for T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia, nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, hepatosplenic gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, primary cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, myelodysplastic syndromes, Castleman's disease, mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome and myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase fusion genes;
- TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) medically necessary for the workup of:
- Gliomas (i.e., infiltrative supratentorial astrocytoma/oligodendroglioma, anaplastic gliomas/glioblastoma), and
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
Aetna considers TERT experimental, investigational, or unproven for all other indications including thyroid carcinoma.
- ThyGeNEXT Thyroid Oncogene Panel (formerly e.g., ThyGenX, miRInform thyroid test) and ThyraMIR microRNA Classifier for assessing fine needle aspiration samples from thyroid nodules that are indeterminate; experimental for other indications; repeat testing is considered experimental, investigational, or unproven;
- Thymidine kinase for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL);
- Thyroglobulin antibodies for thyroid cancer;
- Thyroglobulin (TG) expression for thyroid cancer, occult primary, and adenocarcinoma or anaplastic/undifferentiated tumors of the head and neck
- Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) for lung cancer or neuroendocrine tumors;
- ThyroSeq for assessing fine needle aspiration samples from thyroid nodules that are indeterminate; experimental, investigational, or unproven for other indications. Repeat testing is considered experimental, investigational, or unproven. (Note: This test is not the same as ThyroSeq CRC);
- TP53 for acute myeloid leukemia; adult medulloblastoma; chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma; chronic myeloid leukemia (chronic phase, adult); endometrial carcinoma; malignant peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma; mantle cell lymphoma; myelodysplastic syndromes; myeloproliferative neoplasms; occult primary; pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia; peripheral T-cell lymphomas; splenic marginal zone lymphoma; uterine sarcoma; or well-differentiated, grade 3 neuroendocrine tumors;
- U2AF1 (U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 1) for blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), chronic myeloid leukemia (chronic phase, adult), myelodysplastic syndromes, or myeloproliferative neoplasms;
- Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1)Footnote2** to assess necessity of adjuvant chemotherapy in females or males with recently diagnosed breast tumors, where all of the following criteria are met:
- Breast cancer is nonmetastatic (node negative); and
- Breast tumor is estrogen receptor positive; and
- Breast tumor is HER2 receptor negative; and
- Adjuvant chemotherapy is not precluded due to any other factor (e.g., advanced age and/or significant co-morbidities); and
- Member and physician (prior to testing) have discussed the potential results of the test and agree to use the results to guide therapy;
In addition, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is considered medically necessary for the determination of prognosis in persons with newly diagnosed, node negative breast cancer;
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression for Castleman's disease;
- Veristrat proteomic testing for members with advanced NSCLC, whose tumors were without EGFR and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutations, who had progressed after at least one chemotherapy regimen), and for whom erlotinib was considered an appropriate treatment;
- WT-1 gene expression for desmoplastic round cell tumors, ovarian clear cell carcinomas, non-small cell lung cancer and occult primary;
- ZAP-70, for assessing prognosis and need for aggressive therapy in persons with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL);
- ZRSR2 (zinc finger CCCH-type, RNA binding motif and serine/arginine rich 2) for chronic myeloid leukemia (chronic phase, adult) or myelodysplastic syndromes.
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Aetna considers somatic genomic testing for Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) mutations in persons with chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPDs) medically necessary for the following indications:
- Qualitative assessment of JAK2-V617F sequence variant using methods with detection thresholds of up to 5% for initial diagnostic assessment of adult members presenting with symptoms of CMPD;
- Diagnostic assessment of polycythemia vera in adults; and
- Differential diagnosis of essential thrombocytosis and primary myelofibrosis from reactive conditions in adults.
Aetna considers somatic genomic testing for Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) mutations in persons with chronic myeloproliferative disorders (CMPDs) experimental, investigational, or unproven for any other indication including:
- Diagnostic assessment of myeloproliferative disorders in children;
- Quantitative assessment of JAK2-V617F allele burden subsequent to qualitative detection of JAK2-V617F.
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Aetna considers the use of fluorescence immunocytology (e.g., ImmunoCyt/uCyt) medically necessary as an adjunct to cystoscopy or cytology in the monitoring of persons with bladder cancer.
Aetna considers the ImmunoCyte/uCyt immunohistochemistry test experimental, investigational, or unproven in the evaluation of hematuria, diagnosing bladder cancer, or for screening for bladder cancer in asymptomatic persons.
- Aetna considers matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS or MASS-FIX) and immunoprecipitation for detection and isotyping of immunoglobulin paraprotein (M-protein) medically necessary for the evaluation and management of plasma cell dyscrasias.
- Aetna considers urinary biomarkers (e.g., bladder tumor antigen [BTA] (e.g., BTA Stat, BTA TRAK); nuclear matrix protein [NMP22] test (e.g., NMP22 BladderChek); the fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (AuraTek FDP test); or fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] (e.g., Pathnostics Bladder FISH test, UroVysion Bladder Cancer test) medically necessary in any of the following conditions:
- Follow-up of treatment for bladder cancer; or
- Monitoring for eradication of bladder cancer; or
- Recurrences after eradication.
Aetna considers the BTA Stat test, the NMP22 test, the AuraTek FDP test, or the UroVysion fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) test experimental, investigational, or unproven for screening of bladder cancer, evaluation of hematuria, and diagnosing bladder cancer in symptomatic individuals, and all other indications.
Footnote1* Either standard node dissection negative by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining or sentinel node negative by H&E staining (if sentinel node is negative by H&E, but immunoassay is positive, then still considered node negative for this purpose). In addition, women with isolated tumor cells in lymph nodes (micrometastases) are considered node negative.
More than one Oncotype Dx test may be medically necessary for persons with breast cancer who have two or more histologically distinct tumors that meet medical necessity criteria. Repeat Oncotype Dx testing or testing of multiple tumor sites in the same person has no proven value for other indications. Oncotype Dx is considered experimental, investigational, or unproven for ductal carcinoma in situ (OncotypeDx DCIS), colon cancer (OncotypeDx Colon), and all other indications other than breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Footnote2** Aetna considers use of more than one type of test to determine necessity of adjuvant therapy in breast cancer (Oncotype Dx Breast, Breast Cancer Index, EndoPredict, PAM50, Mammaprint, or uPA and PAI-1) experimental, investigational, or unproven.
Footnote3*** Aetna considers repeat testing or use of more than one type of test to assess risk of prostate cancer progression (Oncotype Dx Prostate, Decipher, Prolaris, or ProMark) experimental, investigational, or unproven.
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Experimental, Investigational, or Unproven
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Aetna considers each of the following tests experimental, investigational, or unproven. The peer-reviewed medical literature does not support these tests as having sufficient sensitivity or specificity necessary to define their clinical role:
- 3D Predict Ovarian Doublet Panel
- 3D Predict Ovarian PARP Panel
- 4Kscore
- Afirma Xpression Atlas
- AFP for the diagnosis of trophoblastic tumors and oncologic indications other than those listed in Section I
- AMBLor Melanoma Prognostic Test
- ArteraAI Prostate Test
- Assaying for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on the long arm of chromosome 18 (18q) or deleted in colon cancer (DCC) protein (18q-LOH/DCC) for colorectal cancer
- Augusta Hematology Optical Genome Mapping
- Auria for breast cancer screening
- Avantect Ovarian Cancer Test
- Avantect Pancreatic Cancer test
- Aventa FusionPlus
- BBDRisk Dx
- Biodesix BDX-XL2, Nodify CDT, Nodify Lung, or Nodify XL2 test for distinguishing benign from malignant lung nodules
- Biomarker Translation (BT) test for breast cancer and other indications
- BioSpeciFx, including Comprehensive Tumor Profiling for any indication
- Bladder CARE
- BostonGene Tumor Portrait Test
- BRAF and EGFR for esophageal carcinoma
- Breast Cancer Gene Expression Ratio (HOXB13:IL17BR)
- BreastSentry
- BTG Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
- CA 125 for all other indications including use as a screening test for colorectal cancer or ovarian cancer (other than as indicated in Section I) or for differential diagnosis of members with symptoms of colonic disease
- CA 19-9 for all other indications not listed in Section I. including breast, colorectal, esophageal, gastro-esophageal, liver, or uterine cancer, NUT midline carcinoma of the nasal cavity; prediction of prognosis or treatment effect in persons with bladder (urothelial) cancer; screening persons with primary sclerosing cholangitis without signs or symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma; or screening persons with primary sclerosing cholangitis for development of cholangiocarcinoma
- Carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) (e.g., Benign Diagnostics Risk Test) for breast atypical hyperplasia and for predicting the risk of breast cancer
- Carcinoembryonic antigen cellular adhesion molecule-7 (CEACAM-7) expression as a predictive marker for rectal cancer recurrence
- Caris Molecular Intelligence/Caris Target Now Molecular Profiling Test
- Castle Biosciences myPath Melanoma (formerly Myriad myPath Melanoma)
- CDH1 for ovarian cancer
- CDX2 as a prognostic biomarker for colon cancer
- CEA used for all other indications not noted in Section I including any of the following:
- As a screening test for colorectal cancer; or
- As a sole determinant to treat a colorectal cancer member with adjuvant therapy or systemic therapy for presumed metastatic disease; or
- For diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma; or
- For screening, diagnosis, staging or routine surveillance of gastric cancer
- Circulating cell-free nucleic acids (a type of liquid biopsy) in colorectal cancer
- Circulating tumor cell (CTC) assays (a type of liquid biopsy) for all indications, including, but not limited to metastatic breast, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate cancers. Below includes CTC assays considered experimental, investigational, or unproven (not an all-inclusive list):
- CellMax Life
- CELLSEARCH Circulating Melanoma Cell (CMC)
- CELLSEARCH Circulating Multiple Myeloma Cell (CMMC)
- CELLSEARCH ER Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC-ER)
- CELLSEARCH HER2 Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC-HER2)
- CELLSEARCH PD-L1 Circulating Tumor Cell (CTCPD-L1)
- FirstSightCRC
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) (a type of liquid biopsy) for any indication (other than small panels, less than 50 genes, for non-small cell lung cancer), including, but not limited to, colorectal cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer or prostate cancer. Note: for EGFR liquid biopsy for non-small cell lung cancer (e.g., cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2), PIK3CA testing (therascreen PIK3CA RGQ PCR Kit) for breast cancer, ESR1 gene mutations (e.g., Guardant360 CDx assay) for breast cancer, and for other ctDNA/liquid biopsy testing in predicting response in members undergoing immunotherapy or targeted treatment, see CPB 0715 - Pharmacogenetic and Pharmacodynamic Testing. Below includes ctDNA/liquid biopsy tests considered experimental, investigational, or unproven (not an all-inclusive list):
- CancerIntercept
- Caris Assure
- Colvera
- DefineMBC Epic Sciences ctDNA metastatic breast cancer panel
- GeneStrat
- FoundationACT
- FoundationOne Liquid
- Guardant Reveal minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment and monitoring in breast, colorectal, and lung cancers
- Guardant360
- HPV-SEQ for monitoring disease burden in HPV-related cancers
- LiquidHALLMARK
- Neolab Prostate
- Northstar Response
- OptiSeq Colorectal Cancer NGS Panel;
- CK5, CK14, p63, and Racemase P504S testing for prostate cancer
- ClarityDx Prostate
- c-Met expression for predicting prognosis in persons with advanced NSCLC and colorectal cancer, and other indications
- Cyfra21-1 (a cytokeratin 19 fragment), p53, squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) and vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) for diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma
- Cofilin (CFL1) as a prognostic and drug resistance marker in non-small cell lung cancer
- ColonSentry test for screening of colorectal cancer
- ColoPrint, CIMP, LINE-1 hypomethylation, and Immune cells for colon cancer
- Colorectal Cancer DSA (Almac Diagnostics, Craigavon, UK)
- ColoScape and ColoScape PLUS Test
- ConfirmMDx for prostate cancer
- Cxbladder tests (e.g., Cxbladder Detect+, Cxbladder Resolve, Cxbladder Triage) for evaluating microhematuria and bladder cancer
- Cyclin D1 and FADD (Fas-associated protein with death domain) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- CyPath Lung
- DAWN IO Melanoma
- DCIS Recurrence Score
- DCISionRT
- Decipher Bladder
- DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma (Castle Biosciences, Phoenix, AZ)
- DecisionDx-Melanoma (Castle Biosciences, Phoenix, AZ)
- DecisionDx-SCC (Castle Biosciences, Phoenix, AZ)
- Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) (also known as "prothrombin produced by vitamin K absence or antagonism II" [PIVKA II]) for diagnosing and monitoring hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other indications
- DetermaRx
- DiviTum TKa test
- EarlyCDT-Lung test
- EarlyDx
- EarlyTect Bladder Cancer Detection (EarlyTect BCD)
- EGFR gene expression analysis for transitional (urothelial) cell cancer
- EGFRVIII for glioblastoma multiforme
- EML4-ALK as a diagnostic tool for stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer
- Endeavor Comprehensive Genomic Profiling
- Envisia Genomic Classifier
- Epignostix CNS Tumor Methylation Classifier (Heidelberg Epignostix GmbH)
- Episeek Malignant Pleural Effusion (Episeek-MPE) detection test
- Excision repair cross-complementation group 1 protein (ERCC1) for persons with NSCLC, colon or with gastric cancer who are being considered for treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy, and other indications
- ExoDx Prostate/ExosomeDx Prostate (IntelliScore)
- F2RL1 as a biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer
- Fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) test (e.g., DR-70 or Onko-Sure) for colorectal cancer
- FoundationOne, FoundationOne CDx and FoundationOne Heme (except where FoundationOne CDx is used as a companion diagnostic test for somatic/tumor BRCA testing, see CPB 0227 - BRCA Testing, Prophylactic Mastectomy, and Prophylactic Oophorectomy and CPB 0715 - Pharmacogenetic and Pharmacodynamic Testing)
- Galectin-3 for breast cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, osteosarcoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer
- Gene hypermethylation for prostate cancer
- GeneKey (GeneKey Corp., Boston, MA)
- GeneSearch Breast Lymph Node (BLN) assay
- Glutathione-S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) for screening, detection and management of prostate cancer
- Grail Galleri Test
- Guanylyl cyclase c (GCC or GUCY2C) (e.g., Previstage GCC Colorectal Cancer State Test) for colorectal cancer
- Guardant360 TissueNext
- Haystack MRD Baseline and Haystack MRD Monitoring assays
- HelioLiver Test
- HeproDx
- HER2 testing of appendiceal cancer
- HERmark testing for breast cancer and other indications
- HMGB1 and RAGE in cutaneous malignancy (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma)
- Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) (e.g., Elecsys HE4 assay) for endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, or evaluation of pelvic mass, including to assist in the determination of referral for surgery to a gynecologic oncologist or general surgery, and for other indications
- Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) L1 gene as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer
- HC4 (e.g., NexCourse IHC4 by AQUA Technology) for breast cancer
- IGoCheck
- IMMray PanCan-d for detecting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
- Immunoassay using magnetic nanosensor for diagnosis of lung cancer
- Immunoscore for estimating risk of recurrence or determining adjuvant therapy in persons with colon cancer
- Insight DX Breast Cancer Profile
- Insight TNBCtype
- Invitae PCM MRD Monitoring test
- Invitae PCM Tissue Profiling and MRD Baseline Assay
- IsoPSA
- Ki67 for breast cancer
- Ki-67 in upper tract urinary carcinoma
- Lectin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP-L3) for liver cancer
- Long non-coding RNA in gallbladder cancer
- LungLB and LungLife AI
- LungOI
- Lymph2CX and Lymph3Cx Lymphoma Molecular Classification Assay to distinguish between primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
- MammoCheck
- Mammostrat
- Mass spectrometry-based proteomic profiling for indeterminate pulmonary nodules
- MatePair targeted rearrangements (whole genome next-generation sequencing) for hematolymphoid neoplasia and solid organ neoplasia
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories Urinary Steroid Profile for the management of adrenal malignancies
- MelaNodal Predict for the management of cutaneous melanoma
- Merkel SmT Oncoprotein Antibody Titer
- Merkel Virus VP1 Capsid Antibody
- MI Cancer Seek
- Microarray-based gene expression profile testing using the MyPRS test for multiple myeloma
- Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) miRview mets and miRview mets2 (Rosetta Genomics Laboratories, Philadelphia, PA; Rosetta Genomics Ltd., Rehovot, Israel)
- M-inSight Patient Definition Assay
- M-inSight Patient Follow-Up Assessment
- miR-31now
- miR Sentinel Prostate Cancer Test
- Molecular Intelligence Services, including MI Profile and MI Profile X (formerly Target Now Molecualr Profiling Test, including Target Now Select and Target Now Comprehensive)
- Molecular subtyping profile (e.g., BluePrint) for breast cancer
- mRNA gene expression profiling for cutaneous melanoma
- mRNA sequence analysis
- MSK-IMPACT
- MUC1 in gastric cancer
- Mucin 4 expression as a predictor of survival in colorectal cancer
- Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) as serum marker for biliary tract cancer
- My Prognostic Risk Signature (MyPRS) (Signal Genetics LLC; New York, NY)
- MyAML Next Generation Sequencing Panel
- MyMRD Gene Panel Assay (Invivoscribe; San Diego, CA)
- MyProstateScore (formerly Mi-Prostate Score [MiPS]), an assay of TMPRSS2:ERG (T2:ERG) gene fusion, post-DRE urine expression of PCA3, and serum PSA (KLK3)
- MyProstateScore 2.0
- NantHealth GPS Cancer Panels
- NavDx for surveillance of cancer recurrence in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer
- Neo Comprehensive - Heme Cancers
- Neo Comprehensive - Myeloid Disorders
- NeoTYPE Breast Tumor Profile for prognosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic decision-making in individuals with breast cancer
- NETest
- NF1, RET, and SDHB for ovarian cancer
- Northstar Select
- NRAS mutation for selecting persons with metastatic colorectal cancer who may benefit from anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab; to predict disease prognosis and select persons with melanoma who may benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapies, and other indications
- OmniSeq Advance DNA and RNA sequencing (OmniSeq and LabCorp)
- OncInsights (Intervention Insights, Grand Rapids, MI)
- OncoAssure Prostate for prognosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic decision-making in individuals with prostate cancer
- OncobiotaLUNG
- Oncomap ExTra (formerly known as Oncotype MAP)
- OncoOmicDx Targeted Proteomic Assay
- OncoSignal test for analysis of solid tumors
- OncoTarget/OncoTreat
- Oncotype MAP PanCancer Tissue Test
- OncoVantage
- Oncuria Detect, Oncuria Monitor and Oncuria Predict for bladder cancer and all other indications
- OptiSeq Dual Cancer Panel
- OVA1/Overa test
- OvaCheck test
- OvaSure
- OvaWatch
- PancreaSeq Genomic Classifier
- PanCystPro Panel
- PanGIA Prostate for determining if an individual should undergo a prostate biopsy
- Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test/ResponseDx Tissue of Origin Test
- Percepta Bronchial Genomic Classifier
- PGDx elio tissue complete (Personal Genome Diagnostics, Inc.) for tumor mutation profiling
- Pharmaco-oncologic AlgorithmicTreatment Ranking Service
- Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphonate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha polypeptide gene (PIK3CA) for predicting disease prognosis and selecting individuals with metastatic colorectal cancer who are being considered for treatment with EGFR antagonists cetuximab and panitumumab, and indications other than breast cancer and uterine sarcoma
- PLCG2 (phospholipase C gamma 2) for all indications other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Praxis Somatic Combined Whole Genome Sequencing and Optical Genome Mapping
- Praxis Somatic Optical Genome Mapping
- Praxis Somatic Transcriptome
- Praxis Somatic Whole Genome Sequencing
- Precise Tumor Molecular Profile Test (Myriad Genetics)
- PreciseDx Breast Cancer Test
- PreOvar test for the KRAS-variant to determine ovarian cancer risk
- ProOnc TumorSourceDx test (Prometheus Laboratories, San Diego, CA) to identify tissue or origin for metastatic tumor
- PROphet NSCLC test
- Prostate core mitotic test
- Prostate Px and Post-Op Px for predicting recurence of prostate cancer
- Prostate Cancer Risk Panel (FISH analysis by Mayo Clinic)
- ProsTAV telomere-based biomarker testing to assess risk of prostate cancer, or as a diagnostic and management tool
- Proveri prostate cancer assay (PPCA)
- PSA for screening women with breast cancer or for differentiating benign from malignant breast masses
- PTEN gene expression for non-small cell lung cancer
- PurISTSM Test
- QuantiDNA Colorectal Cancer Triage Test
- RadTox cfDNA test
- Ras oncogenes (except KRAS, NRAS and BRAF)
- ResponseDx Colon
- Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 (RRM1) for persons with NSCLC who are being considered for treatment with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, and other indications
- RNA gene expression profiling for hematolymphoid disorder or neoplasm
- RNA gene expression for solid organ neoplasm
- ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) for ovarian cancer
- Rotterdam Signature 76-gene panel
- Salivary metatranscriptome analysis for oral cancers (i.e., mRNA CancerDetect)
- SelectMDx for prostate cancer
- Sentinel Prostate Test for prostate cancer screening and determining the risk level of the disease
- Serum amyloid A as a biomarker for endometrial endometrioid carcinoma to monitor disease recurrence and target response to therapy
- Signatera test for carcinoid lung cancer
- Signatera test for Merkel cell carcinoma
- Signatera test to evaluate molecular residual disease (MRD) for:
- alveolar soft tissue sarcoma
- anal cancer
- breast cancer
- colorectal cancer
- cutaneous melanoma
- gastric adenocarcinoma
- ovarian cancer (including fallopian tube, primary peritoneal, and sex cord stromal tumor)
- pancreatic cancer
- post-irradiation sarcoma
- prostate cancer
- renal cell carcinoma, and
- uterine cancer
- Solid Tumor Expanded Panel (Quest)
- Strata Select
- TargetPrint gene expression test for evaluation of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2receptor status in breast cancer
- Tempus p-MSI test
- Tempus p-Prostate
- Tempus Tumor Origin (TO) testing
- The 41-gene signature assay
- Theros CancerType ID (bioTheranostics Inc., San Diego, CA)
- Thymidylate synthase
- Thyroid GuidePx
- ThyroSeq CRC for thyroid cancer
- TMPRSS fusion genes for prostate cancer
- Topographic genotyping (Pancragen (formerly PathFinderTG))
- Total (whole) gene sequencing for cancer
- TP53 mutation analysis for ovarian cancer
- UriFind Blood Cancer Assay for bladder cancer
- UroAmp MRD for bladder cancer
- UroCor cytology panels (DD23 and P53) for bladder cancer
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) except for Castleman's disease
- Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression for identifying persons with colorectal cancer that is likely to respond to VEGF inhibition, and other indications
- Whole exome sequencing (somatic mutations) (e.g., EXaCT-1 Whole Exome Testing) for cancer.
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Any of the following circulating tumor markers are also considered experimental, investigational, or unproven for screening asymptomatic members for cancer, diagnosis, staging, routine surveillance of cancer and monitoring the response to treatment (also see CPB 0715 - Pharmacogenetic and Pharmacodynamic Testing):
a2-PAG CA-SCC MAM-6 TAG12 AMACR Cathepsin-D, Cathepsin-L Motility-related protein (MRP) TAG72 Cyclin E (fragments or whole length) Multidrug resistance glycoprotein (Mdr1) TAG72.3 BCM DU-PAN-2 TAG72.5 CA195 Early prostate cancer antigen (EPCA) NSE TATI CA242 Guanylyl cyclase C (Previstage GCC molecular test) Thrombospondin-1 (THBS-1) CA50 Hepsin PCA3 (DD3) / UpM3 Thymosin B15 CA549 Human kallikrein 2 (HK2) PNA/ELLA TNF-a CA72-4 LASA Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) Topoisomerase II Alpha (TOP2A) CAM17-1 LPA SCC TPA CAM26 M 26 SLEX Thymosin B15 CAM29 M 29 SPAN-1 Nuclear Matrix Protein 66 (NMP66) CAR-3 MSA SLX Anti-malignin antibody screen (AMAS) test CYFRA21-1 MCA ST-439
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Related Policies
- CPB 0140 - Genetic Testing
- CPB 0227 - BRCA Testing, Prophylactic Mastectomy, and Prophylactic Oophorectomy
- CPB 0245 - Tumor Chemosensitivity Assays
- CPB 0313 - Trastuzumab (Herceptin and biosimilars), Trastuzumab and Hyaluronidase-oysk (Herceptin Hylecta)
- CPB 0314 - Rituximab
- CPB 0319 - RET Proto-Oncogene Testing
- CPB 0521 - Prostate Cancer Screening
- CPB 0715 - Pharmacogenetic and Pharmacodynamic Testing
- CPB 0758 - Tumor Chemoresistance Assays
- CPB 0787 - Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH)
Background
A tumor marker is a substance such as a protein, antigen or hormone in the body that may indicate the presence of cancer. Generally, these markers are specific to certain types of cancer and can be detected in blood, urine and tissue samples. The body may produce the marker in response to cancer or the tumor itself may produce the marker. The detection of tumor markers may be used to determine a diagnosis or as an indicator of disease (cancer) progression. It can also be used to document clinical response to treatment. Tumor markers include, but may not be limited to, alpha- fetoprotein (AFP), CA 15-3/CA 27.29, CA 19-9, CA-125, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Tumor markers are normally produced in low quantities by cells in the body. Detection of a higher-than-normal serum level by radioimmunoassay or immunohistochemical techniques usually indicates the presence of a certain type of cancer. Currently, the main use of tumor markers is to assess a cancer's response to treatment and to check for recurrence. In some types of cancer, tumor marker levels may reflect the extent or stage of the disease and can be useful in predicting how well the disease will respond to treatment. A decrease or return to normal in the level of a tumor marker may indicate that the cancer has responded favorably to therapy. If the tumor marker level rises, it may indicate that the cancer is spreading. Finally, measurements of tumor marker levels may be used after treatment has ended as a part of follow-up care to check for recurrence.
- tumor marker levels can be elevated in people with benign conditions;
- tumor marker levels are not elevated in every person with cancer, especially in the early stages of the disease; and
- many tumor markers are not specific to a particular type of cancer; and
- the level of a tumor marker can be elevated by more than one type of cancer.
Examples of Tumor Markers Include
- 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) – the main metabolite of serotonin, used as a marker in the evaluation of carcinoid tumors;
- Beta-2-Microglobulin (B2M) – A protein found on the surface of many cells. High levels of B2M are an indicator of certain kinds of cancer, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma or kidney disease;
- Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (beta HCG) – A type of tumor marker that may be found in higher than normal amounts in individuals with some types of cancer;
- Calcitonin – Hormone secreted by the thyroid that lowers blood calcium;
- Calretinin – A calcium-binding protein that is used as a marker in the evaluation of lung cancer and other diseases.
- Chromogranin A – A protein found inside neuroendocrine cells, which releases chromogranin A and other hormones into the blood. Chromogranin A may be found in higher than normal amounts in individuals with certain neuroendocrine tumors, small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer and other conditions
- Guanylyl cyclase c (GCC) – An enzyme that may be expressed only in the cells that line the intestine from the duodenum to the rectum.
- Inhibin – One of two hormones (designated inhibin-A and inhibin-B) secreted by the gonads (by Sertoli cells in the male and the granulosa cells in the female) and inhibits the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by the pituitary gland;
- Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) – Marker used to monitor treatment of testicular cancer;
- Mucin-1 (MUC-1) – Carbohydrate antigen elevated in individuals with tumors of the breast, ovary, lung and prostate as well as other disorders;
- Napsin A – Protein used as a marker in the evaluation of lung cancer;
- Prealbumin – Marker of nutritional status and a sensitive indicator of protein synthesis. Also referred to as transthyretin;
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) – Substance produced by the prostate gland. Levels of PSA in the blood often increase in men with prostate cancer.
- Thyroglobulin – Protein found in the thyroid gland. Some thyroglobulin can be found in the blood and this amount may be measured after thyroid surgery to determine whether thyroid cancer has recurred;
- Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 (TTF-1) – A protein that is used as a tumor marker in the evaluation of lung cancer;
- Transferrin – A protein in blood plasma that carries iron derived from food intake to the liver, spleen and bone marrow.
Tumors may be evaluated with histology, which involves examination of the structure, especially the microscopic structure, of organic tissues. Methods of detecting tumor markers include, but are not limited to: Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) – Laboratory technique used to detect small deletions or rearrangements in chromosomes. Immunohistochemical (IHC) Analysis – Laboratory process of detecting an organism in tissues with antibodies.
Gene mutation testing can purportedly be used to find somatic mutations in cancerous cells that are not inherited. Some examples of genes that may have somatic mutations include: IDH1 and IDH2 genes (associated with acute myeloid leukemia [AML], gliomas and chondrosarcomas); NPM1 and FLT3 genes (associated with AML).
Individualized molecular tumor profiling is a laboratory method of testing a panel of tumor markers, which may include genetic as well as biochemical markers, to establish a personalized molecular profile of a tumor to recommend treatment options.
Mass spectrometry based proteomic profiling (eg, Veristrat, Xpresys Lung) is a multivariate serum protein test that uses mass spectrometry and proprietary algorithms to analyze proteins in an individual’s serum. The Xpresys is no longer on the market.
Next-generation sequence (NGS) tests use select genes to purportedly identify molecular growth drivers for improved risk stratification and targeted therapies. Examples include: FoundationOne and OncoVantage for solid tumor cancers; FoundationOne Heme for hematological cancers and sarcomas; and ThyGenX for indeterminate thyroid nodules.
Liquid biopsy refers to serum testing for DNA fragments that are shed by cancer cells and released into the bloodstream. This method is purportedly used for screening, diagnosis and/or monitoring of cancer cells that may otherwise require a tissue sample.
Multianalyte assays with algorithmic analyses (MAAAs) are laboratory measurements that use a mathematical formula to analyze multiple markers that may be associated with a particular disease state and are designed to evaluate disease activity or an individual’s risk for disease. The laboratory performs an algorithmic analysis using the results of the assays and sometimes other information, such as sex and age and converts the information into a numeric score, which is conveyed on a laboratory report. Generally, MAAAs are exclusive to a single laboratory which owns the algorithm. MAAAs have been proposed for the evaluation of pelvic masses, including assisting in the determination of referral for surgery to a gynecologic oncologist or to a general surgeon.
Topographic genotyping (eg, PathFinderTG) is a test that examines a panel of 15 to 20 genetic markers in tissue biopsy or other tissue specimens to purportedly aid in the determination of indeterminate or equivocal cancer diagnoses.
An ASCO Provisional Opinion on somatic genomic testing in patients with metastatic or advanced cancer (Chakravarty, et al., 2022) states: "Repeat genomic testing may be performed for patients with acquired resistance on targeted therapies, especially when known acquired resistance mechanisms may affect the choice of next-line therapy. Repeat testing may also assist in identifying new targets in tumors after progression or after prolonged stable disease on targeted therapies."
AFP
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is normally elevated in pregnant women since it is produced by the fetus; however, AFP is not usually found in the blood of adults. In men and in women who are not pregnant, an elevated level of AFP may indicate liver, ovarian or testicular cancer.
Alpha-fetoprotein is normally produced by a developing fetus. Alpha fetoprotein levels begin to decrease soon after birth and are usually undetectable in the blood of healthy adults, except during pregnancy. According to accepted guidelines, an elevated level of AFP strongly suggests the presence of either primary liver cancer or germ cell cancer of the ovary or testicle. As AFP is an established test for the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatoma, it is used as a screening tool to rule out the presence of a liver neoplasm before considering liver transplantation. This is especially pertinent in cases (e.g., cirrhosis) where there is an increased risk of developing a primary liver tumor.
Elevated serum AFP levels are most closely associated with nonseminomatous testicular cancer and hepatocellular cancer (Chin, 2006). The rate of clearance from serum after treatment is an indicator of the effectiveness of therapy. Conversely, the growth rate of progressive disease can be monitored by serially measuring serum AFP concentrations over time.
B15
Hutchinson et al (2005) stated that in tissue-based assays, thymosin beta15 (B15) has been shown to correlate with prostate cancer and with recurrence of malignancy. To be clinically effective, it must be shown that thymosin B15 is released by the tumor into body fluids in detectable concentrations. These researchers developed a quantitative assay that can measure clinically relevant levels of thymosin B15 in human urine. Sixteen antibodies were raised against recombinant thymosin B15 and/or peptide conjugates. One antibody, having stable characteristics over the wide range of pH and salt concentrations found in urine and minimal cross-reactivity with other beta thymosins, was used to develop a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Urinary thymosin B15 concentration was determined for control groups; normal (n = 52), prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN, n = 36), and patients with prostate cancer; untreated (n = 7) with subsequent biochemical failure, radiation therapy (n = 17) at risk of biochemical recurrence. The operating range of the competition ELISA fell between 2.5 and 625 ng/ml. Recoveries exceeded 75%, and the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variability were 3.3% and 12.9%, respectively. No cross-reactivity with other urine proteins was observed. A stable thymosin B15 signal was recovered from urine specimens stored at -20 degrees C for up to 1 year. At a threshold of 40 (ng/dl)/microg protein/mg creatinine), the assay had a sensitivity of 58% and a specificity of 94%. Relative to the control groups, thymosin B15 levels were greater than this threshold in a significant fraction of patients with prostate cancer (p < 0.001), including 5 of the 7 patients who later experienced PSA recurrence. The authors concluded that an ELISA that is able to detect thymosin B15 at clinically relevant concentrations in urine from patients with prostate cancer has been established. They noted that the assay will provide a tool for future clinical studies to validate urinary thymosin B15 as a predictive marker for recurrent prostate cancer.
Bcl-2
Bcl-2 (B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2; BCL2) is a proto-oncogene whose protein product, bcl-2, suppresses programmed cell death (apoptosis), resulting in prolonged cellular survival without increasing cellular proliferation. Dysregulation of programmed cell death mechanisms plays a role in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer as well as in the responses of tumors to therapeutic interventions. Many members of the Bcl-2 family of apoptosis-related genes have been found to be differentially expressed in various malignancies (Reed, 1997).
Salgia (2008) reviewed the evidence for detection of Bcl-2 in lung cancer. The author observed that Bcl-2 over-expression has been reported in 22 to 56% of lung cancers with a higher expression in squamous cell carcinoma as compared to adenocarcinoma histology. The author concluded, however, that the association of Bcl-2 expression and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer is unclear. Multiple reports have demonstrated that Bcl-2-positive lung cancers are associated with a superior prognosis compared to those that are Bcl-2 negative. However, other studies have failed to demonstrate any survival impact with bcl-2 positivity, while over-expression has also been associated with a poorer outcome. A meta-analysis that included 28 studies examining the prognostic influence of Bcl-2 in non-small cell lung cancer concluded that over-expression of Bcl-2 was associated with a significantly better prognosis in surgically resected (hazard ratio 0.5, 95% CI 0.39-0.65).
Compton (2008) recently reviewed the evidence on the Bcl-2 oncogene and other tumor markers in colon cancer. Compton explained that Bcl-2 is a gene related to apoptosis/cell suicide. Bcl-2 over-expression leading to inhibition of cell death signaling has been observed as a relatively early event in colorectal cancer development. The author concluded that the independent influence of the Bcl-2 oncogene on prognosis remains unproven, and explained that the variability in assay methodology, conflicting results from various studies examining the same factor, and the prevalence of multiple small studies that lack statistically robust, multivariate analyses all contribute to the lack of conclusive data. Compton concluded that before the Bcl-2 oncogene and certain other tumor markers can be incorporated into clinically meaningful prognostic stratification systems, "more studies are required using multivariate analysis, well-characterized patient populations, reproducible and current methodology, and standardized reagents."
BCR/ABL Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
The National Comprehensive Cancer network (NCCN) Myeloproliferative Neoplasms guidelines (v.2.2019), state that FISH or a multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on peripheral blood to detect BCR-ABL1 transcripts and exclude the diagnosis of CML is especially recommended for patients with left-shifted leukocytosis and/or thrombocytosis with basophilia.
BRAF and EGFR for Esophageal Carcinoma
National Comprehensive Cancer network (NCCN)’s Biomarkers Compendium (2019) does not list esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancers to be associated with EGFR or BRAF.
BTK (Brution's Typrosine Kinase) and PLCG2 (Phospholipase C Gamma 2)
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for "Chronic lymphocytic/small lymphocytic lymphoma" (v.2.2019) states that testing for BTK and PLCG2 mutations may be useful in patients receiving ibrutinib and suspected of having progression; however, BTK and PLCG2 mutation status alone is not an indication to change treatment. Testing for mutations as screening for resistance is not currently recommended.
Lampson and Brown (2018) state that BTK and PLCG2 mutations are found in approximately 80% of CLL patients with acquired resistance to ibrutinib; however, it remains unclear if these mutations are solely associated with disease relapse or is the direct cause. The authors reviewed the properties of both CLL and ibrutinib that complicate attempts to definitively conclude whether BTK/PLCG2 mutations are passengers or drivers of ibrutinib-resistant disease. The authors concluded that while BTK/PLCG2 mutations have characteristics suggesting that these mutations can drive ibrutinib resistance, a definitive answer remains formally unproven until specific inhibition of such mutations is shown to cause regression of ibrutinib-resistant CLL. Furthermore, data suggest that alternative mechanisms of resistance do exist in some patients. The authors further conclude that multiple unanswered questions remain regarding resistance to ibrutinib in CLL, requiring a need for further exploration. Testing the efficacy of drugs that can inhibit the BTK C481S mutation in patients with ibrutinib-resistant disease is warranted.
CA-125
Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is a test that evaluates ovarian cancer treatment. CA-125 is a protein that is found more in ovarian cancer cells than in other cells. CA-125 is expressed by >80 percent of non-mucinous ovarian epithelial neoplasms (Chin et al, 2006). Approximately half of women with metastatic ovarian cancer have an elevated CA-125 level.
The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, and the American Cancer Society have issued a consensus statement to promote early detection of ovarian cancer, which recommends that women who have symptoms, including bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary frequency and urgency, are urged to see a gynecologist if symptoms are new and persist for more than three weeks (ACS, 2007; SGO, 2007). Ovarian cancer is among the deadliest types of cancer because diagnosis usually comes very late, after the cancer has spread. If the cancer is found and surgically removed before it spreads outside the ovary, the five year survival rate is 93%. However, only 19% of cases are detected early enough for that kind of successful intervention. It is estimated that 22,430 new cases and 15,280 deaths will be reported in 2007 (ACS, 2007). The consensus statement recommendations are based on studies that show the above symptoms appeared in women with ovarian cancer more than in other women (Goff, et al., 2004; Daly & Ozols, 2004). The recommendations acknowledge that there is not consensus on what physicians should do when patients present with these symptoms. According to a consensus statement issued by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, pelvic and rectal examination in women with the symptoms is one first step. If there is a suspicion of cancer, the next step may be a transvaginal ultrasound to check the ovaries for abnormal growths, enlargement, or telltale pockets of fluid that can indicate cancer. Testing for CA-125 levels should also be considered.
There is no evidence available that measurement of CA-125 can be effectively used for widespread screening to reduce mortality from ovarian cancer, nor that the use of this test would result in decreased rather than increased morbidity and mortality. According to the available literature, not all women with elevated CA 125 levels have ovarian cancer. CA 125 levels may also be elevated by cancers of the uterus, cervix, pancreas, liver, colon, breast, lung, and digestive tract. Non-cancerous conditions that can cause elevated CA 125 levels include endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, peritonitis, pancreatitis, liver disease, and any condition that inflames the pleura. Menstruation and pregnancy can also cause an increase in CA 125. However, according to the available literature, changes in CA 125 levels can be effectively used in the management of treatment for ovarian cancer. In women with ovarian cancer being treated with chemotherapy, the literature suggests a falling CA 125 level generally indicates that the cancer is responding to treatment and increased survival is expected. Increasing CA 125 levels during or after treatment, on the other hand, may suggest that the cancer is not responding to therapy or that residual cancer remains. According to the available literature, failure of the CA 125 level to return to normal after three cycles of chemotherapy indicates residual tumor, early treatment failure and decreased survival. Under accepted guidelines, CA 125 levels can also be used to monitor patients for recurrence of ovarian cancer. Although an elevated CA 125 level is highly correlated with the presence of ovarian cancer, the literature suggests a normal value does not exclude residual or recurrent disease.
Aetna's preventive services guidelines are based on the recommendations of leading primary care medical professional organizations and federal public health agencies. None of these organizations recommend routine screening of average-risk, asymptomatic women with serum CA-125 levels for ovarian cancer. These organizations have concluded that serum CA-125 levels are not sufficiently sensitive or specific for use as a screening test for ovarian cancer, and that the harms of such screening outweigh the benefits.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2002) has stated that "[u]nfortunately, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer that has proved effective in screening low-risk asymptomatic women. Measurement of CA 125 levels and completion of pelvic ultrasonography (both abdominal and transvaginal) have been the two tests most thoroughly evaluated.... Data suggest that currently available tests do not appear to be beneficial for screening low-risk, asymptomatic women because their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value have all been modest at best. Because of the low incidence of disease, reported to be approximately one case per 2,500 women per year, it has been estimated that a test with even 100% sensitivity and 99% specificity would have a positive predictive value of only 4.8%, meaning 20 of 21 women undergoing surgery would not have primary ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, no test available approaches this level of sensitivity or specificity."
The National Cancer Institute (2004) has stated: "There is insufficient evidence to establish that screening for ovarian cancer with serum markers such as CA 125 levels, transvaginal ultrasound, or pelvic examinations would result in a decrease in mortality from ovarian cancer. A serious potential harm is the false-positive test result, which may lead to anxiety and invasive diagnostic procedures. There is good evidence that screening for ovarian cancer with the tests above would result in more diagnostic laparoscopies and laparotomies than new ovarian cancers found. Unnecessary oophorectomies may also result."
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2004) recommends against routine screening with serum CA-125 level for ovarian cancer. The Task Force concluded that the potential harms of such screening outweigh the potential benefits.
CA 15-3
Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a serum cancer antigen that has been used in the management of patients with breast cancer. According to the available literature, its low detection rate in early stage disease indicates that CA 15-3 cannot be used to screen or diagnose patients with breast cancer. It has been widely used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for metastatic cancer. Elevated serum CA 15-3 concentrations are found in 5 percent of stage I, 29 percent of stage II, 32 percent of stage III and 95 percent of stage IV carcinoma of the breast (Chin, et al, 2006). Most (96 percent) patients with a CA 15-3 increase of greater than 25 percent have disease progression. Most (nearly 100 percent) patients with a CA 15-3 decrease of greater than 50 percent are responding to treatment.
Cancers of the ovary, lung, and prostate may also raise CA 15-3 levels. The literature indicates elevated levels of CA 15-3 may be associated with non-cancerous conditions, such as benign breast or ovarian disease, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and hepatitis.
Similar to the CA 15-3 antigen, CA 27-29 is found in the blood of most breast cancer patients. The literature indicates CA 27-29 levels may be used in conjunction with other procedures (such as mammograms and measurements of other tumor marker levels) to check for recurrence in women previously treated for stage II and stage III breast cancer. CA 27-29 levels can also be elevated by cancers of the colon, stomach, kidney, lung, ovary, pancreas, uterus, and liver. First trimester pregnancy, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, benign breast disease, kidney disease, and liver disease are non-cancerous conditions that can also elevate CA 27-29 levels.
Elevated CA 27.29 levels are primarily associated with metastatic breast cancer, where it can be used to monitor the course of disease, response to treatment, and detect disease recurrence (Chin, et al., 2006). Elevated serum CA 27.29 concentrations are found in 95 percent of stage IV breast cancer. In addition, CA 27.29 has been found to be elevated in lung (43 percent), pancreas (47 percent), ovarian (56 percent), and liver (55 percent) cancer.
CA 19-9
Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a mucin-glycoprotein first identified from a human colorectal carcinoma cell line and is present in epithelial tissue of the stomach, gall bladder, pancreas and prostate (Chin, et al., 2006). Concentrations are increased in patients with pancreatic, gastric, and colon cancer as well as in some nonmalignant conditions. Increasing levels generally indicate disease progression, whereas decreasing levels suggest therapeutic response.
Initially found in colorectal cancer patients, CA 19-9 has also been identified in patients with pancreatic, stomach, hepatocellular cancer, and bile duct cancer. In those who have pancreatic cancer, the literature indicates higher levels of CA 19-9 tend to be associated with more advanced disease. Although the sensitivity of the CA 19-9 level in patients with pancreatic cancer is relatively high, the specificity is lowered by elevations that occur in patients with benign pancreatic or liver disease. Non-cancerous conditions that may elevate CA 19-9 levels include gallstones, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and cholecystitis. Although excellent correlations have been reported between CA 19-9 measurements and relapse in patients with pancreatic cancer who are followed after surgical resection, no patient has been salvaged by the earlier diagnosis of relapse, a fact that reflects the lack of effective therapy.
Guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, 2010) state that measurement of CA 19-9 should be considered in evaluating patients with intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer. The guidelines note that CA 19-9 is often elevated in persons with cholangiocarcinoma or gallbladder cancer, although this marker is not specific for these cancers. Nehls, et al. (2004) considered CA19-9 as one of the several new potential tumor markers for the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Levy, et al. (2005) aimed to characterize the test properties of CA 19-9 and of a change in CA 19-9 over time in predicting cholangiocarcinoma in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Charts of 208 patients were reviewed. Fourteen patients had cholangiocarcinoma. Median CA 19-9 was higher with cholangiocarcinoma (15 versus 290 U/ml, p < 0.0001). A cutoff of 129 U/ml provided: sensitivity 78.6%, specificity 98.5%, adjusted positive predictive value 56.6% and negative predictive value 99.4%. The median change over time was 664 U/ml in cholangiocarcinoma compared to 6.7 U/ml in primary sclerosing cholangitis alone (p < 0.0001). A cutoff of 63.2 U/ml for change in CA 19-9 provided: sensitivity 90%, specificity 98% and positive predictive value 42%.
CA 19-9 is produced by adenocarcinomas of the pancreas, stomach, gall-bladder, colon, ovary, and lung, and it is shed into the circulation. Although numerous studies have addressed the potential utility of CA 19-9 in adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum, the sensitivity of CA 19-9 was always less than that of the CEA test for all stages of disease. Its use for screening asymptomatic populations has been hampered by a false-positive rate of 15% to 30% in patients with non-neoplastic diseases of the pancreas, liver, and biliary tract. Only a few studies have addressed the use of CA 19-9 in monitoring patients' post-primary therapy. Significant postsurgical decreases are observed for CA 19-9, but these decreases have not been correlated with survival or disease-free interval. In monitoring response to treatment, decreases in CEA have been found to more accurately reflect response to therapy than did decreases of CA 19-9. Progressive increases of the marker may signal disease progression in 25% of the patients who express the CA 19-9 marker, but this monitoring provides only a minimal lead time of 1 to 3 months. Monitoring with CA 19-9 has not been shown to improve the management of patients with colorectal cancer. The serum CA 19-9 level does not add significant information to that provided by CEA, which is currently regarded as the marker of choice for this neoplasm.
Sinakos and colleagues (2011) evaluated the long-term outcomes in Mayo Clinic patients presenting with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) between 2000 and 2010 (n= 73) for incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The results showed initial levels of CA 19-9 in patients without CCA were significantly lower than those from patients with CCA (p < 0.0001). No factors known to affect CA 19-9 levels were identified in 33% of the patients without CCA; endoscopic treatment and recurrent bacterial cholangitis were associated with levels of CA 19-9 in 26% and 22% of these patients, respectively.
Juntermanns (2011) prospectively analyzed a bile duct tumor database and retrieved records of 238 patients who underwent surgery between 1999 and 2008. Their findings included that pre-operative CA19-9 serum levels did not show a statically reliable differentiation between benign or malignant dignity. The authors concluded that current diagnostics cannot differentiate malignant from benign tumor masses in the hepatic hilum with required reliability. The authors further concluded that administration of CIK cells, thymus factor, IL-2 and IFN-alpha after AHSCT could improve the immunologic function of patients, and TH1/TH2 ratio may virtually reflect the immune status of patients, but that more information is required to make prognostic assessments of immune reconstruction and the long-term survival rate.
Sarbia et al (1993) investigated 69 adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction and found high rates of antigen expression were found for the "intestinal" markers CA 19-9 (between 55.5% and 100%) and BW 494 (between 42.9 and 86.7%). The authors concluded that these data, in combination with CK-20 expression, PGII, and 2B5 indicate that the distribution of adenocarcinomas with gastric and.or intestinal differentiation at the esophagogastric junction forms a continuum with out clear-cut borders. This study has not been replicated and NCCN guidelines for Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers does not include recommendations for CA 19-9 testing for these indications (NCCN, 2011).
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)'s update of recommendations for the use of tumor markers in gastrointestinal cancer (Gershon, et al., 2006) stated that for pancreatic cancer, CA 19-9 can be measured every 1 to 3 months for patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease receiving active therapy.
Mucinous carcinoma of the appendix is a rare entity most commonly associated with primary tumors of the appendix and colon, and for which spread is generally confined to the abdominal cavity (Andreopoulou et al, 2007). Imaging assessment of these mucinous lesions is difficult, and recent studies have explored the use of tumor markers as clinical tools in evaluation of mucinous carcinoma of the appendix.
Carmignani et al (2004) evaluated patients with synchronous systemic and intraperitoneal dissemination of appendix cancer treated with cytoreductive surgery and perioperative regional chemotherapy with a mean follow up time of 42.6 months. Results of this study indicated that patients with elevated CEA and CA 19-9 levels had a shorter median survival time (p=0.0083 and p = 0.0193, respectively). In a subsequent study, Carmingnani et al (2004) prospectively recorded tumor markers CEA and CA19-9 within 1 week prior to definitive treatment. The investigators found CEA elevated in 56% of 532 patients and CA19-9 elevated in 67.1% of those patients. They reported that "although the absolute level of tumor marker did not correlate with prognosis, a normal value indicated an improved survival." Their findings included an elevated CEA in 35.2% of 110 patients determined to have recurrent disease and an elevated CA 19-9 in 62.9%, while 68.2% of patients had at least one of the tumor markers elevated.
Current guidelines indicate that for liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis, stringent efforts should be made to detect superadded cholangiocarcinoma, including measurement of CA 19-9 (Devlin & O'Grady, 1999).
Carmignani et al (2004a) conducted a study to report the role of combined treatments, including cytoreductive surgery and perioperative regional chemotherapy, in patients with synchronous systemic and intraperitoneal dissemination of appendix cancer. Study subjects were treated with cytoreductive surgery and perioperative regional chemotherapy and statistical analysis of variables utilized survival as an end point and included demographic characteristics, prior surgical score (PSS), tumor marker levels, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), and completeness of cytoreduction (CC). With a mean follow-up of 42.6 months, median survival time (MST) for 15 patients was 28 months and 5-year survival rate was 29.4 %. Female patients had a longer MST than male patients (p = 0.0199) and survival was better in patients with PSS 0 and 1 (p = 0.0277). Patients with elevated CEA and CA 19-9 levels had a shorter MST (p = 0.0083 and p = 0.0193, respectively) while PCI and CC comparisons did not show significant differences. The morbidity rate (n = 2) was 13.3 % and the mortality (n = 2) rate was also 13.3 %. The authors concluded that "acceptable morbidity and mortality and a 29.4 % 5-year survival rate allows cytoreductive surgery and regional chemotherapy to be considered as a treatment option for selected patients with synchronous systemic and intraperitoneal dissemination of appendix cancer."
Carmignani et al (2004b) in a further publication regarding gastrointestinal cancer, stated that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) tumor markers have found selected clinical application. The authors remarked that the use of these tumor markers in mucinous epithelial tumors of the appendix has not been previously determined. Thus, the authors conducted a study in which, in patients with peritoneal dissemination of a mucinous epithelial malignancy of the appendix, tumor markers CEA and CA 19-9 were prospectively recorded preoperatively within 1 week prior to definitive treatment and if the appendiceal tumor recurred, the tumor marker was determined. The primary endpoint was the accuracy of these two tumor markers in the management of this disease for these two specific clinical situations. CEA was elevated in 56 % of 532 patients and CA 19-9 was elevated in 67.1 % of these patients. Although the absolute level of tumor marker did not correlate with prognosis, a normal value indicated an improved survival. CEA was elevated in 35.2 % of 110 patients determined to have recurrent disease and CA 19-9 was elevated in 62.9 %. At least one of the tumor markers was elevated in 68.2 % of patients. An elevated CEA tumor marker at the time of recurrence indicated a reduced prognosis and both CEA and CA 19-9 tumor markers were elevated in a majority of these patients. This should be a valuable diagnostic tool previously underutilized in this group of patients. These tumor markers were also of benefit in the assessment of prognosis in that a normal level indicated an improved prognosis. At the time of a reoperative procedure, CEA and CA 19-9 tumor markers gave information regarding the progression of disease and have practical value in the management of epithelial appendiceal malignancy with peritoneal dissemination.
Andreopoulou et al (2007) stated that mucinous carcinoma of the appendix is a rare entity with a distinct natural history that poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and that mucinous peritoneal carcinomatosis is most commonly associated with primary tumors of the appendix and colon. The authors stated that usually the spread remains confined to the abdominal cavity and that imaging assessment of these mucinous lesions is difficult, while tumor markers (CEA and CA19.9) may be surrogates for extent of disease.
Recruitment for large scale studies given the rare nature of mucinous appendiceal carcinoma would be challenging. However, available evidence does illustrate a benefit to use of CA 19-9 in patients with mucinous appendiceal carcinoma.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Hepatobiliary cancers” (Version 1.2021) states that CEA and Ca 19-9 are baseline tests, and should not be performed to confirm diagnosis of gallbladder cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma (extra-hepatic or intra-hepatic).
An UpToDate review on “Tumors of the nasal cavity” (Dagan et al, 2021) does not mention CA 19-9.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Biomarkers Compendium (2021) does not list NUT midline carcinoma tumor of the nasal cavity to be associated with CA 19-9 expression.
CA 19-9 for Ovarian Cyst
An UpToDate review on "Serum biomarkers for evaluation of an adnexal mass for epithelial carcinoma of the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum" (Ueland and Li, 2019) states that "Cancer antigen 19-9 -- Cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a mucin protein that may be elevated in ovarian cancer, but is used sparingly in ovarian cancer management. CA 19-9 is used primarily to monitor disease response to therapy or detect cancer recurrence in patients with a documented gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, or adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater". It does not mention the use of CA 19-9 for ovarian cyst.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Biomarkers Compendium (2019) does not list ovarian cyst as a cancer/disease associated with CA19-9 expression.
CA 19-9 for Management of Ovarian Masses
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Biomarkers Compendium (2025) lists CA19-9 expression as a biomarker for ovarian cancer (2A Recommendation).
CA 19-9 for Prediction of Prognosis or Treatment Effect in Bladder (Urothelial) Cancer
Yaegashi and colleagues (2019) examined if baseline serum CA 19-9 predicts prognosis or treatment effect in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC). These researchers retrospectively analyzed data of patients diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic or recurrent UC between April 2008 and November 2014; CA19-9 was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the relationship between CA19-9 and prognosis were analyzed. Of 40 patients, 7 with CA19-9 less than or equal to 2 U/ml who were suspected of having Lewis A-negative blood type and 2 patients with advanced metastatic liver disease were excluded. UC-specific survival in metastatic disease significantly correlated with prognosis (p = 0.018); OS in patients with high serum CA19-9 demonstrated a significantly better prognosis than in those with low concentrations (log-rank test, p = 0.032). The authors concluded that high baseline serum CA19-9 may predict a good prognosis in patients with advanced UC.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Bladder cancer" (Version 1.2019) does not mention serum CA19-9 as a management tool.
Cathepsins
This enzyme plays a critical role in protein catabolism and tissue remodeling (Chin, et al., 2006). Over-expression is associated with non-ductal carcinoma and metastasis at the time of breast cancer diagnosis. High levels may have clinical significance in predicting decreased metastasis-free survival and decreased overall survival in women with node-negative breast cancer.
Svatek et al (2008) examined the role of urinary cathepsin B and L in the detection of bladder urothelial cell carcinoma. These investigators concluded that urinary cathepsin L is an independent predictor of bladder cancer presence and invasiveness in patients with a history of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. They stated that further evaluation of this marker is necessary before its use as an adjunct to cystoscopy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
CD 20
CD 20 is used to determine eligibility for rituximab (Rituxan; anti-CD20) treatment in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) (Chin, et al., 2006). Rituximab is a genetically engineered, chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen found on the surface of normal and malignant B-cell lymphocytes. Since non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) subtypes may differ in their response to rituximab, determination of drug sensitivity is important for choosing therapy.
CD 25
CD 25 is used to determine eligibility for denileukin diftitox treatment in patients with persistent or recurrent CTCL (Chin, et al., 2006). Denileukin diftitox (Ontak) is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) therapy that targets the high-affinity interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor. The IL-2 receptor may exist in a low-affinity form (CD25), an intermediate-affinity form (CD122/CD132), and a high-affinity form (CD25/CD122/CD132). Patients whose malignant cells express the CD25 component of the IL-2 receptor may respond to Ontak therapy.
CD 31
Compton (2008) reviewed the evidence for intratumor microvessel density (MVD) and antibodies against CD31 in colorectal cancer. The author explained that intratumoral MVD is a reflection of tumor-induced angiogenesis. Microvessel density has been independently associated with shorter survival in some, but not all studies. A meta-analysis of all studies relating MVD expression to prognosis concluded that at least some of the variability could be explained by the different methods of MVD assessment. The author noted that there was a significant inverse correlation between immunohistochemical expression and survival when MVD was assessed using antibodies against CD31 or CD34, but not factor VIII. The author concluded, however, that there is a need for evaluation of MVD in large studies of prognostic factors using multivariate analysis; however, standard guidelines for staining, evaluation, and interpretation of MVD are lacking.
In a review, Hayes (2008) reviewed the evidence for assessing angiogenesis factors in breast cancer. The author noted that, in an early report, MVD count (as indicated by IHC staining for endothelial cells, such as factor VIII-related antigen or CD31) was a statistically significant independent predictor of both disease-free and overall survival in women with both node-negative and node-positive breast cancer. The author noted, however, that subsequent data are conflicting, with some studies confirming and others refuting the initial findings. The author stated that, "As with many of the other tumor marker studies, evaluation of angiogenesis is complicated by technical variation, reader inconsistency, and potential interaction with therapy."
Burgdorf (2006) reviewed the use of CD31 in acquired progressive lymphangioma. The author stated that special staining techniques reveal that the cells are variably positive for CD31, but that the staining patterns are too variable to be of diagnostic importance.
Some authorities have stated that CD31 staining may be useful for diagnosing angiosarcomas (Schwartz, 2008; Carsi and Sim, 2008; Fernandez and Schwartz, 2007; McMains and Gourin, 2007). CD31 immunostaining can help confirm that the tumor originates from blood vessels.
CD 33
CD 33 is used to determine eligibility for gemtuzumab (Mylotarg, anti-CD33) treatment in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (Chen, et al., 2006). Gemtuzumab consists of a recombinant, humanized IgG kappa antibody conjugated to a cytotoxic anti-tumor antibiotic, calicheamicin, which binds specifically to the CD33 antigen. This antigen is found on the surface of leukemic blasts and immature normal cells of myelomonocytic lineage, but not in normal hematopoietic stem cells.
CD 52
CD 52 is used to determine eligibility for alemtuzumab (Campath, anti-CD52) treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (Chen, et al., 2006). CD52 is an antigen that can be expressed at high density on the surface of malignant CLL cells. Alemtuzumab is a humanized antibody targeted against CD52 and its binding is necessary for cell death and therapeutic response.
CD 117, c-kit
CD 117 is used to determine eligibility for treatment with imatinib mesylate in patients with c-kit-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) (Chen, et al., 2006). The glycoprotein c-kit (CD117) is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase subclass III family and has been implicated in a number of malignancies. Imatinib mesylate, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is effective in treating GISTs and other tumors that express c-kit.
CDX2 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Colon Cancer
Dalerbra and colleagues (2016) stated that the identification of high-risk stage II colon cancers is key to the selection of patients who require adjuvant treatment after surgery. Microarray-based multigene-expression signatures derived from stem cells and progenitor cells hold promise, but they are difficult to use in clinical practice. These investigators used a new bioinformatics approach to search for biomarkers of colon epithelial differentiation across gene-expression arrays and then ranked candidate genes according to the availability of clinical-grade diagnostic assays. With the use of subgroup analysis involving independent and retrospective cohorts of patients with stage II or stage III colon cancer, the top candidate gene was tested for its association with DFS and a benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. The transcription factor CDX2 ranked first in the screening test. A group of 87 of 2,115 tumor samples (4.1 %) lacked CDX2 expression. In the discovery data set, which included 466 patients, the rate of 5-year DFS was lower among the 32 patients (6.9 %) with CDX2-negative colon cancers than among the 434 (93.1 %) with CDX2-positive colon cancers (HR for disease recurrence, 3.44; 95 % CI: 1.60 to 7.38; p = 0.002). In the validation data set, which included 314 patients, the rate of 5-year DFS was lower among the 38 patients (12.1 %) with CDX2 protein-negative colon cancers than among the 276 (87.9 %) with CDX2 protein-positive colon cancers (HR, 2.42; 95 % CI: 1.36 to 4.29; p = 0.003). In both these groups, these findings were independent of the patient's age, sex, and tumor stage and grade. Among patients with stage II cancer, the difference in 5-year DFS was significant both in the discovery data set (49 % among 15 patients with CDX2-negative tumors versus 87 % among 191 patients with CDX2-positive tumors, p = 0.003) and in the validation data set (51 % among 15 patients with CDX2-negative tumors versus 80 % among 106 patients with CDX2-positive tumors, p = 0.004). In a pooled database of all patient cohorts, the rate of 5-year DFS was higher among 23 patients with stage II CDX2-negative tumors who were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy than among 25 who were not treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (91 % versus 56 %, p = 0.006). the authors concluded that lack of CDX2 expression identified a subgroup of patients with high-risk stage II colon cancer who appeared to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. They stated that given the exploratory and retrospective design of the study, these findings need to be validated; they advocated these results to be confirmed within the framework of randomized, clinical trials, in conjunction with genomic DNA sequencing studies.
CEA
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a normal cell product that is over-expressed by adenocarcinomas, primarily of the colon, rectum, breast, and lung. It is normally found in small amounts in the blood of most healthy people, but may become elevated in people who have cancer or some benign conditions.
CEA is an oncofetal glycoprotein present in the gastrointestinal tract and body fluids of the embryo and fetus (Chin, et al., 2006). It is also present in certain adult gastrointestinal cells, including the mucosal cells of the colorectum, and small amounts are present in blood. Blood levels are often elevated in patients with disseminated cancers and in some patients with nonmalignant disease.
According to the available literature, the primary use of CEA is in monitoring colorectal cancer, especially when the disease has metastasized. CEA is also used after treatment to check for recurrence of colorectal cancer. However, the literature indicates a wide variety of other cancers can produce elevated levels of this tumor marker, including melanoma; lymphoma; and cancers of the breast, lung, pancreas, stomach, cervix, bladder, kidney, thyroid, liver, and ovary. Elevated CEA levels can also occur in patients with non-cancerous conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and liver disease.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)'s update of recommendations for the use of tumor markers in gastrointestinal cancer (Gershon, et al., 2006) stated that post-operative CEA levels should be performed every 3 months for stage II and III disease for at least 3 years if the patient is a potential candidate for surgery or chemotherapy of metastatic disease.
CEACAM6
An UpToDate review on "Screening for breast cancer" (Fletcher, 2013) does NOT mention the use of carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6). Also, the NCCN's clinical practice guideline on "Breast Cancer" (Version 2.2013) does NOT mention the use of carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6).
CEACAM-7
Messick et al (2010) evaluated carcinoembryonic antigen cellular adhesion molecule-7 (CEACAM-7) expression in rectal cancer as a predictive recurrence factor. A single-institution colorectal cancer database and a frozen tissue biobank were queried for rectal cancer patients. CEACAM-7 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression from normal rectal mucosa and rectal cancers was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression-level differences among normal tissue, disease-free survivors, and those that developed recurrence were analyzed. A total of 84 patients were included in the study, which consisted of 37 patients with non-recurrent disease (median follow-up of 170 months), 29 patients with recurrent disease, and 18 patients with stage IV disease. CEACAM-7 expression was decreased 21-fold in rectal cancers compared with normal mucosa (p = 0.002). The expression levels of CEACAM-7 were relatively decreased in tumors that developed recurrence compared with non-recurrence, significantly for stage II patients (14-fold relative decrease, p = 0.002). For stages I-III, disease-free survival segregates were based on relative CEACAM-7 expression values (p = 0.036), specifically for stage II (p = 0.018). The authors concluded that CEACAM-7 expression is significantly decreased in rectal cancer. Expression differences between long-term survivors and those with recurrent disease introduce a potential tumor marker to define a subset of patients who benefit most from adjuvant therapy. Moreover, they stated that additional study and validation are needed before CEACAM-7 can be applied in clinical settings.
CFL1
Castro et al (2010) assessed the potential value of cofilin (CFL1) gene (main member of the invasion/metastasis pathway) as a prognostic and predictive NSCLC biomarker. Meta-analysis of tumor tissue microarray was applied to examine expression of CFL1 in archival lung cancer samples from 111 patients, and its clinicopathologic significance was investigated. The robustness of the finding was validated using another independent data set. Finally, the authors assayed in vitro the role of CFL1 levels in tumor invasiveness and drug resistance using 6 human NSCLC cell lines with different basal degrees of CFL1 gene expression. Cofilin levels in biopsies discriminated between good and bad prognosis at early tumor stages (IA, IB, and IIA/B), where high CFL1 levels are correlated with lower overall survival rate (p < 0.0001). Biomarker performance was further analyzed by IHC, hazard ratio (p < 0.001), and receiver-operating characteristic curve (area = 0.787; p < 0.001). High CFL1 mRNA levels and protein content are positively correlated with cellular invasiveness (determined by Matrigel Invasion Chamber System) and resistance (2-fold increase in drug 50 % growth inhibition dose) against a list of 22 alkylating agents. Hierarchical clustering analysis of the CFL1 gene network had the same robustness for stratified NSCLC patients. The authors concluded that these findings indicated that the CFL1 gene and its functional gene network can be used as prognostic biomarkers for NSCLC and could also guide chemotherapeutic interventions. Moreover, prospective, large-scale, randomized clinical trials are needed to establish the role of CFL1 as a prognostic and drug resistance marker for NSCLC.
CoA racemase (P504S) and HMWCK (34betaE12)
Kumaresan et al (2010) reviewed 1034 cases of morphologically difficult prostate cancer, which were divided into benign (585), malignant (399) and suspicious (50) and evaluated using CoA racemase (P504S) and HMWCK (34betaE12). Forty nine suspicious cases were resolved by using both markers whereas 1 case was resolved by further support with CD68. The original diagnosis was changed in 15 of 50 suspicious cases from benign to malignant, one case from benign to high grade PIN, and in one case from malignant to benign. The authors concluded that a combination of HMWCK and AMACR is of value in combating morphologically suspicious cases and that although the sensitivity and specificity of HMWCK and AMACR in this study were high, "it should be used with caution, keeping in mind all their pitfalls and limitations."
Cyclin D1 and FADD
Cyclin D1 is used to diagnose of mantle cell lymphoma and predict recurrence of disease (Chin, et al., 2006). D-type cyclins are predominantly expressed in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The expression pattern of cyclin D1 has been extensively studied in certain cancer types including lymphoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Approximately 30 percent of breast carcinomas are Cyclin D1 positive. Over expression of Cyclin D1 is now a well established criterion for the diagnosis of Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a malignant, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which is characterized by a unique chromosomal translocation t(11;14).
Rasamny et al (2012) stated that cyclin D1 and FADD (Fas-associated protein with death domain) regulate the cell cycle and apoptosis, respectively, and are located on chromosome 11q13, which is frequently amplified in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study evaluated these proteins as predictors of clinical outcomes for HNSCC. A total of 222 patients with upper aero-digestive HNSCC were included in this study. Patients with tumors that were strongly positive for cyclin D1 and FADD had reduced OS (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001), disease-specific survival (DSS; p = 0.039 and p < 0.001), and DFS (p = 0.026 and p < 0.001) survival, respectively. Together, the 2 markers effectively stratified OS (p < 0.001), DSS (p < 0.001), and DFS (p = 0.002). Strong FADD staining correlated with greater alcohol consumption and varied significantly with primary tumor site: 56 % of hypopharynx tumors expressed high levels of FADD but only 7 % of glottis tumors. Using Cox regression analysis, FADD and N stage were significant independent predictors of DSS and DFS, whereas cyclin D1, FADD, and N stage were independently significant for OS. The authors concluded that cyclin D1 and FADD may have utility as predictors of long-term outcomes for patients with HNSCC. Moreover, they stated that further study is needed to determine if these proteins predict response to different treatment approaches or assist in selecting patients for multi-modality therapy.
DCP
The most commonly used marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the AFP level. Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) (also known as "prothrombin produced by vitamin K absence or antagonism II" [PIVKA II]) has also shown promise in the diagnosis of HCC (Toyoda et al, 2006; Ikoma et al, 2002; Nomura et al, 1996; Liebman et al, 1984). In one series of 76 patients with HCC, this marker was elevated in 69 patients with a mean serum concentration of 900 mcg/L. Much lower mean values were seen in patients with chronic active hepatitis, metastatic disease to the liver, and normal subjects (10 and 42 mcg/L and undetectable, respectively) (Liebman et al, 1984). Elevations in serum levels of DCP are less frequent in tumors less than 3 cm in size (Nakamura et al, 2006; Weitz and Liebman, 1993;). Aoyagi et al (1996) as well as Weitz and Liebman (1993) reported that abnormal prothrombin levels do not correlate well with serum AFP.
Toyoda at al (2006) measured AFP, lens culinaris agglutinin A-reactive fraction of AFP (AFP-L3), and DCP for the evaluation of tumor progression and prognosis of patients with HCC (n = 685) at the time of initial diagnosis. Positivity for AFP > 20 ng/dL, AFP-L3 > 10% of total AFP, and/or DCP > 40 mAU/mL was determined. In addition, tumor markers were measured after treatment of HCC. Of the 685 patients, 337 (55.8%) were positive for AFP, 206 (34.1%) were positive for AFP-L3, and 371 (54.2%) were positive for DCP. In a comparison of patients positive for only 1 tumor marker, patients positive for AFP-L3 alone had a greater number of tumors, whereas patients positive for DCP alone had larger tumors and a higher prevalence of portal vein invasion. When patients were compared according to the number of tumor markers present, the number of markers present clearly reflected the extent of HCC and patient outcomes. The number of markers present significantly decreased after treatment. The authors concluded that tumor markers AFP-L3 and DCP appeared to represent different features of tumor progression in patients with HCC and that the number of tumor markers present could be useful for the evaluation of tumor progression, prediction of patient outcome, and treatment efficacy.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network's guideline on HCC (NCCN, 2008) does not include measurement of DCP among the surveillance test options for HCC. According to NCCN guidelines, proposed surveillance for the early detection of HCC among high-risk populations (e.g., chronic hepatitis C virus-infected patients) includes liver ultrasonography every 3 to 6 months and evaluation of alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and AFP. The guidelines stated, "It is not yet clear if early detection of hepatocellular cancer with routine screening improves the percentage of patients detected with disease at a potentially curative stage, but high-risk chronic hepatitis C virus - infected patients should be considered for ongoing recurrent screening until these issues have been resolved. The level of des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA-II) is also increased in many patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, as is true with AFP, PIVKA-II may be elevated in patients with chronic hepatitis." Furthermore, according to Sherman (2008), DCP has not been adequately studied as a screening test for HCC and cannot be recommended at this time.
E-cad
Deeb et al (2004) stated that E-cadherin (E-cad) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are important cell adhesion and signaling pathway mediators. Theyr reported the results of a study which aimed to assess their expression in lung adenocarcinoma (AdC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and their association with clinicopathologic variables. Two to three cores from 130 resectable lung cancers (stages I-IIIA) were arrayed into three blocks using a Beecher system. Markers expression and coexpression were analyzed against clinicopathologic variables (age, gender, smoking status, performance status, weight loss, histology, grade, stage, and lymph node involvement) and patient survival. For E-cad, 65 cases (55%) were positive (+), 53 (45%) were negative (-); and for EGRF, 43 cases (34%) were (+), and 83 (66%) were (-). There was no significant association between E-cad or EGFR, and any of the clinicopathologic variables except for an association between EGFR(+) and SCC histologic type. Both negative and cytoplasmic staining of E-cad correlated with shorter patient survival with P=0.008 and 0.002, respectively. EGFR expression did not correlate with patient survival, but, patients with E-cad(-)/EGFR(+) phenotype had poorer survival than those with E-cad(+)/EGFR(-) (P=0.026). The authors concluded that lung AdC and SCC may be stratified based on expression of E-cad and EGFR with the E-cad(-)/EGFR(+) expression having a worse disease outcome.
EML4-ALK
Yoshida et al (2011) report that a subset of lung cancers harbors an EML4-ALK (echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene fusion, and they examined 15 lung adenocarcinomas with reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction-proven EML4-ALK fusion transcripts and 30 ALK-negative cases. Positive rearrangement signals (splits or isolated 3' signals) were identified in 13 to 78% (mean ± SD, 41% ± 19%) of tumor cells in the ALK-positive cohort and in 0 to 15% (mean ± SD, 6% ± 4%) of cells in the ALK-negative cohort. Sensitivity was at 93% and specificity at 100%. The only false-negative tumor having only 13% CISH-positive cells displayed predominantly (76%) isolated 5' signals unaccompanied by 3' signals. FISH showed largely similar signal profiles, and the results were completely concordant with CISH.The authors stated that they have successfully introduced CISH for diagnosing EML4-ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma. This method allows simultaneous visualization of genetics and tumor cytomorphology and facilitates the molecular evaluation and could be applicable in clinical practice to detect lung cancer that may be responsive to ALK inhibitors.
Ellis et al (2011) conducted a systematic review and a consensus meeting of Canadian lung cancer oncologists and pathologists to make recommendations on the use of biomarkers in NSCLC. The articles were reviewed by pairs of oncologists and pathologists to determine eligibility for inclusion. Ten oncologists and pathologists reviewed and summarized the literature at a meeting attended by 37 individuals. The findings included that there is some evidence that histology is prognostic for survival as well as evidence from multiple randomized clinical trials to recommend the following: histologic subtype is predictive of treatment efficacy and for some agents toxicity. Immunohistochemistry testing should be performed on NSCLC specimens that cannot be classified accurately with conventional H&E staining. As EGFR mutations are predictive of benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitors, diagnostic NSCLC samples should be routinely tested for EGFR-activating mutations. Clinical data on K-RAS mutations are inconsistent, therefore testing is not recommended. There is insufficient evidence to recommend other biomarker testing. No biomarkers to date reliably predict improved efficacy for anti-VEGF therapy. The authors concluded that outine assessment for EML4/ALK mutations is not recommended at present, although emerging data suggest that it may become valuable in the near future.
ER, PR
Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) predicts response to hormone therapy for women with advanced breast cancer and those receiving adjuvant treatment, and prognosticates the aggressiveness of a tumor (Chin, 2006).
The estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor are intracellular receptors that are measured directly in tumor tissue. These receptors are polypeptides that bind their respective hormones, translocate to the nucleus, and induce specific gene expression. Breast cancers are dependent upon estrogen and/or progesterone for growth and this effect is mediated through ERs and progesterone receptors (ER/PR) (Chin, et al., 2006). Both receptors may be over-expressed in malignant breast tissue. Most oncologists have used the estrogen receptor and also the progesterone receptor not only to predict the probability of response to hormonal therapy at the time of metastatic disease, but also to predict the likelihood of recurrent disease, and to predict the need for adjuvant hormonal therapy or chemotherapy. Although these latter uses for estrogen and progesterone receptors are commonly accepted by most oncologists, the data on which these conclusions are based are controversial.
ERCC1
Yu and colleagues (2012) stated that the excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) plays an essential role in DNA repair and has been linked to resistance to platinum-based anticancer drugs among advanced NSCLC patients. These investigators examined if ERCC1 Asn118Asn and C8092A genetic variants are associated with treatment response of platinum chemotherapy. They performed a meta-analysis using 10 eligible cohort studies (including 11 datasets) with a total of 1,252 NSCLC patients to summarize the existing data on the association between the ERCC1 Asn118Asn and C8092A polymorphisms and response to platinum regiments. Odds ratio or hazard ratio with 95 % CI were calculated to estimate the correlation. These researchers found that neither ERCC1 C8092A polymorphism nor Asn118Asn variant is associated with different response of platinum-based treatment among advanced NSCLC patients. Additionally, these 2 genetic variants are not related to treatment response in either Caucasian patients or Asian patients. The authors concluded that the findings of this meta-analysis indicated that the ERCC1 Asn118Asn and C8092A polymorphisms may not be good prognostic biomarkers for platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with stage III-IV NSCLC.
Wang et al (2012) performed a meta-analysis by using 20 eligible studies to examine polymorphisms of ERCC1, GSTs, TS and MTHFR in predicting clinical outcomes (response rate, OS and toxicity) of gastric cancer (GC) patients treated with platinum/5-Fu-based chemotherapy. The association was measured using random/fixed effect odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) combined with their 95 % CIs according to the studies' heterogeneity. Statistical analysis was performed with the software STATA 9.0 package. No significant association was found between response rate and genetic polymorphism in TS, MTHFR, ERCC1, GSTM1 and GSTP1. However, response rate was higher in GSTT1 (+) genotype compared with GSTT1 (-) genotype (T-/T+: OR = 0.67, 95 % CI: 0.47 to 0.97). With regard to long-term outcomes, these researchers observed a significant longer OS in TS 3R/3R [(2R2R+2R3R)/3R3R: HR = 1.29, 95 % CI: 1.02 to 1.64] and GSTP1 GG/GA [(GG+AG)/AA: HR = 0.51, 95 % CI: 0.39 to 0.67] genotypes. In addition, significant association was demonstrated between toxicity and genetic polymorphism in TS, MTHFR and GSTP1 in included studies. The authors concluded that polymorphisms of ERCC1, GSTs, TS and MTHFR were closely associated with clinical outcomes of GC patients treated with platinum/5-Fu-based chemotherapy. Moreover, they state that studies with large sample size using the method of multi-variant analyses may help us to give more persuasive data on the putative association in future.
In a meta-analysis, Gong and colleagues (2012) examined if RRM1 expression is associated with the clinical outcome of gemcitabine-containing regimen in advanced NSCLC. An electronic search was conducted using the databases PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library and CNKI, from inception to May, 2011. A systemic review of the studies on the association between RRM1 expression in advanced NSCLC and clinical outcome of gemcitabine-containing regimen was performed. Pooled odds ratios (OR) for the response rate, weighted median survival and time to progression were calculated using the software Revman 5.0. The search strategy identified 18 eligible studies (n = 1,243). Response rate to gemcitabine-containing regimen was significantly higher in patients with low/negative RRM1 (OR = 0.31, 95 % CI: 0.21 to 0.45, p < 0.00001). Non-small cell lung cancer SCLC patients with low/negative RRM1 who were treated with gemicitabine-containing regimen survived 3.94 months longer (95 % CI: 2.15 to 5.73, p < 0.0001) and had longer time to progression for 2.64 months (95 % CI: 0.39 to 4.89, p = 0.02) than those with high/positive RRM1. The authors concluded that low/negative RRM1 expression in advanced NSCLC was associated with higher response rate to gemcitabine-containing regimen and better prognosis. Moreover, they stated that large phase III randomized trials are needed to identify whether RRM1 detection is clinically valuable for predicting the prognosis and sensitivity to gemcitabine-containing regimen in advanced NSCLC.
Friboulet et al (2013) stated that the ERCC1 protein is a potential prognostic biomarker of the effectiveness of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in NSCLC. Although several ongoing trials are evaluating the level of expression of ERCC1, no consensus has been reached regarding a method for evaluation.
Besse et al (2013) noted that somatic ERCC1 and ribonucleotide reductase M1 (RRM1) expression levels have been extensively explored as markers of DNA repair capacity in tumor cells. Although low ERCC1 and/or RRM1 expression is generally associated with sensitivity to platinum, the results published in retrospective and prospective studies are not always consistent. These researchers examined the function of these 2 biomarkers as well as the tools available for their assessment and the associated technical issues. Their prognostic and predictive values were summarized and considered in terms of customizing systemic therapy according to biomarker (ERCC1 and RRM1) expression levels. The authors discussed why the use of both markers should at this point be restricted to clinical research.
EZH2 (Ehancer of Zeste 2 Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit)
The National Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCN) Biomarkers Compendium (2019) for "EZH2" includes the following category 2A recommendations:
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) for somatic mutation of EZH2 for cytopenia(s), suspect myelodysplasia. For initial evaluation, consider genetic testing for somatic mutations (i.e., acquired mutations) in genes associated with MDS.
- Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) - additional molecular testing using multi-gene NGS panel should be considered to evaluate for higher-risk mutations associated with disease progression in patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) remains a research tool in many situations. However, it may be useful to establish clonality in selected circumstances (e.g., "triple negative" non-mutated JAK2, MPL, and CALR. Identification of "higher-risk" mutations may be helpful in the decision-making regarding allogeneic HCT for patients with PMF.
The NCCN guidelines on "B-cell lymphomas" (v.1.2019) does not provide a recommendation for EZH2 testing. Thus, NCCN does not provide a recommendation for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBC).
Intlekofer et al (2018) state that there is an unmet need to develop genomic biomarker-driven therapeutics to improve outcomes for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which currently has a relapse rate of over 30%. The authors sought to define the genomic landscape of DLBCL by using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy specimens in order to help underline genomic alterations that characterize DLBCL. Archived FFPE biopsy specimens from 1989 to 2012 were reviewed on 198 patients with DLBCL. Samples were sequenced using the FoundationOne-Heme platform that uses DNA sequencing to interrogate the entire coding sequence of 406 genes, selected introns of 31 genes involved in rearrangements, and utilizes RNA sequencing to interrogate 265 genes known to be somatically altered in human hematologic malignancies. Of 219 FFPE DLBCL samples attempted, 214 were successfully sequenced. The median number of genomic alterations (Gas) per case was 6, with 97% of patients harboring at least one alteration. The most commonly identified single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were in KMT2D (MLL2; 31%, n = 62), TP53 (24%, n = 48), MYD88 (18%, n = 36), CREBBP (18%, n = 35), and B2M (Beta-2-microglobulin; 17%; n = 33). A cluster of BCL2trans and KMT2Dmut corresponded with a GCB subtype and with high rates of TP53mut, EZH2mut, and TNFRSF14mut (p = 0.002). Of note, the largest cluster of 80 patients (40%) did not have a distinct genomic signature. The authors further observed an enrichment in MYD88mut, ETV6mut, and PRDM1mut among non-GCB and EZH2mut among GCB tumors; however, these did not remain significant after correction for FDR. In 41% (n = 81) there was a GA targeted by a non-FDA-approved drug with compelling clinical evidence either in DLBCL (level 3A; 33%, n = 66; mostly histone deacetylase and EZH2 inhibitors in CREBBPmut, EP300mut, and EZH2mut) or in another indication (level 3B; 8%, n = 15). The authors note that prior studies reported EZH2 mutations frequencies as high as 24%, whereas they found EZH2mut in 11% of their cohort, a difference that would have major implications for designing a trial with sequencing-based selection of patients for treatment with EZH2 inhibitors. The authors concluded that despite an accumulating body of research into the genomic landscape of DLBCL, very few GAs have been found to be associated with treatment refractoriness or disease relapse. The authors report that their study confirms prior associations between TP53mut and survival. Though marginally significant, CDKN2A/Bdel and B2Mmut were also found to be associated with shorter OS. As larger sequencing cohorts are assembled, future studies will continue to refine the association between GAs and treatment outcomes.
F2RL1 as a Biomarker in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cervical Cancer
Dai, et al. (2025) noted that cervical cancer(CCa) remains a significant global public health concern, with early diagnosis and treatment being crucial. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain incompletely elucidated. F2RL1 is closely associated with various tumors; however, its relationship with CCa is unclear. These researchers examined data from 309 patients diagnosed with CCa from TCGA data-base. The Limma package facilitated differential expression analysis to identify differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs). Survival analysis and ROC analysis were carried out via the XIANTAO data-base. Immune-related genes were identified with F2RL1-related genes via ImmPort data-base analysis. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using GO, KEGG, and GSEA. These investigators retrieved cervical cells and serum from participants to test for HPV and TCT, and then used qPCR to check the levels of F2RL1 mRNA expression. They also verified the expression of F2RL1 protein through WB and ELISA techniques. This investigation revealed an interesting discovery -- the levels of F2RL1 expression in CCa tissues were elevated when compared to normal tissues, highlighting variations among various pathological types. Moreover, the presence of high F2RL1 expression was linked to reduction of overall survival (OS), progression-free interval (PFI), as well as progression-free survival (PFS). F2RL1 rocked the ROC analysis with an AUC of 0.996. In addition, F2RL1 expression levels significantly impacted CCa in different N stages, pathological tissue types, treatment statuses, and racial groups, allowing these investigators to develop a predictive model. Furthermore, these researchers identified 43 immune-related genes. Enrichment analysis highlighting their association with pathways related to cell movement and T-cell activation. Through analysis, these investigators discovered an inverse proportion between F2RL1 expression and the infiltration of most immune cells, especially T follicular helper (TFH) and cytotoxic cells, suggesting a potential link to immune evasion in CCa. Molecular biology experiments also confirmed a significant increase in F2RL1 expression in cervical exfoliated cells and serum. The authors concluded that their research uncovered the predictive and early detection significance of F2RL1 in CCa and its correlation with immune infiltration for the first time; F2RL1 is strongly linked to the progression of CCa and could serve as a biomarker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of CCa patients. Moreover, these researchers stated that additional experimental validation is needed to examine F2RL1’s biological impacts on CCa and its underlying mechanisms.
The authors stated that while the findings of this study may shed light on the connection between F2RL1 and CCa, it is important to acknowledge the limitations that were identified in this research. First, potential sample bias could arise from data sourced directly from public data-bases. Second, to enhance result confidence, expanding the sample size is crucial. Third, additional experimental validation is needed to clarify the biological functions of F2RL1 both in-vitro and in-vivo.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for cervical cancer (NCCN, 2025) does not provide a recommendation for evaluating F2RL1.
FIP1L1-PDGFRA Fusion Oncogene
Patnaik et al (2007) noted that systemic mastocytosis is characterized by abnormal growth and accumulation of neoplastic mast cells in various organs. The clinical presentation is varied and may include skin rash, symptoms related to release of mast cell mediators, and/or organopathy from involvement of bone, liver, spleen, bowel, or bone marrow. These investigators reviewed pathogenesis, disease classification, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of mast cell disorders; they examined pertinent literature emerging during the last 20 years in the field of mast cell disorders. The authors concluded that the cornerstone of diagnosis is careful bone marrow histologic examination with appropriate immunohistochemical studies. Ancillary tests such as mast cell immunophenotyping, cytogenetic/molecular studies, and serum tryptase levels assist in confirming the diagnosis. Patients with cutaneous disease or with low systemic mast cell burden are generally managed symptomatically. In the patients requiring mast cell cytoreductive therapy, treatment decisions are increasingly being guided by results of molecular studies. Most patients carry the kit D816V mutation and are predicted to be resistant to imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) therapy. In contrast, patients carrying the FIP1L1-PDGFRA mutation achieve complete responses with low-dose imatinib therapy. Other therapeutic options include use of interferon-alpha, chemotherapy (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine), or novel small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors currently in clinical trials.
Tefferi et al (2008) stated that current classification and diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis, and its distinction from other myeloid malignancies associated with bone marrow mastocytosis, remain challenging for both clinicians and hematopathologists. In its upcoming revision, due out in 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system for myeloid malignancies considers mast cell disease as a myeloproliferative neoplasm and systemic mastocytosis as a subcategory of mast cell disease with bone marrow involvement. At the same time, the WHO document distinguished the usually KIT-mutated systemic mastocytosis from myeloid neoplasms associated with bone marrow mastocytosis and PDGFR mutations (e.g., FIP1L1-PDGFRA, PRKG2-PDGFRB). The latter are often associated with eosinophilia or basophilia and sensitive to treatment with imatinib. WHO-defined systemic mastocytosis is sometimes associated with a clonally-related second myeloid neoplasm, which is not surprising considering its origin as a stem cell disease with multi-lineage clonal involvement. Conversely, an otherwise well-defined myeloid malignancy, such as myelodysplastic syndrome or a non-mast cell disease myeloproliferative neoplasm, might harbor neoplastic mast cells. The authors’ approach to diagnosis in systemic mastocytosis starts with bone marrow examination with tryptase staining and mast cell CD25 immunophenotyping. The former enhances morphologic and the latter immunophenotypic distinction between normal (round and CD25-negative) and abnormal (spindle-shaped and CD25-positive) mast cells. Bone marrow examination also allows detection of a 2nd hematologic neoplasm, if present. In addition, in the presence of blood eosinophilia, these investigators screened for FIP1L1-PDGFRA, using either FISH or RT-PCR. By contrast, they relied on conventional cytogenetics to identify cases of bone marrow mastocytosis associated with a PDGFRB re-arrangement (i.e., chromosomal translocations involving 5q31-32). In general, the authors considered mutation screening for KITD816V and measurement of serum tryptase or urinary histamine metabolites as being complementary for the diagnosis of mast cell disease. It is to be noted that the likelihood of detecting a KIT mutation is significantly higher with the use of both highly sensitive PCR-based assay and mast cell-enriched test samples.
An UpToDate review on “Advanced systemic mastocytosis: Management and prognosis” (Gotlib, 2021) states that “Imatinib is generally effective only for unmutated KIT or KIT mutations outside of exon 17. Case reports have reported sensitivity to imatinib for SM with mutations in exons 8 to 10 of KIT: F522C (transmembrane mutation), germline K509I mutation, deletion of codon 419 in exon 8, and p.A502_Y503dup exon 9 mutation. It is important to recognize that many previously reported responses to imatinib were likely to be rare KIT mutations that are sensitive to imatinib or misdiagnoses (e.g., FIP1L1-PDGFRA-positive myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia that can also exhibit an increase in bone marrow MC numbers and elevated serum tryptase levels)”.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Systemic mastocytosis” (Version 1.2020) provides the following information:
- Screen for FIP1L1-PDGFRA if eosinophilia is present
- Useful in certain circumstances: Imatinib (only if KIT D816V mutation negative or unknown or if eosinophilia is present with FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene. (In cases with a primarily interstitial pattern of mast cells, peripheral blood eosinophilia, and negativity of KIT D816V mutation, then the FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene should be tested). The FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion oncogene should be tested in patients with eosinophilia in peripheral blood who do not have the KIT D816V mutation.
FLT3
FLT3 has been used to predict prognosis in acute myelogenous leukemia (Chin, et al, 2006). Mutations in FLT3 are common in AML and have been associated with poorer survival in children and in younger adults with normal cytogenetics receiving intensive chemotherapy.
The NCCN Task Force issued a report in November of 2011 which updated their position regarding molecular markers for diagnosis, prognosis, prediction, and companion diagnostic markers (Febbo et. al., 2011). As a result of these recommendations, use of MGMT, IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion are now established for glioma. Also, use of ALK gene fusion has been established for non-small cell lung cancer. The updated NCCN guidelines have not yet established the efficacy of ColoPrint, CIMP, LINE-1 hypomethylation, or Immune cells for colon cancer. Similarly, the efficacy of FLT3-TKD mutation, WT1 mutation, RUNX1 mutation, MLL-PTD, IDH1 mutation, IDH2 R172, and IDH2 codon 140 mutation has not been established for use in acute myeloid leukemia.
Galectin-3
There has been emerging evidence for galectin-3 in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer. However, there is insufficient evidence for its impact in screening, diagnosis or management. National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Prostate cancer" (Version 1.2015) as well as its Biomarkers Compendium has no recommendation for galectin-3 in prostate cancer.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guidelines on "Bone cancer" (Version 1.2020) and "Myelodysplastic syndromes" (Version 1.2020) do not mention galectin-3 as a management tool.
Galectin-3 for Breast Cancer
Zhang et al (2014) stated that galectin-3 has a relatively high level of expression in triple-negative breast cancers and is a potential marker for this disease. However, the clinical and prognostic implications of galectin-3 expression in breast cancer remain unclear. These researchers examined mastectomy specimens from 1,086 breast cancer cases and matching, adjacent non-cancerous tissues using immunohistochemistry. Overall, triple-negative breast cancers expressed galectin-3 more strongly than did other breast cancers types (63.59 % versus 21.36 %, p = 0.001). Galectin-3 expression was not found to be an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer by Cox regression analysis, but was associated with chemotherapeutic resistance. Apoptosis was only weakly induced by arsenic trioxide (ATO) treatment in galectin-3-positive breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), although ATO treatment up-regulated galectin-3 expression. Knock-down of galectin-3 in MDA-MB-231 cells sensitized them to killing by ATO. The authors concluded that these findings supported a possible role for galectin-3 as a marker for triple-negative breast cancer progression and as a therapeutic target in combination with ATO treatment, although the mechanisms that underlie this synergy require further investigation.
White et al (2015) noted that to metastasize, tumor cells often need to migrate through a layer of collagen-containing scar tissue which encapsulates the tumor. A key component of scar tissue and fibrosing diseases is the monocyte-derived fibrocyte, a collagen-secreting pro-fibrotic cell. To test the hypothesis that invasive tumor cells may block the formation of the fibrous sheath, these researchers examined if tumor cells secrete factors that inhibit monocyte-derived fibrocyte differentiation. They found that the human metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 secretes activity that inhibits human monocyte-derived fibrocyte differentiation, whereas less aggressive breast cancer cell lines secrete less of this activity. Purification indicated that galectin-3 binding protein (LGALS3BP) is the active factor. Recombinant LGALS3BP inhibits monocyte-derived fibrocyte differentiation, and immuno-depletion of LGALS3BP from MDA-MB 231 conditioned media removes the monocyte-derived fibrocyte differentiation-inhibiting activity. LGALS3BP inhibits the differentiation of monocyte-derived fibrocytes from wild-type mouse spleen cells, but not from SIGN-R1(-/-) mouse spleen cells, suggesting that CD209/SIGN-R1 is required for the LGALS3BP effect. These investigators found that galectin-3 and galectin-1, binding partners of LGALS3BP, potentiate monocyte-derived fibrocyte differentiation. In breast cancer biopsies, increased levels of tumor cell-associated LGALS3BP were observed in regions of the tumor that were invading the surrounding stroma. The authors concluded that these findings suggested LGALS3BP and galectin-3 as new targets to treat metastatic cancer and fibrosing diseases.
Bulten et al (2015) stated that it remains challenging to identify patients at risk of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. To better understand the different risk-stratifying approaches, these researchers evaluated (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine ((123)I-mIBG) scintigraphy and its interrelationship with conventional echocardiography, 2D strain imaging and several biomarkers. They performed (123)I-mIBG scintigraphy, conventional and strain echocardiography and biomarker (NT-proBNP, TNF-α, galectin-3, IL-6, troponin I, ST-2 and sFlt-1) assessment in 59 breast cancer survivors 1 year after anthracycline treatment. Inter-observer and inter-method variability was calculated on planar and SPECT (123)I-mIBG scintigraphy, using the heart/mediastinum (H/M) ratio and wash-out (WO). Pearson's r and multi-variate analyses were performed to identify correlations and independent predictors of (123)I-mIBG scintigraphy results. Delayed planar anterior whole-heart ROI (WH) H/M ratios and WO were the most robust (123)I-mIBG parameters. Significant correlations were observed between (123)I-mIBG parameters and several conventional echo parameters, global longitudinal and radial strain (GLS and GRS) and galectin-3. The highest Pearson's r was observed between delayed H/M ratio and GRS (Pearson's r 0.36, p = 0.01). Multi-variate analysis showed that GRS was the only independent predictor of the delayed WH H/M ratio (p = 0.023). The authors concluded that the delayed planar H/M ratio was the most robust (123)I-mIBG parameter. It correlated with several conventional echocardiographic parameters, GLS, GRS and galectin-3. Of these, only GRS predicts the H/M ratio.
Ilmer et al (2016) noted that galectin-3 (Gal3) plays diverse roles in cancer initiation, progression, and drug resistance depending on tumor type characteristics that are also associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recurrence of breast carcinomas may be attributed to the presence of breast CSCs (BCSCs). BCSCs exist in mesenchymal-like or epithelial-like states and the transition between these states endows BCSCs with the capacity for tumor progression. The discovery of a feedback loop with galectins during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) prompted these researchers to examine its role in breast cancer stemness. To elucidate the role of Gal3 in BCSCs, these investigators performed various in-vitro and in-vivo studies such as sphere-formation assays, Western blotting, flow cytometric apoptosis assays, and limited dilution xenotransplant models. Histological staining for Gal3 in tissue microarrays of breast cancer patients was performed to analyze the relationship of clinical outcome and Gal3 expression. These researchers showed in a cohort of 87 node-positive breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin-based chemotherapy that low Gal3 was associated with increased lympho-vascular invasion and reduced overall survival (OS). Analysis of in-vitro BCSC models demonstrated that Gal3 knock-down by small hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference in epithelial-like mammary spheres led to EMT, increased sphere-formation ability, drug-resistance, and heightened aldefluor activity. Furthermore, Gal3-negative BCSCs were associated with enhanced tumorigenicity in orthotopic mouse models. The authors concluded that in at least some breast cancers, loss of Gal3 might be associated with EMT and cancer stemness-associated traits, predicts poor response to chemotherapy, and poor prognosis. Moreover, they stated that "It will be important to evaluate the expression of Gal3 in circulating tumor cells, and its role as a predictive biomarker in determining response to therapy and DSS (disease-specific survival) and OS in prospective clinical trials in a variety of breast cancer patients"
De Iuliis et al (2016) stated that it is important to identify novel plasmatic biomarkers that can contribute to assessing the prognosis and outcome of breast cancer patients. Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and Gal3 are proteins that are involved in breast cancer development and patient survival; therefore, these researchers examined if the serum concentration of these 2 proteins can be correlated to breast cancer progression. Plasmatic NRG1 and Gal3 were evaluated in 25 healthy controls and 50 breast cancer patients at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after treatment with anthracyclines and taxanes, with or without trastuzumab. NRG1 and Gal3 were significantly more elevated in cancer patients than in healthy controls; furthermore, NRG1 and Gal3 were significantly increased after chemotherapy and were predictive of mortality at 1 year. The authors concluded that circulating NRG1 and Gal3 can be additional biomarkers indicative of prognosis and outcomes for breast cancer patients. This was a relatively small study (n = 500 with only 1-year follow-up. These findings need to be validated by well-designed studies.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Breast cancer" (Version 4.2018) does not mention galectin-3 as a biomarker.
Galectin-3 for Ovarian Cancer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Ovarian cancer" (Version 2.2018) does not mention galectin-3 as a diagnostic tool.
Galectin-3 for Pancreatic Cancer
Shimamura et al (2002) stated that galectin-3, a member of the beta-galactoside-binding lectin family, has multiple biological functions including cell-cell interactions and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, cellular proliferation, cellular differentiation, and apoptosis. These researchers determined the relationship of galectin-3 expression to clinicopathological findings and patient prognosis in ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. They examined galectin-3 expression in 104 surgically resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases with stages I through IV using immunohistochemistry and investigated the relationship of it to overall survival (OS). Patients were divided into 2 groups: a low expression group, where less than 60 % of tumor cells were positive; and a high expression group, where greater than or equal to 60 % of tumor cells were positive. Cases in the low expression group had a significant tendency to be at later stages, to have distant metastasis, and to have less differentiated tumors, compared with cases in the high expression group (p = 0.001 for stage, p = 0.001 for metastasis, and p = 0.006 for differentiation). Post-operative OS was worse in the low galectin-3 expression group than in the high galectin-3 expression group (p = 0.004). Multi-variate analysis showed that the risk ratio of prognosis was 2.06 among patients in the low galectin-3 expression group compared with the high galectin-3 expression group (p = 0.006). The authors concluded that decreased expression of galectin-3 was associated with advanced stage, tumor de-differentiation, and metastasis in ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas; galectin-3 expression might be a useful prognostic marker for survival in ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
Gaida et al (2012) noted that galectin-3 influences neoangiogenesis, tumor cell adhesion, and tumor-immune-escape mechanisms. Hence, the expression of galectin-3 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was evaluated. Galectin-3 expression in PDAC cell lines was proven by the presence of intracellular protein and by release into the supernatant. Furthermore, galectin-3 was found in the majority of human tissue samples. Serum concentrations of galectin-3 in PDAC patients did not differ significantly from healthy donors and did not correlate with established tumor markers. The authors concluded that galectin-3 was expressed in PDAC tissues suggesting a role in tumor development; however, no relationship between expression and clinical findings could be established.
Jiang et al (2014) analyzed galectin-3 immunohistochemical expression in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cell blocks of PDAC, pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNEN), gastro-intestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and non-tumor pancreatic tissue. In parallel, galectin-3 and PTEN levels were evaluated in a tumor tissue microarray (TMA); 44 of 46 PDAC FNA and 32 of 33 PDAC TMA demonstrated tumor-specific galectin-3 positivity. In contrast, galectin-3 was not detected in PNEN and GIST. Total loss of PTEN was displayed by 26 of 33 PDAC, while non-neoplastic tissues all retained PTEN expression. The authors concluded that galectin-3 could be a valuable marker to help diagnose PDAC and rule out PNEN and GIST. In addition, PTEN positivity strongly argued against a diagnosis of PDAC. These data also advocated their potential diagnostic roles in the work up of challenging cytologic cases requiring ancillary test confirmation.
Coppin et al (2016) stated that CA 19-9 is the gold standard biomarker of pancreatic adenocarcinoma despite several weaknesses in particular a high rate of false positives or negatives. CA-125 corresponding to MUC16 and galectin-3, a lectin able to interact with mucin-associated carbohydrates, are tumor-associated proteins. These researchers examined if combined measurement of CA 19-9, galectin-3 and CA-125 may help to better discriminate pancreatic adenocarcinoma versus non-malignant pancreatic diseases. They evaluated by immunohistochemistry the expression of MUC4, MUC16 (CA-125) and galectin-3 in 31 pancreatic adenocarcinomas. These investigators measured CA 19-9, CA-125 and Gal-3 in the serum from patients with pancreatic benign diseases (n = 58) or adenocarcinoma (n = 44). Clinical performance of the 3 biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis was analyzed. By immunohistochemistry, MUC16 and Gal-3 were expressed in 74 % and 84 % of adenocarcinomas versus 0 % and 3.2 % in peri-tumoral regions, respectively. At the serum level, CA 19-9 and CA125 were significantly higher in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma whereas Gal-3 levels did not differ. The performance of CA 19-9 for cancer detection was higher than those of CA-125 or Gal-3 by ROC analysis. However, CA-125 offered the highest specificity for malignancy (81 %) because of an absence of false-positives among type 2 diabetic patients. Cancer deaths assessed 6 or 12 months after diagnosis varied according to the initial CA-125 level (p < 0.006). The authors concluded that Gal-3 is not an interesting biomarker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma detection. CA 19-9 alone exhibits the best performance but measuring CA-125 provides complementary information in terms of diagnosis and prognosis.
Nigjeh et al (2017) noted that PDAC is a lethal disease characterized by its late diagnosis, poor prognosis and rapid development of drug resistance. Using the data-independent acquisition (DIA) technique, the authors applied a spectral library-based proteomic approach to analyze N-glycosylated peptides in human plasma, in the context of pancreatic cancer study. The authors extended the application of DIA to the quantification of N-glycosylated peptides enriched from plasma specimens from a clinically well-defined cohort that consists of patients with early stage PDAC, chronic pancreatitis and healthy subjects. The analytical platform was evaluated in light of its robustness for quantitative analysis of large-scale clinical specimens. The analysis indicated that the level of N-glycosylated peptides derived from galectin-3 binding proteins (LGALS3BP) were frequently elevated in plasma from PDAC patients, concurrent with the altered N-glycosylation of LGALS3BP observed in the tumor tissue. The authors concluded that the glycosylation form of LGALS3BP influenced its function in the galectin network, which is profoundly involved in cancer progression, immune response and drug resistance. As one of the major binding ligands of galectin network, discovery of site specific N-glycosylation changes of LGALS3BP in association of PDAC may provide useful clues to facilitate cancer detection or phenotype stratification.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Pancreatic adenocarcinoma" (Version 1.2019) does not mention galectin-3.
KRAS, NRAS and BRAF for Metastatic Colon Cancer
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Colon cancer" (Version 4.2018) recommends RAS and BRAF (individually or part of next-generation sequencing [NGS] panel) for patients with metastatic colon cancer.
GSTP1
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Due to the reportedly high false-negative rate of initial biopsy results after elevated PSA level, new approaches for improved detection in prostate cancer are needed. Several studies have shown that hypermethylation of the promoter regions of the GST-P1 and APC genes occurs at a significantly higher frequency in prostate cancer samples than in benign conditions of the prostate gland. Hypermethylation of the promoter regions of the GST-P1 and APC genes can aid in prognosticating for prostate cancer (Raman, et al., 2013).
Trock et al (2012) noted that hyper-methylation of genes such as glutathione-S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) occurs with high frequency in prostate tumor tissue but is much less common in the benign prostate; however, the potential value of gene methylation biomarkers as an adjunct to biopsy histopathology has had little study. When measured in histologically benign prostate biopsy tissue, APC gene hyper-methylation was found to have high negative-predictive value (NPV) and high sensitivity. GSTP1 hype-rmethylation was found to have lower performance than APC. These investigators evaluated the performance of DNA methylation biomarkers in the setting of repeat biopsy in men with an initially negative prostate biopsy but a high index of suspicion for missed prostate cancer. They prospectively evaluated 86 men with an initial histologically negative prostate biopsy and high-risk features. All men underwent repeat 12-core ultrasonography-guided biopsy. DNA methylation of GSTP1 and APC was determined using tissue from the initially negative biopsy and compared with histology of the repeat biopsy. The primary outcome was the relative NPV of APC compared with GSTP1, and its 95 % CI. On repeat biopsy, 21/86 (24 %) men had prostate cancer. APC and GSTP1 methylation ratios below the threshold (predicting no cancer) produced a NPV of 0.96 and 0.80, respectively. The relative NPV was 1.2 (95 % CI: 1.06 to 1.36), indicating APC has significantly higher NPV. Methylation ratios above the threshold yielded a sensitivity of 0.95 for APC and 0.43 for GSTP1. Combining both methylation markers produced a performance similar to that of APC alone. APC methylation patterns were consistent with a possible field effect or occurrence early in carcinogenesis. The authors concluded that APC methylation provided a very high NPV with a low percentage of false-negatives, in the first prospective study to evaluate performance of DNA methylation markers in a clinical cohort of men undergoing repeat biopsy. They stated that the potential of APC methylation to reduce unnecessary repeat biopsies warrants validation in a larger prospective cohort.
In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Yu and colleagues (2013) examined the association between GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism and prostate cancer (PCa) in different inheritance models. A total of 13 eligible studies were pooled into this meta-analysis. There was significant association between the GSTP1 Ile158Val variant genotypes and PCa for Ile/Ile versus Val/Val comparison [odds ratio (OR) = 0.705; I 2 = 63.7 %; 95 % CI: 0.508 to 0.977], Ile/Val versus Val/Val comparison (OR = 0.736; I 2 = 8.0 %; 95 % CI: 0.613 to 0.883), and dominant model (OR = 0.712; I 2 = 45.5 %; 95 % CI: 0.555 to 0.913). However, no associations were detected for other genetic models. In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, significant associations between GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism and PCa risk were also found among Caucasians (Ile/Ile versus Val/Val comparison OR = 0.818, I 2 = 0.0 %, 95 % CI: 0.681 to 0.982; Ile/Val versus Val/Val comparison OR = 0.779, I 2 = 0.0 %, 95 % CI: 0.651 to 0.933; and dominant model OR = 0.794, I 2 = 0.0 %, 95 % CI: 0.670 to 0.941), while there were no associations found for other genetic models. However, no associations were found in Asians and African-Americans for all genetic models when stratified by ethnicity. The authors concluded that the findings of this meta-analysis indicated that GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms contributed to the PCa susceptibility. However, they stated that a study with the larger sample size is needed to further evaluate gene-environment interaction on GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms and PCa risk.
An assessment by the Swedish Office of Heath Technology Assessment (SBU, 2011) concluded that the scientific evidence is insufficient to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the me-GSTP1 urine test.
HCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is normally produced in increasing quantities by the placenta during pregnancy. Accepted guidelines provide that HCG levels can be used to screen for choriocarcinoma in women who are at high risk for the disease, and to monitor the treatment of trophoblastic disease. The literature states that elevated HCG levels may also indicate the presence of cancers of the testis, ovary, liver, stomach, pancreas, and lung.
Accepted guidelines provide that alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and b-HCG measurements are valuable for determining prognosis and monitoring therapy in patients with non-seminomatous germ cell cancer. Because of the low incidence of elevated AFP and b-HCG levels in early-stage cancer, the literature suggests these markers have no value in screening for testicular cancer. However, the specificity of these markers is such that when determined simultaneously, at least one marker will be positive in 85% of patients with active cancer. The value of AFP and b-HCG as markers is enhanced by a low frequency of false-positive results and by the chemoresponsiveness of testicular cancer. The literature states that only rarely do patients with other types of cancer have elevated levels of AFP. Non-cancerous conditions that can cause elevated AFP levels include benign liver conditions, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, ataxia telangiectasia, Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome, and pregnancy.
HE4
Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) is a secreted glycoprotein that is being studied as a potential marker for ovarian cancer.
A variety of other tumor markers have been investigated for early detection of ovarian cancer as well as different combinations of tumor markers complementary to CA 125 that could potentially offer greater sensitivity and specificity than CA 125 alone. Preliminary studies on HE4 (human epididymis protein 4), a marker for ovarian cancer, reported similar sensitivity to CA 125 when comparing ovarian cancer cases to healthy controls, and a higher sensitivity when comparing ovarian cancer cases to benign gynecologic disease (Hellstrom, et al., 2003 & 2008; Moore, et al., 2008;) However, an assessment on genomic tests for ovarian cancer prepared by Duke University for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ, 2006) stated, "Although research remains promising, adaptation of genomic tests into clinical practice must await appropriately designed and powered studies in relevant clinical settings." Further studies are needed to determine if HE4 significantly adds to the sensitivity of CA 125 while maintaining a high specificity.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (2016) state that data show that HE4 and several other markers do not increase early enough to be useful in detecting early-stage ovarian cancer.
Her-2/neu
Estrogen and progestin receptors are important prognostic markers in breast cancer, and the higher the percentage of overall cells positive as well as the greater the intensity, the better the prognosis. Estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity in breast cancer cells is an indication the patient may be a good candidate for hormone therapy. HER-2/neu is an oncogene. Its gene product, a protein, is over-expressed in approximately 20 to 30% of breast cancers. The over-expressed protein is present in unusually high concentration on the surface of some malignant breast cancer cells, causing these cells to rapidly proliferate. It is important because these tumors are susceptible to treatment with Herceptin (trastuzumab), which specifically binds to this over-expressed protein. Herceptin blocks these protein receptors, inhibiting continued replication and tumor growth. HER2/neu may also be expressed in ovarian, gastric, colorectal, endometrial, lung, bladder, prostate, and salivary gland (Chen, et al., 2006).
HER-2/neu is an oncogene encoding a growth factor receptor related to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and is amplified in approximately 25-30 percent of node-positive breast cancers (Chin, et al. 2006). Overexpression of HER-2/neu is associated with decreased disease-free and overall survival. Over-expression of HER-2/neu may be used to identify patients who may be may benefit from trastuzumab (Herceptin™ ) and/or high dose chemotherapy. Trastuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the HER 2/neu (c-erbB-2) oncogene.
Her-2 has been used to: assess prognosis of stage II, node positive breast cancer patients; predict disease-free and overall survival in patients with stage II, node positive breast cancer treated with adjuvant cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy; and determine patient eligibility for Herceptin treatment (Chen, et al., 2006). The College of American Pathologists (CAP) recommends FISH as an optimal method for HER2/neu testing; therefore, positive IHC results are usually confirmed by FISH testing.
There are additional tests that may be used in breast cancer cases, such as DNA ploidy, Ki-67 or other proliferation markers. However, most authorities believe that HER-2/neu, estrogen and progesterone receptor status are the most important to evaluate first. The other tests do not have therapeutic implications and, when compared with grade and stage of the disease, are not independently significant with respect to prognosis.
Harris et al (2007) updated ASCO's recommendations for the use of tumor marker tests in the prevention, screening, treatment, and surveillance of breast cancer. Thirteen categories of breast tumor markers were considered, 6 of which were new for the guideline. The following categories showed evidence of clinical utility and were recommended for use in practice: CA 15-3, CA 27.29, CEA, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, urokinase plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and certain multi-parameter gene expression assays. Not all applications for these markers were supported, however. The following categories demonstrated insufficient evidence to support routine use in clinical practice: DNA/ploidy by flow cytometry, p53, cathepsin D, cyclin E (fragments or whole length), proteomics, certain multi-parameter assays, detection of bone marrow micrometastases, and circulating tumor cells (e.g., CellSearch assay). These guidelines found present data insufficient to recommend measurement of Ki67, cyclin D, cyclin E, p27, p21, thymidine kinase, topoisomerase II, or other markers of proliferation to assign patients to prognostic groups. The guidelines also found insufficient data to recommend assessment of bone marrow micrometastases for management of patients with breast cancer.
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) recommend against the use of soluble HER2 levels to guide selection of type of adjuvant therapy in breast cancer. This is a moderate-strength recommendation based upon low-quality evidence. The guidelines also recommend against the use of HER2 gene coamplification to guide adjuvant chemotherapy selection in breast cancer.
HMGB1 and RAGE in Cutaneous Malignancy
Tesarova and associates (2016) noted that activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) due to its increased expression in cancer cells or its stimulation by multiple ligands (AGEs, high-mobility group box-1 [HMGB1], S100 proteins, etc.) may contribute to the proliferation, invasiveness of tumor cells and formation of distant metastases and also to the resistance of cancer to treatment. RAGE ligands could thus become both useful markers of disease severity and its outcome and, a potential therapeutic target. The authors concluded that better understanding of the role of RAGE activation in different types of cancer may help to define the role of ligand/RAGE antagonists as promising cancer treatment.
Nguyen and colleagues (2017) stated that inflammation and the immune system play a role in the development and progression of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and SCC. The pro-inflammatory and tumor-promoting effects of HMGB1 protein and RAGE have been investigated in these cutaneous malignancies. The clinical implication of these molecules is not fully described. The National Library of Medicine database was searched for articles addressing the clinical relevance of HMGB1 and RAGE in melanoma, BCC, and SCC. This systematic review included 9 articles, with 6 summarizing RAGE in cutaneous malignancies and 3 involving HMGB1. RAGE has been found to be up-regulated in SCC lesions, as well as melanoma. Levels of RAGE were highest in stage IV melanomas. Lower levels of soluble RAGE have been associated with poor OS in melanoma. Sporadic extracellular expression of HMGB1 was evident in BCC and SCC lesions, which could be released by necrotic tumor cells. HMGB1 was found to be a prognostic marker in melanoma, and HMGB1 levels were elevated in patients who were non-responders to ipilimumab treatment. The authors concluded that HMGB1 and RAGE could serve as potential prognostic markers or therapeutic targets in treating melanoma, BCC, and SCC; however, further research regarding the clinical utility of the HMGB1-RAGE axis in cutaneous malignancies is needed.
Human Papillomavirus 16 L1 Gene as a Biomarker in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cervical Cancer
Ji and Ji (2025) examined the methylation levels at 13 specific sites of the human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) L1 gene as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of cervical cancer (CCa). Samples were collected from the gynecological outpatient and inpatient departments of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Hospital. A total of 107 women participated in this study, including 54 with CCa (32 Uygur, 22 Han) and 53 with cervical inflammation (32 Uygur, 21 Han). Methylation analysis was carried out by means of pyro-sequencing to quantitatively evaluate methylation levels at specified CpG sites within the HPV16 L1 gene. High methylation levels were predominantly observed at sites 5927, 5963 and 6367 in CCa cells compared with inflammatory cells. Methylation patterns exhibited no significant differences between the Han and Uygur ethnic groups but correlated with viral load and age within each group. ROC curve analyses of these methylation sites indicated high diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing between high-grade lesions and less severe conditions. The authors concluded that methylation of specific CpG sites in the HPV16 L1 gene holds promise as a biomarker for CCa progression. The gene locus at position 6367 has important features in the methylation pattern of CCa, and high accuracy shown in diagnosis make it a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of CCa.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, the limited nature of the study’s sample size may affect the generalizability of its findings. These researchers will subsequently collect more clinical samples to confirm the validity of the conclusions. Second, the study focused on specific populations or regions, further limiting the broad applicability of its findings. Third, HPV16 methylation status is closely associated with cervical lesion progression, and its molecular mechanism requires further investigations.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines on cervical cancer (NCCN, 2025) does not provide a recommendation for evaluating L1 gene.
IgVh Mutation Status
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients can be divided into two basic groups on the basis of the mutational status of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable-region (IgVH) gene in leukemic cells (Chin, 2006). Patients with IgVH mutations have longer survival than those without IgVH mutation. Thus, mutation analysis may be useful for planning management strategies.
Kappa / Lambda Light Chain
Elevated serum levels of monoclonal free light chains are associated with malignant plasma cell proliferation (e.g., multiple myeloma), primary amyloidosis, and light chain deposition disease (Chen et al, 2006). The appearance of higher levels of free light chains in the urine may be indicative of kidney disease or malignant lymphoproliferative disease such as multiple myeloma. These tests have been used for the detection of multiple myeloma.
Ki-67
There is a strong correlation between proliferation rate and clinical outcome in a variety of tumor types and measurement of cell proliferative activity is an important prognostic marker (Chen, et al., 2006). This marker correlates with flow cytometric S-phase.
There is insufficient evidence for Ki-67. NCCN guidelines on breast cancer (2015) state: "The measurement of nuclear antigen, Ki-67 by IHC, gives an estimate of the tumor cells in the proliferative phase (G1, G2 and M phases) of the cell cycle. Studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of Ki-67 as a biomarker and its usefulness in predicting response and clinical outcome. One small study suggests that measurement of Ki-67 after short-term exposure to endocrine treatment may be useful to select patients resistant to endocrine therapy and those who may benefit from additional interventions. However, these data require larger analytic and clinical validation. In addition, standardization of tissue handling and processing is required to improve the reliability and value of Ki-67 testing. At this time, there is no conclusive evidence that Ki-67 alone, especially baseline Ki-67 as an individual biomarker, helps to select the type of endocrine therapy for an individual patient. Therefore, the NCCN Breast Cancer Panel does not currently recommend assessment of Ki-67."
The p16/KI-67 Dual Stain test (CINtec PLUS) claims to detect virally induced oncogenic molecular changes in the cell through the immune cytochemical double staining of the tumor suppressor gene p16INK4a and the proliferation marker Ki-67 and thereby to improve the triage of women with equivocal cytological results (Kisser, et al., 2014). The Ludwig Boltzmann Institut conducted a systematic review of studies assessing utlity of the p16/Ki-67 Dual Stain test in the triage of equivocal or mild to moderate dysplasia results in cervical cancer screening. The authors of the assessment stated that they could not identify any studies assessing clinical outcomes such as mortality or morbidity and only one high quality study assessing diagnostic accuracy of the test: the evaluation of the clinical utility of the test was therefore not possible (Kisser, et al., 2014). Consequently the test was not recommended for inclusion in the benefits catalogue of public health insurances.
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) state: "Protein encoded by the MKI67 gene labeling index by IHC should not be used to guide choice on adjuvant chemotherapy." This is a moderate-strength recommendation based upon intermediate-quality evidence.
Ki-67 in Upper Tract Urinary Carcinoma
Ley and associates (2015) noted that upper urinary-tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUC) constitute 5 % of urothelial malignancies. Prognostic biomarkers would allow lower risk surgical approaches for less aggressive UTUCs. One biomarker, Ki-67/mindbomb E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (Ki-67/MIB-1), showed promise in UTUC, but there have been conflicting findings regarding its prognostic role. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prognostic value of Ki-67/MIB-1 in UTUC in terms of UTUC-specific mortality rate, 5-year DFS, and 5-year OS (including DSS). A systematic review of the current literature produced 654 records. A total of 13 studies consisting of 1,030 patients were finally included in the meta-analysis; HRs with 95 % CI were extracted or estimated. The individual HR estimates were combined into a pooled HR using a fixed-effects model that summed homogeneity of the individual true HRs. Patients with Ki-67/MIB-1 over-expression displayed significantly higher UTUC-specific mortality rate (pooled HR: 2.14, 95 % CI: 1.73 to 2.64; p < 0.00001), significantly reduced 5-year DFS (pooled HR: 2.27, 95 % CI: 1.79 to 2.92; p < 0.00001), and significantly reduced 5-year OS (pooled HR = 1.77; 95 % CI: 1.39 to 2.23 p < 0.00001). There was significant heterogeneity detected in the UTUC-specific mortality rate meta-analysis (I(2) = 63 %) and the 5-year DFS meta-analysis (I(2) = 65 %), but there was no significant heterogeneity detected in the 5-year OS meta-analysis (I(2) = 0%). Egger's testing showed that none of the outcomes was influenced by publication bias (p > 0.05). The authors concluded that Ki-67/MIB-1 over-expression showed promise as a prognostic biomarker for UTUC patients and required further investigation.
Fan and colleagues (2016) stated that UTUC is a relatively uncommon but aggressive disease. The Ki-67 antigen is a classic marker of cellular proliferation, but there is still controversy regarding the significance and importance of Ki-67 in tumor progression. In this study, these researchers first detected Ki-67 expression in UTUC patients by immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, they quantitatively combined the results with those from the published literature in a meta-analysis after searching several databases. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that patients with muscle-invasive tumors (T2-T4) had higher Ki-67 expression than those with non-muscle-invasive tumors (Tis-T1), suggesting that high Ki-67 expression may be associated with the aggressive form of UTUC. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with high Ki-67 expression had significantly poorer cancer-specific survival (CSS) and DFS. Furthermore, multi-variate analysis suggested that Ki-67 expression was an independent prognostic factor for CSS (HR = 3.196) and DFS (HR = 3.517) in UTUC patients. Then, a meta-analysis of the published literature investigating Ki-67 expression and its effects on UTUC prognosis was conducted. After searching the PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases, a total of 12 articles met the eligibility criteria for this analysis. The eligible studies included a total of 1,740 patients with a mean number of 82 patients per study (range of 38 to 475). The combined results showed that increased Ki-67 levels were associated with poor survival and disease progression, with a pooled HR estimate of 2.081 and 2.791, respectively. In subgroup analysis, the pooled HR was statistically significant for CSS (HR = 2.276), metastasis-free survival (HR = 3.008) and DFS (HR = 6.336). The authors concluded that high Ki-67 expression was associated with poor survival in patients with UTUC, as well as a high risk of disease progression, although these findings need to be interpreted with caution. They stated that large-scale, adequately designed, prospective trials are needed to further confirm the value of Ki-67 in prognosis of UTUC patients.
KRAS
The ras proto-oncogenes are normal cellular components, which are thought to be important for transduction of signals required for proliferation and differentiation. The ras oncogene family has 3 members: H-ras, K-ras, and N-ras. Ras gene mutations can be found in a variety of tumor types, although the incidence varies greatly. The highest incidences are found in adenocarcinomas of the pancreas (90 %), colon (50 %), and lung (30 %); thyroid tumors (50 %), and myeloid leukemia (30 %).
Investigators have established an association between some genotypes of K-ras (KRAS) oncogenes and response to treatment with cetuximab or panitumumab (Lievre et al, 2006 and 2008; Di Fiore et al, 2007; Gonçalves et al, 2008; De Roock et al, 2008). Patients whose tumors express specific forms of the KRAS gene exhibit considerably decreased responses to cetuximab and panitumumab. It has been theorized that cetuximab and panitumumab do not target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) associated with these specific KRAS mutations and thus are unable to block their activation. It has been suggested that KRAS genotype be considered as a selection factor for cancer patients who are candidates for treatment with cetuximab or panitumumab.
Karapetis and colleagues (2008) stated that treatment with cetuximab improves overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and preserves the quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer that has not responded to chemotherapy. The mutation status of the K-ras gene in the tumor may affect the response to cetuximab and have treatment-independent prognostic value. These investigators analyzed tumor samples, obtained from 394 of 572 patients (68.9 %) with colorectal cancer who were randomly assigned to receive cetuximab plus best supportive care or best supportive care alone, to look for activating mutations in exon 2 of the K-ras gene. They evaluated if the mutation status of the K-ras gene was associated with survival in the cetuximab and supportive-care groups. Of the tumors evaluated for K-ras mutations, 42.3 % had at least one mutation in exon 2 of the gene. The effectiveness of cetuximab was significantly associated with K-ras mutation status (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001 for the interaction of K-ras mutation status with OS and PFS, respectively). In patients with wild-type K-ras tumors, treatment with cetuximab as compared with supportive care alone significantly improved OS (median of 9.5 versus 4.8 months; hazard ratio for death, 0.55; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.74; p < 0.001) and PFS (median of 3.7 months versus 1.9 months; hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.40; 95 % CI, 0.30 to 0.54; p < 0.001). Among patients with mutated K-ras tumors, there was no significant difference between those who were treated with cetuximab and those who received supportive care alone with respect to OS (hazard ratio, 0.98; p = 0.89) or PFS (hazard ratio, 0.99; p = 0.96). In the group of patients receiving best supportive care alone, the mutation status of the K-ras gene was not significantly associated with OS (hazard ratio for death, 1.01; p = 0.97). The authors concluded that patients with a colorectal tumor bearing mutated K-ras did not benefit from cetuximab, whereas patients with a tumor bearing wild-type K-ras did benefit from cetuximab. The mutation status of the K-ras gene had no influence on survival among patients treated with best supportive care alone.
The ASCO's provisional clinical opinion on testing for KRAS gene mutations in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma to predict response to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody therapy (Allegra et al, 2009) stated that based on systematic reviews of the relevant literature, all patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma who are candidates for anti-EGFR antibody therapy should have their tumor tested for KRAS mutations in a CLIA-accredited laboratory. If KRAS mutation in codon 12 or 13 is detected, then patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma should not receive anti-EGFR antibody therapy as part of their treatment.
The KRAS oncogene mutation tests are intended to aid in the formulation of treatment decisions for patients who may be candidates for treatment of metastatic epithelial cancers with anti-EGFR therapies such as cetuximab or panitumumab. Several tests for KRAS mutation are currently available in the United States; however, at this time, no KRAS genotype test kits have been approved by the FDA.
At the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), data on 540 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in the randomized, phase III CRYSTAL trial were presented. Among 192 patients with KRAS mutations, there was no improvement in overall responses or PFS from the addition of cetuximab to standard chemotherapy. In the patients with normal KRAS, the 1-year PFS rate was 43 % for patients receiving cetuximab versus 25 % for those receiving only standard chemotherapy, and the overall response rate was 59 % versus 43 %, respectively (van Cutsem, 2008). Also at the 2008 ASCO meeting, data from 233 metastatic colorectal cancer patients were presented that confirmed the correlation of KRAS status with patient response to anti-EGFR therapy. No benefit was found after addition of cetuximab to standard chemotherapy with FOLFOX (the combination of fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) in patients with a mutated KRAS; however, addition of cetuximab to FOLFOX increased both response rate and PFS in patients with a wild-type (i.e., un-mutated) KRAS gene (Bokemeyer, 2008). Response to panitumumab was correlated to KRAS status in a published phase III trial. A total of 427 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer received either panitumumab or best supportive care. Panitumumab exhibited a 17% response rate among patients with normal KRAS, but 0% response among patients with KRAS mutations (Amado, 2008).
A meta-analysis of results from 8 studies involving 817 patients with colorectal cancer found that the presence of KRAS mutation predicted lack of response to treatment with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (e.g., panitumumab or cetuximab), whether as stand-alone therapy or in combination with chemotherapy (Linardou et al, 2008). This analysis also provided empirical evidence that k-RAS mutations are highly specific negative predictors of response (de-novo resistance) to single-agent EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer; and similarly to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies alone or in combination with chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA, 2008) Technology Evaluation Center Medical Advisory Panel concluded that use of KRAS mutation analysis meets TEC criteria to predict non-response to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies cetuximab and panitumumab to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. The TEC assessment found that the evidence is sufficient to conclude that patients with mutated KRAS tumors in the setting of metastatic colorectal cancer do not respond to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody therapy. The assessment explained that the data show that the clinical benefit of using EGFR inhibitors in treating metastatic colorectal cancer, either as monotherapy or in combination with other treatment regimens, is not seen in patients with KRAS-mutated tumors. The assessment found: "This data supports knowing a patient's tumor mutation status before consideration of use of an EGFR inhibitor in the treatment regimen. Identifying patients whose tumors express mutated KRAS will avoid exposing patients to ineffective drugs, avoid exposure to unnecessary drug toxicities, and expedite the use of the best available alternative therapy."
Colorectal cancer guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, 2010) recommend consideration of reflex BRAF testing in patients with wild type KRAS. The NCCN guidelines explain that several small studies suggest that patients with wild-type KRAS and a BRAF mutation are unlikely to respond to anti-EGFR therapies such as cetuximab and panitumumab. The guidelines explain that patients with a known BRAF mutation are unlikely to respond to anti-EGFR antibodies, although the data are somewhat inconsistent. Studies demonstrate that in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, about 8 percent have mutations in the BRAF gene. Testing for the BRAF V600E mutation is performed by PCR amplification and direct DNA sequence analysis.
Ratner et al (2010) stated that ovarian cancer (OC) is the single most deadly form of women's cancer, typically presenting as an advanced disease at diagnosis in part due to a lack of known risk factors or genetic markers of risk. The KRAS oncogene and altered levels of the microRNA (miRNA) let-7 are associated with an increased risk of developing solid tumors. In this study, these researchers investigated a hypothesized association between an increased risk of OC and a variant allele of KRAS at rs61764370, referred to as the KRAS-variant, which disrupts a let-7 miRNA binding site in this oncogene. Specimens obtained were tested for the presence of the KRAS-variant from non-selected OC patients in 3 independent cohorts, 2 independent ovarian case-control studies, and OC patients with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) as well as their family members. The results indicated that the KRAS-variant is associated with more than 25 % of non-selected OC cases. Furthermore, these researchers found that it is a marker for a significant increased risk of developing OC, as confirmed by 2 independent case-control analyses. Lastly, they determined that the KRAS-variant was present in 61 % of HBOC patients without BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, previously considered uninformative, as well as in their family members with cancer. These findings supported the hypothesis that the KRAS-variant is a genetic marker for increased risk of developing OC, and they suggested that the KRAS-variant may be a new genetic marker of cancer risk for HBOC families without other known genetic abnormalities.
Hollestelle et al (2011) noted that recently, a variant allele in the 3'UTR of the KRAS gene (rs61764370 T>G) was shown to be associated with an increased risk for developing non-small cell lung cancer, as well as OC, and was most enriched in OC patients from HBOC families. This functional variant has been shown to disrupt a let-7 miRNA binding site leading to increased expression of KRAS in vitro. In the current study, these investigators genotyped this KRAS-variant in breast cancer index cases from 268 BRCA1 families, 89 BRCA2 families, 685 non-BRCA1/BRCA2 families, and 797 geographically matched controls. The allele frequency of the KRAS-variant was found to be increased among patients with breast cancer from BRCA1, but not BRCA2 or non-BRCA1/BRCA2 families as compared to controls. As BRCA1 carriers mostly develop ER-negative breast cancers, these researchers also examined the variant allele frequency among indexes from non-BRCA1/BRCA2 families with ER-negative breast cancer. The prevalence of the KRAS-variant was, however, not significantly increased as compared to controls, suggesting that the variant allele not just simply associates with ER-negative breast cancer. Subsequent expansion of the number of BRCA1 carriers with breast cancer by including other family members in addition to the index cases resulted in loss of significance for the association between the variant allele and mutant BRCA1 breast cancer. In this same cohort, the KRAS-variant did not appear to modify breast cancer risk for BRCA1 carriers. More importantly, results from the current study suggested that KRAS-variant frequencies might be increased among BRCA1 carriers, but solid proof requires confirmation in a larger cohort of BRCA1 carriers.
Therascreen KRAS RGQ PCR Kit (Qiagen) is intended to detect 7 mutations in codons 12 and 13 of the KRAS gene (Raman, et al., 2013). The kit utilizes two technologies — ARMS and Scorpions — for detection of mutations in real-time PCR. The therascreen KRAS RGQ PCR kit is being developed as a companion diagnostic to aid clinicians, through detection of KRAS mutations, in the identification of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who are more likely to benefit from cetuximab.
PreOvar™ tests (Mira Dx) for the KRAS-variant, and will help identify ovarian cancer patients whose female relatives should also be evaluated for the KRAS-variant (Raman, et al., 2013). PreOvar™ may also help assess the relative risk of developing ovarian cancer for women who have a family history of ovarian cancer without a living proband (ancestor with the disease). The KRAS-Variant is present in 6-10% of the general population and 25% of non-selected women with epithelial ovarian cancer. Additionally, the KRAS-variant was identified in over 60% of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) patients that were previously classified as "uninformative," or negative for other known genetic markers of ovarian cancer risk. The test determines if KRAS-variant may put someone at increased risk for developing ovarian cancer.
The Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP) Working Group (EWG) (2013) found that, for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who are being considered for treatment with cetuximab or panitumumab, there is convincing evidence to recommend clinical use of KRAS mutation analysis to determine which patients are KRAS mutation positive and therefore unlikely to benefit from these agents before initiation of therapy. The level of certainty of the evidence was deemed high, and the magnitude of net health benefit from avoiding potentially ineffective and harmful treatment, along with promoting more immediate access to what could be the next most effective treatment, is at least moderate.
The EWG found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against BRAF V600E testing for the same clinical scenario (EGAPP, 2013). The level of certainty for BRAF V600E testing to guide antiepidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy was deemed low. The EWG encourages further studies of the potential value of testing in patients with mCRC who were found to have tumors that are wild type (mutation negative) for KRAS to predict responsiveness to therapy.
LASA
LASA is a complex marker that measures the amount of sialic acid in serum and can be elevated in serum from patients with any number of different neoplasms. Elevations in blood LASA levels have been reported in patients with mammary (63 percent), gastroenteric (65 percent), pulmonary (79 percent), and ovarian (94 percent) neoplasms as well as those with leukemia (86 percent), lymphoma (87 percent), melanoma (84 percent), sarcoma (97 percent), and Hodgkin disease (91 percent). As a result, this assay may not have high specificity or sensitivity necessary for cancer detection (Chen, et al., 2006). This serum cancer marker has not been widely accepted for use in the detection or prognosis of colorectal carcinoma. There is no practical information concerning outcome and the use of LASA in the medical literature. Although several articles describe the use of LASA in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and its association with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, it has been shown that patients with colorectal polyps and colorectal carcinoma both have elevated LASA levels, and that the levels returned to baseline after removal of either polyps or carcinomas.
MDM2
- increased p53 expression is tightly linked with increased MDM2 expression; and
- patients who have tumors that display increased p53 and MDM2 expression may have the poorest overall survival.
Because there was no evidence to support the conclusion that p53 mutation is associated with poorer survival, it seemed clear that increased p53 expression in RCC occurs independent of mutation. The authors stated that further investigation of the mechanisms leading to increased p53/MDM2 expression in RCC may lead to improved prognostication and to the identification of novel therapeutic interventions.
mdr1
In a review on multidrug resistance in acute leukemia, List and Spier (1992) explained that the mdr1 gene or its glycoprotein product, P-glycoprotein, is detected with high frequency in secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and poor-risk subsets of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Investigations of mdr1 regulation in normal hematopoietic elements have shown a pattern that corresponds to its regulation in acute leukemia, explaining the linkage of mdr1 to specific cellular phenotypes. Therapeutic trials are now in progress to test the ability of various MDR-reversal agents to restore chemotherapy sensitivity in high-risk acute leukemias.
In a phase III multi-center randomized study to determine whether quinine would improve the survival of adult patients with de novo AML, Soary et al (2003) reported that neither mdr1 gene or P-glycoprotein expression influenced clinical outcome.
A phase I/II study of the MDR modulator Valspodar (PSC 833, Novartis Pharma) combined with daunorubicin and cytarabine in patients with relapsed and primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia (Gruber et al, 2003) reported that P-glycoprotein did not give an obvious improvement to the treatment results.
miRNAs for Prostate Cancer
Maugeri-Sacca et al (2013) stated that prostate cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death. The management of prostate cancer patients has become increasingly complex, consequently calling on the need for identifying and validating prognostic and predictive biomarkers. Growing evidence indicates that microRNAs play a crucial role in the pathobiology of neoplastic diseases. The deregulation of the cellular "miRNome" in prostate cancer has been connected with multiple tumor-promoting activities such as aberrant activation of growth signals, anti-apoptotic effects, pro-metastatic mechanisms, alteration of the androgen receptor pathway, and regulation of the cancer stem cell phenotype. With the elucidation of molecular mechanisms controlled by microRNAs, investigations have been conducted in an attempt to exploit these molecules in the clinical setting. Moreover, the multi-faceted biological activity of microRNAs makes them an attractive candidate as anti-cancer agents. This review summarized the current knowledge on microRNA deregulation in prostate cancer, and the rationale underlying their exploitation as cancer biomarkers and therapeutics.
Yu and Xia (2013) discussed the novel biomarkers of microRNAs in prostate cancer. The literatures about microRNAs and prostate cancer cited in this review were obtained mainly from PubMed published in English from 2004 to 2012. Original articles regarding the novel role of microRNAs in prostate cancer were selected. MicroRNAs play an important role in prostate cancer such as cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. Especially microRNAs correlate with prostate cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells (CSCs), drug sensitivity, cancer microenvironment, energy metabolism, androgen independence transformation, and diagnosis prediction. The authors concluded that microRNAs are involved in various aspects of prostate cancer biology. Moreover, they state that the role of microRNA in the initiation and development of prostate cancer deserves further study.
Chiam et al (2014) noted that epigenome alterations are characteristic of nearly all human malignancies and include changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs (miRNAs). However, what induces these epigenetic alterations in cancer is largely unknown and their mechanistic role in prostate tumorigenesis is just beginning to be evaluated. Identification of the epigenetic modifications involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer will not only identify novel therapeutic targets but also prognostic and diagnostic markers. This review focused on the use of epigenetic modifications as biomarkers for prostate cancer.
Furthermore, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Prostate cancer" (Version 1.2014) does not mention the use of RNA/microRNA biomarker as a management tool.
MLH1 Promotor Methylation
Metcalf et al (2014) stated that colorectal cancer (CRC) that displays high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) can be caused by either germline mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes, or non-inherited transcriptional silencing of the MLH1 promoter. A correlation between MLH1 promoter methylation, specifically the 'C' region, and BRAF V600E status has been reported in CRC studies. Germline MMR mutations also greatly increase risk of endometrial cancer (EC), but no systematic review has been undertaken to determine if these tumor markers may be useful predictors of MMR mutation status in EC patients. Endometrial cancer cohorts meeting review inclusion criteria encompassed 2,675 tumors from 20 studies for BRAF V600E, and 447 tumors from 11 studies for MLH1 methylation testing. BRAF V600E mutations were reported in 4/2,675 (0.1 %) endometrial tumors of unknown MMR mutation status, and there were 7/823 (0.9 %) total sequence variants in exon 11 and 27/1012 (2.7 %) in exon 15. Promoter MLH1 methylation was not observed in tumors from 32 MLH1 mutation carriers, or for 13 MSH2 or MSH6 mutation carriers. MMR mutation-negative individuals with tumor MLH1 and PMS2 IHC loss displayed MLH1 methylation in 48/51 (94 %) of tumors. These researchers had also detailed specific examples that showed the importance of MLH1 promoter region, assay design, and quantification of methylation. The authors concluded that this review showed that BRAF mutations occurs so infrequently in endometrial tumors they can be discounted as a useful marker for predicting MMR-negative mutation status, and further studies of endometrial cohorts with known MMR mutation status are needed to quantify the utility of tumor MLH1 promoter methylation as a marker of negative germline MMR mutation status in EC patients.
Furthermore, UpToDate reviews on "Endometrial carcinoma: Clinical features and diagnosis" (Chen ad Berek, 2015) and "Overview of endometrial carcinoma" (Plaxe and Mundt, 2015) as well as NCCN’s clinical practice guideline on "Uterine neoplasms" (Version 2.2015) do not mention testing of MLH1 promoter methylation.
MPO
Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a blood protein, is a major component of azurophilic granules of neutrophils. Myeloperoxidase analysis has been used to distinguish between the immature cells in acute myeloblastic leukemia (cells stain positive) and those in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cells stain negative). The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) include MPO analysis in the classification of AML (NCCN, 2008).
Matsuo et al (2003) examined the prognostic factor of the percentage of MPO-positive blast cells for AML. Cytochemical analysis of MPO was performed in 491 patients who were registered to the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group (AML92 study). Patients were divided into two groups using the percentage of MPO-positive blast (high [ > or = 50%] and low [< 50%]). Complete remission rates were 85.4% in the former and 64.1% in the latter (p = 0.001). The OS and DFS were significantly better in the high MPO group (48.3 versus 18.7% for OS, and 36.3 versus 20.1% for DFS, p < 0.001, respectively). Multi-variate analysis showed that both karyotype and the percentage of MPO-positive blast cells were equally important prognostic factors. The high MPO group still showed a better survival even when restricted to the intermediate chromosomal risk group or the patients with normal karyotype (p < 0.001). The OS of patients with normal karyotype in the high MPO group was almost equal to that of the favorable chromosomal risk group. The authors concluded that the percentage of MPO-positive blast cells is a simple and highly significant prognostic factor for AML patients, and especially useful to stratify patients with normal karyotype.
MRP-1
Motility-related protein (MRP-1) is a glycoprotein with a sequence identical to that of CD9, a white blood cell differentiation antigen. The level of MRP-1/CD9 expression has been found in investigational studies to inhibit cell motility and low MRP-1/CD9 expression may be associated with the metastatic potential of breast cancer (Miyake et al, 1995). CD9 immuno-expression is also being investigated as a potential new predictor of tumor behavior in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (Mhawech et al, 2004) as well as other tumors (e.g., urothelial bladder carcinoma, colon cancer, lung cancer); however, prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical role of MRP-1/CD9 expression in tumors.
MUC1 in Gastric Cancer
Wang and colleagues (2016) stated that MUC1, a member of the mucin family, is expressed in tumors of various human organs and may function as an anti-adhesion molecule that inhibits cell-to-cell adhesion, inducing tumor metastasis, and served as a potential biomarker of tumor progression in early gastric cancer. However, its prognostic significance in gastric cancer is still in dispute. These researchers performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between MUC1 expression and prognosis of gastric cancer. A total of 10 eligible studies with 834 cases and 548 controls were included. MUC1 positive cases were highly positive in intestinal-type carcinomas (OR = 1.76, 95 % CI: 1.27 to 2.44, p = 0.0008 fixed-effect), higher rate of vascular invasion (OR = 1.64, 95 % CI: 1.13 to 2.39, p = 0.009 fixed-effect), and lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.10, 95 % CI: 1.20 to 3.67, p = 0.01 random-effect), as well as lower 5-year survival rate (HR = 0.27, 95 % CI: 0.11 to 0.66, p = 0.004 random-effect). However, the presence of MUC1 was not associated with gender, tumor size, histologic differentiation, and clinical stage. The authors concluded that MUC1 is a prognostic factor in gastric cancer, which acts as a marker of poor outcome in patients with gastric cancer; further clinical studies are needed to confirm the role of MUC1 in clinical practice.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guidelines on "Gastric cancer" (Version 3.2016) did not mention the use of MUC1 as a biomarker.
MUC4
Shanmugan and co-workers (2010) stated that mucin 4 (MUC4) is aberrantly expressed in colorectal adenocarcinomas (CRCs) but its prognostic value is unknown. Archival tissue specimens collected from 132 CRC patients who underwent surgical resection without pre-surgery or pos-tsurgery therapy were evaluated for expression of MUC4 by using a mouse monoclonal antibody and horseradish peroxidase. MUC4 expression levels were correlated with clinicopathologic features and patient survival. Survival was estimated by both uni-variate Kaplan-Meier and multi-variate Cox regression methods. In both normal colonic epithelium and CRCs, MUC4 staining was localized primarily in the cytoplasm. The optimal immunostaining cut-off value (greater than or equal to 75 % positive cells and an immunostaining score greater than or equal to 2.0), which was derived by using the bootstrap method, was used to categorize CRCs into groups of high expression (33 of 132 patients; 25 %) or low expression (99 of 132 patients; 75 %). Patients who had early stage tumors (stages I and II) with high MUC4 expression had a shorter disease-specific survival (log-rank; p = 0.007) than patients who had with low expression. Patients who had advanced-stage CRCs (stages III and IV) did not demonstrate such a difference (log-rank; p = 0.108). Multi-variate regression models that were generated separately for patients with early stage and advanced-stage CRC confirmed that increased expression of MUC4 was an independent indicator of a poor prognosis only for patients who had early stage CRCs (HR 3.77; 95 % CI: 1.46 to 9.73). The authors stated that aftr validating these findings in larger retrospective and prospective studies, a stage-based anayses could establish the utility of MUC4 as a prognostic molecular marker of early stage CRC.
MUC5AC
Ruzzenente et al (2014) stated that mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) is a glycoprotein found in different epithelial cancers, including biliary tract cancer (BTC). These researchers examined the role of MUC5AC as serum marker for BTC and its prognostic value after operation with curative intent. From January 2007 to July 2012, a quantitative assessment of serum MUC5AC was performed with enzyme-linked immunoassay in a total of 88 subjects. Clinical and biochemical data (including CEA and Ca 19-9) of 49 patients with BTC were compared with a control population that included 23 patients with benign biliary disease (BBD) and 16 healthy control subjects (HCS). Serum MUC5AC was greater in BTC patients (mean 17.93 ± 10.39 ng/ml) compared with BBD (mean 5.95 ± 5.39 ng/ml; p < 0.01) and HCS (mean 2.74 ± 1.35 ng/ml) (p < 0.01). Multi-variate analysis showed that MUC5AC was related with the presence of BTC compared with Ca 19-9 and CEA: p < 0.01, p = 0.080, and p = 0.463, respectively. In the BTC group, serum MUC5AC greater than or equal to 14 ng/ml was associated with lymph-node metastasis (p = 0.050) and American Joint Committee on Cancer and International Union for Cancer Control stage IVb disease (p = 0.047). Moreover, in patients who underwent operation with curative intent, serum MUC5AC greater than or equal to 14 ng/ml was related to a worse prognosis compared with patients with lesser levels, with 3-year survival rates of 21.5 % and 59.3 %, respectively (p = .039). The authors concluded that MUC5AC could be proposed as new serum marker for BTC. Moreover, the quantitative assessment of serum MUC5AC could be related to tumor stage and long-term survival in patients with BTC undergoing operation with curative intent.
The authors stated that "Limitations of this study include the lack of data on serum levels of MUC5AC in patients with obstructive jaundice and with premalignant biliary lesions such as hepatolithiasis, sclerosing cholangitis, and choledochal cysts …. Therefore, further studies should be addressed to clarify the diagnostic value of serum MUC5AC also in patients with obstructive jaundice and with premalignant lesions …. Our data should be confirmed by well-designed large-scale prospective studies".
Furthermore, NCCN’s clinical practice guideline on "Hepatobiliary cancers" (Version 2.2015) does not mention mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) as a management tool.
MYD88 (Myeloid Differentiation Primary Response 88)
NCCN Biomarkers Compendium (2019) for "MYD88" includes the following category 2A recommendations:
- Gastric MALT lymphoma - Useful under certain circumstances, such as molecular analysis to detect antigen receptor gene rearrangements; MYD88 mutation status to differentiate Waldenstrom’s macroglobinemia (WM) versus marginal zone lymphomas (MZL) if plasmacytic differentiation present
- Nodal marginal zone lymphoma and nongastric MALT lymphoma - Molecular analysis to detect antigen receptor gene rearrangements; MYD88 mutation status to differentiate WM versus MZL if plasmacytic differentiation present; PCR for t(11;18)
- Splenic marginal zone lymphoma - Useful under certain circumstances, such as molecular analysis to detect antigen receptor gene rearrangements; MYD88 mutation status to differentiate WM versus MZL if plasmacytic differentiation present; BRAF mutation status to differentiate MZL from HCL by IHC or sequencing; PCR for t(11;18).
NF1, RET, and SDHB for Ovarian Cancer
Norris and (2018) stated that neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene encoding neurofibromin, which negatively regulates Ras signaling. NF1 patients have an increased risk of developing early onset breast cancer, however, the association between NF1 and high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is unclear. Since most NF1-related tumors exhibit early bi-allelic inactivation of NF1, the authors evaluated the evolution of genetic alterations in HGSOC in an NF1 patient. Somatic variation analysis of WES of tumor samples from both ovaries and a peritoneal metastasis showed a clonal lineage originating from an ancestral clone within the left adnexa, which exhibited copy number (CN) loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the region of chromosome 17 containing TP53, NF1, and BRCA1 and mutation of the other TP53 allele. This event led to bi-allelic inactivation of NF1 and TP53 and LOH for the BRCA1 germline mutation. Subsequent CN alterations were found in the dominant tumor clone in the left ovary and nearly 100 % of tumor at other sites. Neurofibromin modeling studies suggested that the germline NF1 mutation could potentially alter protein function. The authors concluded that these findings demonstrated early, bi-allelic inactivation of neurofibromin in HGSOC and highlighted the potential of targeting RAS signaling in NF1 patient.
The NCCN Biomarkers Compendium (2019) does not list ovarian cancer to be associated with RET and SDHB. While the Compendium lists "Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian" as disease associated with NF1 mutation, it only notes "Increased risk of breast cancer" under the "NCCN Recommendation: Clinical Decision".
NMP66
Researchers at Matritech (Newton, MA) have detected the presence of nuclear matrix protein (NMP) in the blood of women at the early stage of breast cancer, which is absent in the blood of healthy women, as well as those with fibroadenoma. NMP66 has been selected as a marker for further development and clinical trials of a test for use in the detection and monitoring of women with, or at risk for, breast cancer have been initiated (Wright and McGechan, 2003). However, there are no published studies on the effectiveness of NMP66 testing at this time.
NRAS
Janku et al (2013) noted that despite development of new therapies, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) largely remains an incurable disease. Approximately 2 to 6 % of colorectal cancers harbor NRAS mutations. The anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab is a backbone of most therapeutic regimens; however, biomarkers predicting its activity are not known. These investigators reported 2 cases of mCRC with a Q61K NRAS mutation that had a favorable response to bevacizumab and the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid. In contrast, none of 10 patients with wild-type NRAS or unknown NRAS status and mutated KRAS (NRAS and KRAS mutations are mutually exclusive) responded to the same regimen. The authors concluded that these results suggested that NRAS mutation merits further investigation as a potential biomarker predicting the efficacy of bevacizumab-based treatment.
The EGAPP EWG (2013) found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against testing for mutations in NRAS, and/or loss of expression of PTEN or AKT proteins. The level of certainty for this evidence was low. In the absence of supporting evidence, and with consideration of other contextual issues, the EWG discourages the use of these tests in guiding decisions on initiating anti-EGFR therapy with cetuximab or panitumumab unless further evidence supports improved clinical outcomes.
NSE
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) has been detected in patients with neuroblastoma, small cell lung cancer, Wilms' tumor, melanoma, and cancers of the thyroid, kidney, testicle, and pancreas. However, studies of NSE as a tumor marker have concentrated primarily on patients with neuroblastoma and small cell lung cancer. According to the available literature, measurement of NSE level in patients with these diseases cannot be correlated to the extent of the disease, the patient's prognosis, or the patient's response to treatment because of the poor sensitivity of this marker.
Other Markers to Guide Adjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer
Oncology (2016) recommends against CEP17 duplication, TIMP-1, FOXP3 and microtubule-associated protein Tau mRNA expression or mRNA expression by IHC to guide adjuvant chemotherapy selection. The ASCO guidelines also recommend against CYP2D6 polymorphisms and p27 to guide endocrine therapy selection.
OVA1
OVA1 is a blood test used to aid in the evaluation of pelvic masses for the likelihood of malignancy before surgery. OVA1 measures five biomarkers: apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A-1), beta-2 microglobulin (B2M), CA-125 prealbumin and transferrin. The results of these measurements are applied to an algorithm, resulting in a numerical score.
The OVA1 Test (Vermillion Inc. and Quest Diagnostics) is a serum test that is intended to help physicians determine if a woman is at risk for a malignant pelvic mass prior to biopsy or exploratory surgery, when the physician’s independent clinical and radiological evaluation does not indicate malignancy (Mundy, et al., 2010). The OVA1 Test employs an in vitro diagnostic multivariate index (IVDMIA) that combines the results of five immunoassays to produce a numerical score indicating a women's likelihood of malignancy. The OVA1 Test is intended to help physicians assess if a pelvic mass is benign or malignant in order to help determine whether to refer a woman to a gynecologic oncologist for surgery. The OVA1 Test was cleared by the FDA for use in women who meet the following criteria: over age 18, ovarian adnexal mass present for which surgery is planned, and not yet referred to an oncologist. The intended use of the OVA1 Test is an aid to further assess the likelihood that malignancy is present when the physician’s independent clinical and radiological evaluation does not indicate malignancy. According to the product labeling, the OVA1 Test is not intended as a screening or stand-alone diagnostic assay. There is a lack of evidence in the peer-reviewed published medical literature on the OVA1 Test.
Ueland et al (2011) sought to compare the effectiveness of physician assessment with the OVA1 multivariate index assay in identifying high-risk ovarian tumors. The multivariate index assay was evaluated in women scheduled for surgery for an ovarian tumor in a prospective, multi-institutional trial involving 27 primary- care and specialty sites throughout the United States. Preoperative serum was collected, and results for the multivariate index assay, physician assessment, and CA 125 were correlated with surgical pathology. Physician assessment was documented by each physician before surgery. CA 125 cutoffs were chosen in accordance with the referral guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The study enrolled 590 women, with 524 evaluable for the multivariate index assay and CA 125, and 516 for physician assessment. Fifty-three percent were enrolled by nongynecologic oncologists. There were 161 malignancies and 363 benign ovarian tumors. Physician assessment plus the multivariate index assay correctly identified malignancies missed by physician assessment in 70% of nongynecologic oncologists, and 95% of gynecologic oncologists. The multivariate index assay also detected 76% of malignancies missed by CA 125. Physician assessment plus the multivariate index assay identified 86% of malignancies missed by CA 125, including all advanced cancers. The investigators stated that the performance of the multivariate index assay was consistent in early- and late-stage cancers.
Ware Miller et al (2011) sought to estimate the performance of the ACOG referral guidelines for pelvic mass with the OVA1 multivariate index assay. A prospective, multi-institutional trial included 27 primary care and specialty sites throughout the United States. The College guidelines were evaluated in women scheduled for surgery for an ovarian mass. Clinical criteria and blood for biomarkers were collected before surgery. A standard CA 125-II assay was used and the value applied to the multivariate index assay algorithm and the CA 125 analysis. Study results were correlated with surgical pathology. Of the 590 women enrolled with ovarian mass on pelvic imaging, 516 were evaluable. There were 161 malignancies (45 premenopausal and 116 postmenopausal). The College referral criteria had a modest sensitivity in detecting malignancy. Replacing CA 125 with the multivariate index assay increased the sensitivity (77-94%) and negative predictive value (87-93%) while decreasing specificity (68-35%) and positive predictive value (52-40%). Similar trends were noted for premenopausal women and early-stage disease.
Bristow et al (2013) sought to validate the effectiveness of a multivariate index assay in identifying ovarian malignancy compared to clinical assessment and CA125-II, among women undergoing surgery for an adnexal mass after enrollment by non-gynecologic oncology providers. A prospective, multi-institutional trial enrolled female patients scheduled to undergo surgery for an adnexal mass from 27 non-gynecologic oncology practices. Pre-operative serum samples and physician assessment of ovarian cancer risk were correlated with final surgical pathology. A total of 494 subjects were evaluable for multivariate index assay, CA125-II, and clinical impression. Overall, 92 patients (18.6%) had a pelvic malignancy. Primary ovarian cancer was diagnosed in 65 patients (13.2%), with 43.1% having FIGO stage I disease. For all ovarian malignancies, the sensitivity of the multivariate index assay was 95.7% (95%CI=89.3-98.3) when combined with clinical impression. The multivariate index assay correctly predicted ovarian malignancy in 91.4% (95%CI=77.6-97.0) of cases of early-stage disease, compared to 65.7% (95%CI=49.2-79.2) for CA125-II. The multivariate index assay correctly identified 83.3% malignancies missed by clinical impression and 70.8% cases missed by CA125-II. Multivariate index assay was superior in predicting the absence of an ovarian malignancy, with a negative predictive value of 98.1% (95%CI=95.2-99.2). Both clinical impression and CA125-II were more accurate at identifying benign disease. The multivariate index assay correctly predicted benign pathology in 204 patients (50.7%, 95%CI=45.9-55.6) when combined with clinical impression.
Longoria et al (2014) sought to analyze the effectiveness of the OVA1 multivariate index assay (MIA) in identifying early-stage ovarian malignancy compared to clinical assessment, CA 125-II, and modified American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines among women undergoing surgery for an adnexal mass. Patients were recruited in 2 related prospective, multi-institutional trials involving 44 sites. All women had preoperative imaging and biomarker analysis. Preoperative biomarker values, physician assessment of ovarian cancer risk, and modified ACOG guideline risk stratification were correlated with surgical pathology. A total of 1016 patients were evaluable for MIA, CA 125-II, and clinical assessment. Overall, 86 patients (8.5%) had primary-stage I/II primary ovarian malignancy, with 70.9% having stage I disease and 29.1% having stage II disease. For all early-stage ovarian malignancies, MIA combined with clinical assessment had significantly higher sensitivity (95.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 88.6-98.2) compared to clinical assessment alone (68.6%; 95% CI, 58.2-77.4), CA 125-II (62.8%; 95% CI, 52.2-72.3), and modified ACOG guidelines (76.7%; 95% CI, 66.8-84.4) (P < .0001). Among the 515 premenopausal patients, the sensitivity for early-stage ovarian cancer was 89.3% (95% CI, 72.8-96.3) for MIA combined with clinical assessment, 60.7% (95% CI, 42.4-76.4) for clinical assessment alone, 35.7% (95% CI, 20.7-54.2) for CA 125-II, and 78.6% (95% CI, 60.5-89.8) for modified ACOG guidelines. Early-stage ovarian cancer in postmenopausal patients was correctly detected in 98.3% (95% CI, 90.9-99.7) of cases by MIA combined with clinical assessment, compared to 72.4% (95% CI, 59.8-82.2) for clinical assessment alone, 75.9% (95% CI, 63.5-85.0) for CA 125-II, and 75.9% (95% CI, 63.5-85.0) for modified ACOG guidelines.
Bristow et al (2013) assessed the impact on referral patterns of using the OVA1 Multivariate Index Assay, CA125, modified-American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists referral guidelines, and clinical assessment among patients undergoing surgery for an adnexal mass after initial evaluation by nongynecologic oncologists. Overall, 770 patients were enrolled by nongynecologic oncologists from 2 related, multiinstitutional, prospective trials and analyzed retrospectively. All patients had preoperative imaging and biomarker analysis. The subset of patients enrolled by nongynecologic oncologists was analyzed to determine the projected referral patterns and sensitivity for malignancy based on multivariate index assay (MIA), CA125, modified-American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) guidelines, and clinical assessment compared with actual practice. The prevalence of malignancy was 21.3% (n = 164). In clinical practice, 462/770 patients (60.0%) were referred to a gynecologic oncologist for surgery. Triage based on CA125 predicted referral of 157/770 patients (20.4%) with sensitivity of 68.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.8-74.9). Triage based on modified-ACOG guidelines would have resulted in referral of 256/770 patients (33.2%) with a sensitivity of 79.3% (95% CI, 72.4-84.8). Clinical assessment predicted referral of 184/763 patients (24.1%) with a sensitivity of 73.2% (95% CI, 65.9-79.4). Risk stratification using multivariate index assay would have resulted in referral of 429/770 (55.7%) patients, with sensitivity of 90.2% (95% CI, 84.7-93.9). MIA demonstrated statistically significant higher sensitivity (P < .0001) and lower specificity (P < .0001) for detecting malignancy compared with clinical assessment, CA125, and modified-ACOG guidelines.
Goodrich et al (2014) investigated the relationship between imaging and the multivariate index assay (MIA) in the prediction of the likelihood of ovarian malignancy before surgery. Subjects were recruited in 2 related prospective, multiinstitutional trials that involved 44 sites across the United States. Women had ovarian imaging, biomarker analysis, and surgery for an adnexal mass. Ovarian tumors were classified as high risk for solid or papillary morphologic condition on imaging study. Biomarker and imaging results were correlated with surgical findings. Of the 1110 women who were enrolled with an adnexal mass on imaging, 1024 cases were evaluable. There were 255 malignant and 769 benign tumors. High-risk findings were present in 46% of 1232 imaging tests and 61% of 1024 MIA tests. The risk of malignancy increased with rising MIA scores; similarly, the likelihood of malignancy was higher for high-risk, compared with low-risk, imaging. Sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of malignancy were 98% (95% CI, 92-99) and 31% (95% CI, 27-34) for ultrasound or MIA; 68% (95% CI, 58-77) and 75% (95% CI, 72-78) for ultrasound and MIA, respectively. For computed tomography scan or MIA, sensitivity was 97% (95% CI, 92-99) and specificity was 22% (95% CI, 16-28); the sensitivity and specificity for computed tomography scan and MIA were 71% (95% CI, 62-79) and 70% (95% CI, 63-76). Only 1.6% of ovarian tumors were malignant when both tests indicated low risk.
An assessment by the BlueCross BlueShield Association Technology Evaluation Center (BCBSA, 2013) stated: "The evidence regarding the effect of OVA1 ...on health outcomes is indirect and based on studies of diagnostic performance of the tests in patients undergoing surgery for adnexal masses. Although the studies show improvements in sensitivity and worsening of specificity with the use of the tests in conjunction with clinical assessment, there are problems in concluding that this results in improved health outcomes. The clinical assessment performed in the studies is not well characterized. Although OVA1 improves sensitivity, specificity declines so much that most patients test positive."
An technology assessment by the ECRI Institute (2015) concluded that the evidence on OVA1 consists of cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy studies. This evidence as reported in article abstracts is unclear as to whether use of OVA1 improves patient-oriented outcomes because none of the studies reported the direct impact of these tests on survival or quality of life. The primary rationale for using these tests is to select the type of surgeon to perform the primary surgery.
Stewart et al (2016) reported on a survey of primary care physicians on how often they refer patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer to gynecological oncologists, finding that a total of 84% of primary care physicians (87% of family/general practitioners, 81% of internists and obstetrician/gynecologists) said they always referred patients to gynecologic oncologists for treatment. Common reasons for not always referring were patient preference or lack of gynecologic oncologists in the practice area. A total of 23% of primary care physicians had heard of the OVA1 test, which helps to determine whether gynecologic oncologist referral is needed. The authors noted that, although referral rates reported here are high, it is not clear whether ovarian cancer patients are actually seeing gynecologic oncologists for care.
Eskander et al (2016) conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who received the OVA1. Twenty-two obstetricians/gynecologists were recruited from a variety of practices and hospitals throughout the United States. A total of 136 patients with elevated-risk assay results were assessed, of whom 122 underwent surgery to remove an adnexal mass. Prior to surgery, 98 (80%) of the patients were referred to a gynecologic oncologist with an additional 11 (9%) having a gynecologic oncologist available if required by intra-operative findings. Primary ovarian cancer was found in 65 (53%) patients, and gynecologic oncologists performed 61 (94%) of the initial surgeries these patients. Similar results were found in premenopausal and postmenopausal patients.
- sensitivity of OVA1;
- sensitivity of mACOG; and
- percentage of patients, not referred to a gynecologic oncologist, who were correctly diagnosed with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
The authors concluded that OVA1 is a more cost-effective triage strategy than mACOG or CA-125. It is expected to increase the percentage of women with ovarian cancer that are referred to gynecologic oncologists, which is shown to improve clinical outcomes. Limitations include the use of assumptions when published data was unavailable, and the use of multiple sources for survival data.
Urban et al (2017) reported that the addition of a patient-reported symptom index (SI), which captures subjective symptoms in an objective manner, improved the sensitivity of the OVA1 multivariate index assay (MIA). The investigators conducted a prospective study of patients seen at a tertiary care medical center. Following consent, patients completed an SI and preoperative serum was collected for an OVA1 multivariate index assay. Results for the SI and OVA1 were correlated with operative findings and surgical pathology. Of 218 patients enrolled, 124 (56.9%) had benign disease and 94 (43.1%) had borderline tumors or carcinomas. Sixty-six patients had a primary ovarian or fallopian tube cancer. The median age of patients enrolled in this study was 54 years (interquartile range, 44-63 years), of whom 148 (67.9%) were postmenopausal. More than a third (36.3%) of patients with benign masses was accurately identified as low risk by MIA and SI. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the SI relative to primary ovarian cancer was 87.9% (95% CI, 77.9%-93.7%), 70.2% (95% CI, 61.6%-77.5%), 61.1% (95% CI 51.0-70.2%) and 91.6% (95% CI, 84.3%-95.7%), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of CA125 was 75.4% (95% CI, 63.7%-84.2%), 85.7% (95% CI 78.3%-90.9%), 74.2% (62.6%-82.3%) and 86.4% (95% CI, 79.1%-91.5%), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the MIA were 93.9% (95% CI, 85.4%-97.6%), 55.6 (95% CI 46.9%-64.1%), 53.0% (95% CI 44.0%-61.8% and 94.5% (95% CI, 94.5%-100%), respectively. The overall sensitivity for the combination of MIA plus SI was 100% (66/66; 95% CI, 94.5%-100%), and specificity was 36.3% (45/124; 95% CI, 28.4%-45.0%), with a PPV of 45.5% (37.6% to 53.6%) and a NPV of 100% (95% CI, 92.1%-100%). Limitations of this study noted by the authors include the small sample size and the high prevalence of ovarian malignancies in this population that was largely from a tertiary care center. It should also be noted that the sensitivity and negative predictive value of SI plus CA 125 was 96.9% (95% CI 89.5%-99.2%) and 97.3% (95% CI 90.5%-99.2%), which exceeded that of MIA alone but was somewhat less than MIA plus SI.
Ovarian cancer guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2016) note that the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO), the FDA, and the Mayo Clinic have stated that the OVA1 test should not be used as a screening tool to detect ovarian cancer. The NCCN explains that the OVA1 attempts to preoperatively classify adenixal masses as benign or malignant and suggests that patients can be assessed for who should undergo surgery by an experienced gynecologic oncologist and who can have surgery in the community. "Based upon data documenting an increased survival, NCCN guidelines panel members recommended that all patients should undergo surgery by an experienced gynecologic oncologist (Category 1 recommendation)."
Guidelines on management of adnexal masses from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG, 2016) state that the OVA1 multivariate index assay has demonstrated higher sensitivity and negative predictive value compared with clinical impression and CA 125 alone. The guidelines state that serum biomarker panels [OVA1 and ROMA] may be used as an alternative to CA 125 alone in determining the need for referral to or consultation with a gynecological oncologist when an adenexal mass requires surgery. The guidelines state that trials that have evaluated the predictive value of these panels show potential for improved specificity; "[h]owever, comparative research has not yet defined the best testing approach."
- postmenopausal with elevated CA 125 level, ultrasound findings suggestive of malignancy, ascites, a nodular or fixed pelvic mass, or evidence of abdominal or distant metastases;
- premenosausal with very elevated CA 125 level, ultrasound findings suggestive of malignancy, ascites, a nodular or fixed pelvic mass, or evidence of abdominal or distant metastases;
- premenopausal or postmenopausal with an elevated score on a formal risk assessment test such as the multivariate index assay, risk of malignancy index, or the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy algorithm or one of the ultrasound-based scoring systems from the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group.
The UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Program commissioned an assessment (Westwood, et al., 2016) comparing the Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) to alternative risk scores for ovarian cancer, including Overa/OVA2 (MIA2G), as well as the ROMA score, IOTA group's simple rules ultrasound classification system (IOTA), and the ADNEX model. The RMI 1 score uses three components (measured serum CA125 levels, ultrasound imaging and menopausal status) to calculate a risk score. The ROMA score uses serum HE4 and serum CA125 levels, along with menopausal status, to generate an individualized estimate of the risk that a person has ovarian cancer. Simple Rules is a morphological scoring system, developed by the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis Group (IOTA), is based on the presence of ultrasound features (described as rules) to characterize an ovarian mass as benign or malignant. The ADNEX model uses nine predictors, three clinical variables [age, serum CA125 and type of referral center (oncology or other)] and six ultrasound variables; iPhone, Android and web applications are available for calculating the ADNEX risk score. The overall objective of the assessment was to summarize the evidence on the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of using these alternative risk scores to guide referral decisions for women with suspected ovarian cancer in secondary care. In the base-case analysis, the RMI 1 was the least effective and the second least expensive (Westwood, et al., 2018). The IOTA group’s simple ultrasound rules was the least expensive and the second most effective, and thereby dominated the RMI 1. The ADNEX model was the most effective, and compared with the IOTA group’s simple ultrasound rules, resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £15,304 per QALY gained. The remaining risk scores, ROMA and Overa (MIA2G), were dominated (both more costly and less effective) than the IOTA groups simple ultrasound rultes and the ADNEX model. The incremental analysis indicated that, up to thresholds of £15,304 per QALY gained, the IOTA group’s simple ultrasound rules are cost-effective, whereas the IOTA group’s ADNEX model is cost-effective for higher willingness to pay thresholds.
Dunton et al (2019a) stated that based on evidence that African American (AA) women have lower CA125 values than Caucasian (C) women, these investigators examined if this disparity would have an impact on ovarian cancer detection using CA125 and multi-variate index assay (MIA). Serum from 2 prospective trials of 1,029 samples (274 malignancies [250 C/24 AA]) were analyzed for CA125 and MIA results. Clinical performance was calculated. Sensitivity of MIA in Caucasian women was 93.2 %, 74.4 % for CA125 at the ACOG approved cut-off level of 200 U/ml cut-off, and 80.4 % using the 2007, Dearking 67 U/ml cut-off. In AA women, MIA sensitivity was 79.2 %, 33.3 % for CA125 at the ACOG approved cut-off levels and 62.5 % at the 2007, Dearking 67 U/ml cut-off. The authors concluded that these findings supported that CA125 in AA women with adnexal masses had lower sensitivity than MIA no matter what the cut-off value was. Implementation of MIA in evaluation of adnexal masses should increase sensitivity of detection of malignancy compared with CA125, especially in AA women.
These researchers stated that as the number of AA patients in the studies that made up the analysis database for this research was fairly small, they presented data on all malignancies rather than dividing them based on histologic subtype. During their exploratory analysis, these investigators carried out these calculations, but due to the small sample sizes found the confidence intervals (CIs) too wide to draw solid conclusions from. These researchers are in the process of developing research opportunities to add further AA women with primary ovarian malignancies to their specimen repositories in order to confirm the results found in this analysis. Moreover, the authors stated that within the next 10 years, this research could be a stepping-stone toward closing the survivorship gap between Caucasian women and AA women, where ovarian cancer is concerned. Increased use of a more sensitive test such as MIA in minority women, and clinical awareness of the shortcomings of entrenched medical practices like CA125 could potentially increase early detection, which is key for improved survivorship.
Dunton et al (2019b) examined the serum values of risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) and multi-variate index assay (MIA) in subgroups of women who underwent surgery for adnexal masses to determine sensitivity, specificity, and PPV and NPV for the detection of malignancy in different ethnic populations. Serum samples from 2 prospective trials of 1,029 women in which 274 women diagnosed with malignancy were analyzed for ROMA scores and MIA results. Biomarker data were obtained from the previous prospective studies that validated the MIA test. Of these, 250 women were Caucasian (C) and 24 were African-American (AA). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and CIs for pre-operative test results were calculated using DTComPair package of the R programming language. In pre-menopausal women, a ROMA value equal to or greater than 1.14 indicated a high-risk of finding epithelial ovarian cancer. In pre-menopausal women, MIA values greater than 5.0 were associated with a greater risk of malignancy. In post-menopausal women, a ROMA value equal to or greater than 2.99 indicated a high-risk of finding epithelial ovarian cancer. In post-menopausal women, MIA values greater than 4.4 were associated with a greater risk of malignancy. Primary ovarian malignancy was diagnosed in 179 cases (167 C/12 AA) and metastatic disease to the ovary in an additional 27 cases (22 C/5 AA). The authors concluded that these findings showed that ROMA in AA women with adnexal masses exhibited lower sensitivity for the detection of malignancy than did MIA. These investigators stated that implementation of MIA in the evaluation of adnexal masses would increase the sensitivity of the detection of malignancy compared with ROMA, with the most marked results in AA women. Moreover, these researchers stated that this was the 1st study that examined the sensitivity of ROMA and MIA for ovarian malignancy based on ethnic difference. They stated that a drawback of this trial was the small number of African-American women in the 2 prospective studies that were database used for analysis resulting in a lack of statistical evidence of superiority. However, given the biological basis of lower CA 125 in African-American women, the authors felt that these findings were clinically significant to alert practitioners of the possible false negatives of ROMA in African-American women. These investigators were exploring research to add additional African-American women to the database to confirm these findings.
In a retrospective study, Dunton et al (2020) examined the use of Multivariate Index Assay (MIA OVA1) by gynecologists and determined referral practices and surgical decision-making for women with adnexal masses and low-risk MIA OVA1 scores. Information on patients who received an OVA1 test was collected from 22 gynecologic practices via a chart review. Referral patterns were examined for patients with low-risk OVA1 results before 1st surgical intervention. Chart reviews were from a variety of practice and hospital settings representing major geographic regions within the U.S. A total of 282 independent patient charts were reviewed. Low-risk results were found for 146 patients (52 %). Surgery was carried out on 82 (56 %) patients with low-risk scores. The referral rate to specialty care was 21 % (17/82) for low-risk OVA1 patients. A total of 3 low-malignant potential tumors were identified in the low-risk patients, with no cases of invasive malignancy; 86 % of the surgeries carried out on low-risk OVA1 patients were minimally invasive. In 44 % of the low-risk OVA1 patients, no surgical intervention was carried out. The authors concluded that a high proportion of low-risk OVA1 patients were not referred to a gynecologic oncologist before surgery, indicating gynecologists may use MIA OVA1 along with clinical and radiographic findings to appropriately retain patients for their care. This practice is safe and may be cost-saving, with patient satisfaction implications. These researchers stated that these findings may help catalyze the development of prospective studies to better examine the role of OVA1 in the clinical decision-making process and to help with long-term collection of data that can be used to examine outcomes of decisions made on both low-and elevated risk OVA1 tests.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. Because this was a retrospective study, it may be of limited use in causal inference because it was not possible to identify all confounding factors impacting referral and surgical planning. Physicians who chose to participate in the study may have been more likely to have a positive opinion of the test and use it to guide referral. Furthermore, because physicians were allowed to select patients for review there was a possibility of a selection or recall bias for cases that best fit the physician’s ideal of the clinical application in both the elevated and low-risk situations. For instance, in a previous study (Eskander et al, 2016), these investigators showed the malignancy rate of this population to be 64 %, which is much higher than previous studies of intended use populations (Bristow et al, 2013; Ueland et al, 2011).
Dunton et al (2021) noted that ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, with no recommended screening test to aid in early detection. Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is a serum biomarker commonly used by clinicians to evaluate pre-operative cancer risk, but it under-performs in pre-menopausal women, early-stage malignancies, and several histologic subtypes. OVA1 is a multi-variate index assay that combines CA125 and 4 other serum proteins to evaluate the malignant risk of an adnexal mass. These researchers examined the performance of OVA1 in a cohort of patients with low-risk serum CA125 values. They analyzed patient data from previous collections (n = 2,305, prevalence = 4.5 %) where CA125 levels were at or below 67 units/milliliter (U/ml) for pre-menopausal women and 35 U/ml for post-menopausal women. These investigators compared the performance of OVA1 to CA125 in classifying the risk of malignancy in this cohort, including sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV. The overall sensitivity of OVA1 in patients with a low-risk serum CA125 was 59 % with a false-positive rate of 30 %. OVA1 detected over 50 % of ovarian malignancies in pre-menopausal women despite a low-risk serum CA125. OVA1 also correctly identified 63 % of early-stage cancers missed by CA125. The most common epithelial ovarian cancer subtypes in the study population were mucinous (25 %) and serous (23 %) carcinomas. Despite a low-risk CA125, OVA1 successfully detected 83 % of serous, 58 % of mucinous, and 50 % of clear cell ovarian cancers. The authors concluded that as a standalone test, CA125 missed a significant number of ovarian malignancies that could be detected by OVA1. This was particularly important for pre-menopausal women and early-stage cancers, which have a much better long-term survival than late-stage malignancies. These investigators stated that using OVA1 in the setting of a normal serum CA125 could aid in identifying at-risk ovarian tumors for referral to a gynecologic oncologist, potentially improving OS.
The authors stated that a drawback of this study was the retrospective nature of the data analysis, which was carried out after merging several study databases. Furthermore, the percentage of early-stage ovarian cancer in this study (70 %) was twice that expected in the general population, suggesting a possible sampling bias. However, this shift toward early-stage cancers allowed for a more robust evaluation of test performance in this cohort.
In the largest-of-its-kind study, Reilly et al (2023) examined the use of CA125 and OVA1, commonly employed as ovarian tumor markers for evaluating the risk of malignancy. This study focused on the ability and utility of these tests to reliably predict patients at low risk for ovarian cancer. Clinical utility endpoints were 12-month maintenance of benign mass status, reduction in gynecologic oncologist referral, avoidable surgical intervention, and associated cost savings. This was a retrospective, multi-center review of data from electronic medical records and administrative claims databases. Patients receiving a CA125 or OVA1 test between October 2018 and September 2020 were identified and followed for 12 months using site-specific electronic medical records (EMRs) to examine tumor status and utilization outcomes. Propensity score adjustment was used to control for confounding variables. Payer allowed amounts from Merative MarketScan Research Databases were used to estimate 12-month episode-of-care costs per patient, including surgery and other interventions. Among 290 low-risk OVA1 patients, 99.0 % remained benign for 12 months compared with 97.2 % of 181 low-risk CA125 patients. The OVA1 cohort exhibited 75 % lower odds of surgical intervention in the overall sample of patients (adjusted OR: 0.251, p ≤ 0.0001), and 63 % lower odds of gynecologic oncologist utilization among pre-menopausal women (adjusted OR: 0.37, p = 0.0390) versus CA125. OVA1 showed significant savings in surgical interventions ($2,486, p ≤ 0.0001) and total episode-of-care costs ($2,621, p ≤ 0.0001) versus CA125. The authors concluded that the findings of this study suggested that OVA1 was associated with significant reduction in avoidable surgeries overall and sub-specialty referrals for pre-menopausal patients, as well as substantial cost savings per patient. Moreover, these researchers stated that opportunities for future research include using cost-utility modeling to estimate the long-term impact of using biomarker assays on ovarian tumor treatment costs and quality of life.
The authors stated that there were drawbacks inherent to retrospective chart reviews. Because of the reliance on medical records, data quality is dependent upon accurate documentation and the ability of the medical records reviewer to understand the gathered information. As is true of all “real world” studies, it is not possible to fully control for exogenous factors that could influence the results of the study, such as determination of eligibility to receive an ovarian cancer diagnostic test and which test (OVA1 or CA125) they should receive. Despite both tests using biomarkers to determine the likelihood of ovarian cancer, there may be other clinical factors physicians rely upon to determine which test patients receive. Furthermore, OVA1 is not widely covered across all commercial plans, limiting which physicians can order the test and ultimately which patients can receive it. These investigators examined the impact of the volume imbalance and potential data skewness and determined that a propensity score adjustment methodology was most appropriate to both leverage the considerable treatment cohort volume and maintain the comparator cohort volume. Moreover, the low prevalence of high-risk cases led these researchers to postpone analysis of this subgroup until adequately powered samples can be obtained. In addition, the study’s utilization and economic outcomes were captured from events occurring within the enrolled site’s EMRs, which may have excluded a nominal number of “out-of-network” events. Finally, the surgery metrics did not capture utilization of laparotomies, which the participating sites confirmed was not the standard-of-care and is rarely deployed based on the presence of the preferred minimally invasive surgical approach.
Fritsche and Bullock (2023) stated that patients with adnexal masses suspicious for malignancy benefit from referral to oncology specialists during pre-surgical assessment of the mass. OVA1 is a multi-variate assay using a 5-biomarker panel that offers high overall and early-stage sensitivity; however, OVA1 has a high false-positive rate for benign masses. Overa, a 2nd-generation multi-variate index assay was developed to reduce the false-positive rate. In a retrospective study, these researchers employed Overa as a reflex for OVA1 to increase specificity. OVA1 cut-off scores were established to place patients into 3 categories: low, intermediate, and high cancer risk. Samples with intermediate-risk OVA1 scores were reflexed to the Overa and defined as high or low risk. This protocol was tested with 1,035 prospectively collected serum samples and validated with an independent prospectively collected sample set (n = 207). A total of 359 samples (35 %) had intermediate OVA1 scores. Reflexing these to Overa eliminated 58 % of the false-positives and improved the overall specificity from 50 % to 72 %. This finding was confirmed in the independent dataset, in which the specificity increased from 56 % to 73 %. The authors concluded that reflexing samples with intermediate OVA1 scores significantly lowered the false-positive rate; thus, reducing unnecessary surgical referrals.
The authors stated that a drawback of this study was the retrospective nature of the data. Moreover, these researchers stated that studies are under way to examine the clinical performance and utility of OVA1plus in a population that reflects a “real-world” demographic of patients. It should also be noted that both authors were employed or contracted by Aspira Women's Health Inc. or its subsidiary, Aspira Labs, at the time of contribution. Aspira Women's Health, Inc. provided funding for this study.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on “Adnexal mass: Role of serum biomarkers in diagnosing epithelial carcinoma of the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum” (Li, 2023) states that “Biomarker panels -- Commercially available biomarker panels, including OVA1, Overa, Risk of Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA), Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI), and the Assessment of Different Neoplasias in the Adnexa (ADNEX) model are used to assess the likelihood of malignancy in patients in whom surgery for an adnexal mass is planned. These tests should not be used alone to decide whether to proceed with surgical exploration for an adnexal mass.
- The individual biomarkers used in each panel vary; test availability and expense may factor into which test is most appropriate for each clinical situation.
- These tests have not been studied for ovarian cancer screening”.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Ovarian Cancer/Fallopian Tube Cancer/Primary Peritoneal Cancer” (Version 1.2024) states that “There are a number of biomarker tests and prediction algorithms (based on a variety factors, such as symptoms, imaging results, biomarkers, and patient characteristics) that have been developed for assessing the likelihood of malignancy among patients who have an adnexal mass (and have not yet had surgery). It is important to note that these tests are for preoperative assessment only, and none is suitable for ovarian cancer screening prior to detection of an adnexal mass; they are also not for use as stand-alone diagnostic tests. For example, the OVA1 test is a multivariate index assay (MIA) that uses 5 markers (including transthyretin, apolipoprotein A1, transferrin, beta-2 microglobulin, and CA-125) in preoperative serum to assess the likelihood of malignancy in patients with an adnexal mass for which surgery is planned, with the aim of helping community practitioners determine which patients to refer to a gynecologic oncologist for evaluation and surgery. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and the FDA have stated that the OVA1 test should not be used as a screening tool to detect ovarian cancer in patients without any other signs of cancer, or as a stand-alone diagnostic tool. Moreover, based on data documenting an increased survival, the NCCN Guidelines Panel recommends that all patients with suspected ovarian malignancies (especially those with an adnexal mass) should undergo evaluation by an experienced gynecologic oncologist prior to surgery … A number of specific biomarkers and algorithms using multiple biomarker test results have been proposed for preoperatively distinguishing benign from malignant tumors in patients who have an undiagnosed adnexal/pelvic mass. Biomarker tests developed and evaluated in prospective trials comparing preoperative serum levels to postoperative final diagnosis include serum HE4 and CA-125, either alone or combined using the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm [ROMA] algorithm; the MIA (brand name OVA1) based on serum levels of 5 markers: transthyretin, apolipoprotein A1, transferrin, beta-2 microglobulin, and CA-125; and the second-generation MIA (MIA2G, branded name OVERA) based on CA-125, transferrin, apolipoprotein A1, follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], and HE4. The FDA has approved the use of ROMA, OVA1, or OVERA for estimating the risk for ovarian cancer in those with an adnexal mass for which surgery is planned, and have not yet been referred to an oncologist. Although the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has suggested that ROMA and OVA1 may be useful for deciding which patients to refer to a gynecologic oncologist, other professional organizations have been non-committal. Not all studies have found that multi-biomarker assays improve all metrics (i.e., sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value) for prediction of malignancy compared with other methods (e.g., imaging, single-biomarker tests, symptom index/clinical assessment). Currently, the NCCN Panel does not recommend the use of these biomarker tests for determining the status of an undiagnosed adnexal/pelvic mass”.
p16
p16 is a tumor suppressor gene that regulates cellular proliferation and growth by acting as a cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitor (Chen, et al. 2006). This test determines if a patient has a p16 gene mutation, indicating a predisposition for melanoma and pancreatic cancer.
Chung et al (2014) noted that although p16 protein expression, a surrogate marker of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is recognized as a prognostic marker in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), its prevalence and significance have not been well-established in cancer of the oral cavity, hypopharynx, or larynx, collectively referred as non-OPSCC, where HPV infection is less common than in the oropharynx. p16 expression and high-risk HPV status in non-OPSCCs from RTOG 0129, 0234, and 0522 studies were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in-situ hybridization (ISH). Hazard ratios from Cox models were expressed as positive or negative, stratified by trial, and adjusted for clinical characteristics. p16 expression was positive in 14.1 % (12 of 85), 24.2 % (23 of 95), and 19.0 % (27 of 142) and HPV ISH was positive in 6.5 % (6 of 93), 14.6 % (15 of 103), and 6.9 % (7 of 101) of non-OPSCCs from RTOG 0129, 0234, and 0522 studies, respectively. Hazard ratios for p16 expression were 0.63 (95 % CI: 0.42 to 0.95; p = 0.03) and 0.56 (95 % CI: 0.35 to 0.89; p = 0.01) for PFS and OS, respectively. Comparing OPSCC and non-OPSCC, patients with p16-positive OPSCC have better PFS and OS than patients with p16-positive non-OPSCC, but patients with p16-negative OPSCC and non-OPSCC have similar outcomes. The authors concluded that similar to results in patients with OPSCC, patients with p16-negative non-OPSCC have worse outcomes than patients with p16-positive non-OPSCC, and HPV may also have a role in outcome in a subset of non-OPSCC. However, these investigators stated that further development of a p16 IHC scoring system in non-OPSCC and improvement of HPV detection methods are needed before broad application in the clinical setting; they noted that additional research using multi-modality testing in non-OPSCC and development of more accurate HPV testing are indicated.
P504S
Murray et al (2010) studied P504S expressing circulating prostate cells as a marker for prostate cancer. The authors stated that PSA is the only biomarker routinely used in screening. This study aimed to develop a system to test the presence of circulating prostate cells in men without a diagnosis of prostate cancer in relation with age, serum PSA levels and prostate biopsy by determining the co-expression of several markers such as CD82, HER-2 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 MMP-20. The results indicated that among 409 men screened for prostate cancer 16.6% were positive for circulating prostate cells. The authors concluded that the study of circulating prostate cells with various markers could be a useful complementary screening test for prostate cancer in men with increased PSA level.
p53
p53 is a tumor suppressor gene on the short arm of chromosome 17 that encodes a protein that is important in the regulation of cell division. Although the full role of p53 in the normal and neoplastic cell is unknown, there is evidence that the gene product is important in preventing the division of cells containing damaged DNA. p53 gene deletion or mutation is a frequent event along with other molecular abnormalities in colorectal carcinogenesis. The literature on p53 abnormality and prognosis in colorectal cancer suffers from a paucity of reported data and the use of a variety of techniques in assay and statistical analysis in the small numbers of cases analyzed. For these reasons, the literature generally does not recommend p53 analysis as a routine approach to assisting in the management of patients with colorectal cancer.
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) recommend against the use of p53 to guide adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. This is a moderate-strength recommendation based upon intermediate-quality evidence.
PCA3
Prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3, also known as DD3) is a gene that has been found to be highly overexpressed in prostate cancer. This gene has been investigated as a potential diagnostic marker for prostate cancer. However, there are no published clinical outcome studies of the effectiveness of the PCA3 gene in screening, diagnosis or management of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) (Progensa, Gene-Probe, Inc.) encodes a prostate-specific mRNA. It is one of the most prostate cancer-specific genes identified, with over-expression in about 95% of cancers tested. The PCA3 urine assay is an amplified nucleic acid assay, which uses transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) to quantify PCA3 and PSA mRNA in prostate cells found in urine samples. The PCA3 score is calculated as the ratio between PCA3 and PSA mRNA. The main target population of this non-invasive test is men with raised PSA but a negative prostate biopsy. Other target groups include men with a slightly raised PSA, as well as men with signs and symptoms suggestive of prostate cancer.
van Gils and colleagues (2007) stated that PCA3 is a promising prostate cancer marker. These investigators performed a multi-center study to validate the diagnostic performance of the PCA3 urine test established in an earlier single-institution study. The first voided urine after digital rectal examination (DRE) was collected from a total of 583 men with serum PSA levels between 3 and 15 ng/ml who were to undergo prostate biopsies. These researchers determined the PCA3 score in these samples and correlated the results with the results of the prostate biopsies. A total of 534 men (92 %) had an informative sample. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve, a measure of the diagnostic accuracy of a test, was 0.66 for the PCA3 urine test and 0.57 for serum PSA. The sensitivity for the PCA3 urine test was 65 %, the specificity was 66 % (versus 47 % for serum PSA), and the negative predictive value was 80 %. The authors concluded that the findings of this multi-center study validated the diagnostic performance of the PCA3 urine test in the largest group studied thus far using a PCA3 gene-based test.
Marks and associates (2007) examined the potential utility of the investigational PCA3 urine assay to predict the repeat biopsy outcome. Urine was collected after DRE (3 strokes per lobe) from 233 men with serum PSA levels persistently 2.5 ng/ml or greater and at least one previous negative biopsy. The PCA3 scores were determined using a highly sensitive quantitative assay with TMA. The ability of the PCA3 score to predict the biopsy outcome was assessed and compared with the serum PSA levels. The RNA yield was adequate for analysis in the urine samples from 226 of 233 men (i.e., the informative specimen rate was 97 %). Repeat biopsy revealed prostate cancer in 60 (27 %) of the 226 remaining subjects. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.68 for the PCA3 score. In contrast, the area under the curve for serum PSA was 0.52. Using a PCA3 score cutoff of 35, the assay sensitivity was 58 % and specificity 72 %, with an odds ratio of 3.6. At PCA3 scores of less than 5, only 12 % of men had prostate cancer on repeat biopsy; at PCA3 scores of greater than 100, the risk of positive biopsy was 50 %. The authors concluded that in men undergoing repeat prostate biopsy to rule out cancer, the urinary PCA3 score was superior to serum PSA determination for predicting the biopsy outcome. The high specificity and informative rate suggest that the PCA3 assay could have an important role in prostate cancer diagnosis.
Groskopf et al (2007) reported that the PCA3 score is independent of prostate volume and was highly correlated with the risk of positive biopsy. The PCA3 test was performed on 529 men scheduled for prostate biopsy. Overall, the PCA3 score had a sensitivity of 54% and a specificity of 74%. A PCA3 score of less than 5 was associated with a 14% risk of positive biopsy, while a PCA3 score of greater than 100 was associated with a 69% risk of positive biopsy.
Haese et al (2007) presented preliminary results from a European multicenter study of PCA3. Enrolled patients had a PSA level of less than or equal to 2.5 ng/mL, had 1 or 2 previous negative biopsies, and were scheduled for repeat biopsy. The specificity of the PCA3 score (cutoff 35) was found to be 78%, and the sensitivity was 67%. Patients with a PCA3 score of greater than or equal to 35 had a 33% probability of a positive repeat biopsy, compared to a 6% probability for those with a PCA3 score of less than 35.
In a review on biomarkers for prostate cancer detection, Parekh, et al. (2007) stated that prostate stem cell antigen, alpha-methyl coenzyme-A racemase, PCA3, early prostate cancer antigen, hepsin and human kallikrein 2 are promising markers that are currently undergoing validation.
An assessment by the BlueCross BlueShield Association Technology Evaluation Center (BCBSA, 2008) found that, in general, PCA3 assay results to date are preliminary; interpretation of results has not been standardized and clinical utility studies of decision-making for initial biopsy, repeat biopsy or treatment have not been reported.
Tosoian et al (2010) evaluated the relationship between PCA3 and prostate biopsy results in men in a surveillance program. Urine specimens were obtained from 294 men with prostate cancer enrolled in the Johns Hopkins surveillance program. The follow-up protocol included semi-annual free and total PSA measurements, digital rectal examination and annual surveillance prostate biopsy. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the association between PCA3 results and progression on surveillance biopsy (defined as Gleason pattern 4 or 5, more than 2 positive biopsy cores or more than 50% involvement of any core with cancer). Patients with progression on biopsy (12.9%) had a mean PCA3 score similar to that of those without progression (60.0 versus 50.8, p = 0.131). Receiver operating characteristics analysis suggested that PCA3 alone could not be used to identify men with progression on biopsy (area under the curve = 0.589, 95% CI 0.496 to 0.683, p = 0.076). After adjustment for age and date of diagnosis PCA3 was not significantly associated with progression on biopsy (p = 0.15). The authors concluded that in men with low risk prostate cancer who were carefully selected for surveillance the PCA3 score was not significantly associated with short-term biopsy progression. They stated that further analysis is necessary to assess the usefulness of PCA3 in combination with other biomarkers or in selected subsets of patients undergoing surveillance.
While there are studies examining the positive and negative predictive values of the PCA3 urine assay, there is currently a lack of evidence of the effect of this test on management of individuals with or suspected of prostate cancer. The PCA3 urine assay shows promise as a prostate cancer diagnostic tool, however, more research is needed to ascertain the clinical value of this assay for screening and diagnostic purposes.
An assessment of PCA3 prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (2013) concluded: "For diagnostic accuracy, there was a low strength of evidence that PCA3 had better diagnostic accuracy for positive biopsy results than tPSA elevations, but insufficient evidence that this led to improved intermediate or long-term health outcomes. For all other settings, comparators, and outcomes, there was insufficient evidence."
The Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP) Working Group (2013) found insufficient evidence to recommend prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) testing to inform decisions for when to re-biopsy previously biopsy-negative patients for prostate cancer or to inform decisions to conduct initial biopsies for prostate cancer in at-risk men (e.g., previous elevated prostate-specific antigen test or suspicious digital rectal examination). The EGAPP Working Group found insufficient evidence to recommend PCA3 testing in men with cancer-positive biopsies to determine if the disease is indolent or aggressive in order to develop an optimal treatment plan. The EGAPP Working Group concluded that, based on the available evidence, the overall certainty of clinical validity to predict the diagnosis of prostate cancer using PCA3 is deemed "low." The EGAPP Working Group discouraged clinical use for diagnosis unless further evidence supports improved clinical validity. The EGAPP Working Group also found that, based on the available evidence, the overall certainty of net health benefit is deemed "low." The EGAPP Working Group discourages clinical use unless further evidence supports improved clinical outcomes.
Guidelines from the European Association of Urology (2015) state that "[b]iological markers, include urine markers such as PCA3, the TMPRSS2: ERG fusion gene or PSA isoforms such as the Phi index, appear promising as does genomics on the tissue sample itself. However, further study data will be needed before such markers can be used in standard clinical practice."
A Cancer Care Ontario Guideline on prostate cancer surveillance (Morash, et al., 2015), which has been endorsed by the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016), did not include PCA3 level in their recommendation because evidence of PCA3 to predict disease reclassification in prostate cancer was lacking.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)’s clinical practice guideline on "Diagnosing prostate cancer: PROGENSA PCA3 assay and Prostate Health Index" (2015) stated that " The PROGENSA PCA3 assay and the Prostate Health Index are not recommended for use in people having investigations for suspected prostate cancer, who have had a negative or inconclusive transrectal ultrasound prostate biopsy". The assessment cited studies finding that adding the PCA3 score to clinical assessment and MRI had very little effect on the size of the reported area under the curve, with minimal change in derived sensitivity and specificity for clinical assessment with MRI compared with clinical assessment using MRI and the PCA3 assay.
In a Lancet review of prostate cancer, Attard, et al. (2016) stated that "[s]everal studies have so far proven inconclusive as to whether PCA3 is useful to selectively detect aggressive prostate cancers."
PDGFRB Testing
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s Biomarkers Compendium (2016) recommends the following for PDGFRB testing:
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Helpful in some clinical situations: Evaluate CMML patients for 5q31-33 translocations and/or PDGFR beta gene rearrangements. (Category of Evidence: 2A).
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers - Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP): Tumors lacking the t(17;22) translocation may not respond to imatinib. Molecular analysis of a tumor using cytogenetics may be useful prior to the institution of imatinib therapy. (Category of Evidence: 2A).
Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphonate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha polypeptide gene (PIK3CA)
The EGAPP EWG (2013) found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against testing for mutations in PIK3CA. The level of certainty for this evidence was low. In the absence of supporting evidence, and with consideration of other contextual issues, the EWG discourages the use of these tests in guiding decisions on initiating anti-EGFR therapy with cetuximab or panitumumab unless further evidence supports improved clinical outcomes.
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (Sepulveda, et al., 2017) stated: "There is insufficient evidence to recommend PIK3CA mutational analysis of colorectal carcinoma tissue for therapy selection outside of a clinical trial (Type: no recommendation; Strength of Evidence: insufficient, benefits/harms balance unknown; Quality of Evidence: insufficient)."
PLAP
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network's guideline on occult primary tumors includes placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) as a useful marker to assist in identifying germ cell seminoma and non-seminoma germ cell tumors in unknown primary cancer (NCCN, 2009).
PSA
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate gland. Levels of PSA in the blood often increase in men with prostate cancer. Elevated levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) may also be found in the blood of men with benign prostate conditions, such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While PSA does not allow distinction between benign prostate conditions and cancer, an elevated PSA level may indicate that other tests are necessary to determine whether cancer is present. PSA levels have been shown to be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment, and in checking for recurrence after treatment has ended. Use of PSA for screening remains very controversial. Although researchers are in the process of studying the value of PSA along with digital rectal exams for routine screening of men ages 55 to 74 for prostate cancer; and the literature does not show at this time whether using PSA to screen for prostate cancer actually does reduce the number of deaths caused by this cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends clinicians and patients consider screening with PSA and digital rectal exam for African American men and men with familial tendency age 40 or older and all men age 50 or older.
Cancer Care Ontario guidelines on active surveillance of prostate cancer (Morash, et al., 2015) state that the active surveillance protocol should include the following tests: PSA test every 3 to 6 months; digital rectal examination every year, and a 12- to 14-core confirmatory transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy (including anterior directed cores) within 6 to 12 months, then serial biopsy a minimum of every 3 to 5 years thereafter. The guidelines state that "[c]urrent evidence shows that PSA kinetics does not reliably predict disease stability or reclassification to higher risk state. There was conflicting evidence whether PSA is a good predictor of disease progression or reclassification. Differences were also found in the ability of different measures of PSA, such as PSA velocity, PSA density, and PSA doubling time for predicting progression or reclassification. PSA monitoring is considered a necessary component of an AS protocol, but a rising PSA may be best viewed as a trigger for reappraisal (e.g., MRI, repeat biopsy) rather than a trigger for intervention."
RAS (KRAS and NRAS) and BRAF Mutations Testing for Colon Cancer
NCCN’s clinical practice guidelines on "Colon cancer" (Version 1.2018) states that "All patients with metastatic colorectal cancer should have tumor tissue genotyped for RAS (KRAS and NRAS) and BRAF mutations".
SAA
Cocco and associates (2010) examined the expression of serum amyloid A (SAA) in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma and evaluated its potential as a serum biomarker. SAA gene and protein expression levels were evaluated in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma and normal endometrial tissues, by real-time PCR, IHC, and flow cytometry. SAA concentration in 194 serum samples from 50 healthy women, 42 women with benign diseases, and 102 patients including 49 grade 1, 38 grade 2, and 15 grade 3 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma was also studied by a sensitive bead-based immunoassay. SAA gene expression levels were significantly higher in endometrial endometrioid carcinoma when compared with normal endometrial tissues (mean copy number by real-time PCR = 182 versus 1.9; p = 0.001). IHC revealed diffuse cytoplasmic SAA protein staining in poorly differentiated endometrial endometrioid carcinoma tissues. High intra-cellular levels of SAA were identified in primary endometrial endometrioid carcinoma cell lines evaluated by flow cytometry, and SAA was found to be actively secreted in vitro. SAA concentrations (microg/ml) had medians of 6.0 in normal healthy women and 6.0 in patients with benign disease (p = 0.92). In contrast, SAA values in the serum of endometrial endometrioid carcinoma patients had a median of 23.7, significantly higher than those of the healthy group (p = 0.001) and benign group (p = 0.001). Patients harboring G3 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma were found to have SAA concentrations significantly higher than those of G1/G2 patients. The authors concluded that SAA is not only a liver-secreted protein, but is also an endometrial endometrioid carcinoma cell product. SAA is expressed and actively secreted by G3 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma, and it is present in high concentration in the serum of endometrial endometrioid carcinoma patients. SAA may represent a novel biomarker for endometrial endometrioid carcinoma to monitor disease recurrence and response to therapy. They stated that additional studies are needed to validate these findings.
TERT (Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase)
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Biomarkers Compendium (2019) for "TERT" includes the following category 2A recommendations:
- Central nervous system cancers – adult low-grad (WHO Grade II) infiltrative supratentorial, astrocystoma/oligodendroglioma, and anaplastic gliomas/glioblastoma for which TERT mutation testing is recommended but not required for gliomas in the following clinical setting: MRI compatible with infiltrative glioma; pre-adjuvant therapy, surgery or biopsy; or recurrent or progressive low-grade disease, surgery or biopsy.
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) – cultured skin fibroblasts specimen type for cytopenia(s) and suspect myelodysplasia. For initial evaluation, consider additional molecular and genetic testing for hereditary hematologic malignancy predisposition in a subset of patients, particularly in younger patients. Shortened telomere length has been associated with diseases of bone marrow failure, including inherited disorders such as DC, particularly in the presence of mutations in the DKC1, TERT, or TERC genes that encode for components of the telomere complex.
NCCN guidelines on "Central nervous system cancers" (version 2.2018) states that the diagnostic value of TERT mutations are almost invariably present in 1p/19q codeleted oligodendroglioma, and are found in most glioblastomas. TERT mutation, in combination with IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion, is characteristic of oligodendroglioma. Absence of TERT mutation, coupled with IDH mutation, designates astrocytoma. For prognostic value, in the absence of an IDH mutation, TERT mutations in diffusely infiltrative gliomas are associated with reduced overall survival compared to gliomas lacking TERT mutations.
The NCCN guidelines on "Thyroid carcinoma" (v.3.2018) state that some studies have linked the BRAF V600E mutation to poor prognosis, especially when occurring with TERT promoter mutation. The NCCN panel does not make a formal recommendation for TERT mutation testing for thyroid carcinoma.
Ibrahimpasis et al. (2019) state that poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) is rare and accounts for most fatalities from non-anaplastic follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer. The authors note that there are limited studies on PDTC due to its rarity; however, in light of the evolution of ultra-deep next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and through correlation of clinico-pathological and genomic characteristics of PDTC, an improved understanding of the biology of PDTC has been facilitated. Thus, the authors reviewed the diagnostic criteria, clinico-pathological characteristics, management and outcomes in PDTC, as well as genomic drivers in PDTC reported in recent NGS studies, as well as future prospects in improving outcomes in PDTC patients. The authors reviewed various gene mutations drivers in PDTC; however, specifically regarding TERT, the authors state that TERT promoter mutations represent the most common alteration in PDTC (40%). The authors conclude that "new insights into the clinico-pathological and molecular characteristics of PDTC, together with further advancement in ultra deep sequencing technologies, will be conducive in narrowing the focus in order to develop novel targeted therapies and improve the outcomes in PDTC patients."
Bournaud et al. (2019) state that TERT promoter mutations are associated with adverse clinico-pathological characteristics in thyroid carcinomas and considered as a major indicator of poor outcomes. Nevertheless, most studies have pooled heterogeneous types of thyroid carcinomas and have been conducted retrospectively. Thus, the authors conducted a prospective, observational study to evaluate the association between TERT promoter mutations and recurrence in a series of 173 intermediate- to-high-risk patients with thyroid carcinoma. Patients were tested for TERT promoter, BRAF, and RAS mutations of their primary tumor. The prevalence of TERT promoter mutations was 20.2% (35/173) in the total population. The authors found that it was significantly higher in tumors harboring aggressive histological features (poorly differentiated carcinoma, tall cell variant of papillary cancer or widely invasive follicular cancer) than in non-aggressive tumors: 32.7% (16/49) versus 15.3% (19/124; p = 0.020). TERT promoter mutations were also strongly associated with age ≥45 years (p = 0.005), pT4 stage (p = 0.015), metastatic disease (p = 0.014), and extra-thyroidal extension (p = 0.002). TERT promoter mutations were associated with poor outcomes in the total population (p < 0.001) but not in the subgroup of non-metastatic patients (p = 0.051). However, they were associated with a worse outcome in patients both free of metastases and devoid of aggressive histological features. Neither BRAF nor RAS mutations were associated with event-free survival in non-metastatic patients. The authors concluded that TERT promoter mutations may help to better define the prognosis of localized thyroid cancer patients without aggressive histology.
Thrombospondin-1
Thrombospondin-1 (THBS-1), an angiogenesis inhibitor, has been identified as a potential monitoring marker in gynecologic malignancies. In a randomized phase III study on the co-expression of angiogenic markers and their associations with prognosis in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, Secord, et al. (2007) reported that high THBS-1 may be an independent predictor of worse progression-free and overall survival in women with advanced-stage EOC. However, the authors stated, "A larger prospective study is warranted for validation of these findings."
Thymidylate Synthase
Thymidylate synthase is a DNA synthesis related gene. According to Compton (2008), the prognostic value of this promising and potentially clinically applicable molecular marker has been studied in colorectal cancer. Compton found that the independent influence of this marker on prognosis remains unproven. Compton explained that "[v]ariability in assay methodology, conflicting results from various studies examining the same factor, and the prevalence of multiple small studies that lack statistically robust, multivariate analyses all contribute to the lack of conclusive data." Compton concluded that before this marker can be incorporated into clinically meaningful prognostic stratification systems, more studies are required using multivariate analysis, well-characterized patient populations, reproducible and current methodology, and standardized reagents.
In a special report on pharmacogenomics of cancer, the BlueCross and BlueShield Association's Technology Evaluation Center (TEC) (2007) described the results of a meta-analysis on thymidylate synthase protein expression and survival in colorectal cancer that stated low thymidylate synthase expression was significantly associated with better survival, but heterogeneity and possible bias prevented firm conclusions.
Guidelines from the American Society for Colon and Rectal Surgeons (2004) stated: "In the future, DNA analysis and the intratumoral expression of specific chemical substances", including thymidylate synthase, "may be used routinely to further assess prognosis or response to therapy." In addition, Shankaran et al (2008) stated in a review on the role of molecular markers in predicting response to therapy in patients with colorectal cancer, "Although to date no molecular characteristics have emerged as consistent predictors of response to therapy, retrospective studies have investigated the role of a variety of biomarkers, including microsatellite instability, loss of heterozygosity of 18q, type II transforming growth factor beta receptor, thymidylate synthase, epidermal growth factor receptor, and Kirsten-ras (KRAS)."
TOP2A
Topoisonmerase II alpha is a protein encoded by the TOP2A gene and is proposed as a predictive and prognostic marker for breast cancer. It is also proposed as an aid in predicting response to anthracycline therapy in breast cancer. Two types of tests are available for topoisonmerase II alpha: topoisomerase II alpha protein expression testing by immunohistochemistry (IHC); and TOP2A gene amplification testing by FISH (eg, TOP2A FISH pharmDx Assay).
The topoisomerase II alpha gene (TOP2A) is located adjacent to the HER-2 oncogene at the chromosome location 17q12-q21 and is either amplified or deleted (with equal frequency) in a great majority of HER-2 amplified primary breast tumors and also in tumors without HER-2 amplification. Recent experimental as well as numerous, large, multi-center trials suggest that amplification (and/or deletion) of TOP2A may account for both sensitivity or resistance to commonly used cytotoxic drugs (e.g., anthracyclines) depending on the specific genetic defect at the TOP2A locus. An analysis of TOP2A aberrations in the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group trial 89D (Nielsen, et al., 2008) suggested a differential benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with primary breast cancer, favoring treatment with epirubicin in patients with TOP2A amplifications, and perhaps deletions; however, the authors concluded that, "Additional studies are needed to clarify the exact importance of TOP2A deletions on outcome, but deletions have proven to be associated with a very poor prognosis."
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, 2008) guideline on breast cancer does not address the use of TOP2A testing. Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) state: "The clinician should not use TOP2A gene amplification or TOP2A protein expression by IHC to guide adjuvant chemotherapy selection.: This is a moderate-strength recommendation based upon high quality evidence. The guidelines also recommend against the use of TOP2A gene coamplification to guide adjuvant chemotherapy selection.
Tp53
In a pilot study, Erickson et al (2014) examined if tumor cells could be detected in the vagina of women with serous ovarian cancer through TP53 analysis of DNA samples collected by placement of a vaginal tampon. Women undergoing surgery for a pelvic mass were identified in the gynecologic oncology clinic. They placed a vaginal tampon before surgery, which was removed in the operating room. Cells were isolated and DNA was extracted from both the cells trapped within the tampon and the primary tumor. In patients with serous carcinoma, the DNA was interrogated for the presence of TP53 mutations using a method capable of detecting rare mutant alleles in a mixture of mutant and wild-type DNA. A total of 33 patients were enrolled; 8 patients with advanced serous ovarian cancer were included for analysis; and 3 had a prior tubal ligation. TP53 mutations were identified in all 8 tumor samples. Analysis of the DNA from the tampons revealed mutations in 3 of the 5 patients with intact tubes (sensitivity 60 %) and in none of the 3 patients with tubal ligation. In all 3 participants with mutation detected in the tampon specimen, the tumor and the vaginal DNA harbored the exact same TP53 mutation. The fraction of DNA derived from exfoliated tumor cells ranged from 0.01 % to 0.07 %. The authors concluded that in this pilot study, DNA derived from tumor was detected in the vaginas of 60 % of patients with ovarian cancer with intact fallopian tubes. They stated that with further development, this approach may hold promise for the early detection of this deadly disease. They stated that for this method to ultimately be clinically useful, several factors should be considered -- this approach will have to be shown to be able to adequately detect early states of disease to provide sufficient lead time for an effective intervention. In this regard, one of the drawbacks of this study was that all samples were obtained from patients with late-stage cancer. Another limitation was that these researchers did not sequence the DNA from tampons from patients with benign disease. Thus, specificity could not be calculated. These investigators stated that larger studies are needed to further validate this method and identify a more precise detection rate.
In an editorial that accompanied the afore-mentioned study, Mulch (2014) stated that "In terms of clinical utility, the sensitivity of this test may be around 60 % in patients with intact tubes and with clinically obvious cancer, but we do not know what it will be in patients with less advanced disease …. However, the barrier to ovarian cancer screening is the fact that the prevalence of the disease is so low in the general population that any screening test must have an unrealistic sensitivity and specificity …. This technology shows great promise …. The technology represented here has the potential to do what other screening tests have not …. We must be careful not to endorse it until its usefulness is fully validated".
Furthermore, NCCN’s clinical practice guideline on "Ovarian cancers" (Version 3.2014) does not mention TP53 mutation analysis as a management tool.
Zhang et al (2015) summarized the potential diagnostic value of 5 serum tumor markers in esophageal cancer. These researchers systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), through February 28, 2013, without language restriction. Studies were assessed for quality using QUADAS (quality assessment of studies of diagnostic accuracy). The positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were pooled separately and compared with overall accuracy measures using diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) and symmetric summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves. Of 4,391 studies initially identified, 44 eligible studies including 5 tumor markers met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis, while meta-analysis could not be conducted for 12 other tumor markers. Approximately 79.55 % (35/44) of the included studies were of relatively high quality (QUADAS score greater than or equal to 7). The summary estimates of PLR, NLR and DOR for diagnosing EC were as follows: CEA, 5.94/0.76/9.26; Cyfra21-1 (a cytokeratin 19 fragment), 12.110.59/22.27; p53 antibody, 6.71/0.75/9.60; squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag), 7.66/0.68/12.41; and vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), 0.74/0.37/8.12. The estimated SROC curves showed that the performance of all 5 tumor markers was reasonable. The authors concluded that the current evidence suggested that CEA, Cyfra21-1, p53, SCC-Ag and VEGF-C have a potential diagnostic value for esophageal carcinoma.
TSP-1
Ghoneim et al (2008) explained that thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a member of a family of five structurally related extracellular glycoproteins that plays a major role in cell-matrix and cell to cell interactions. Due to its multifunctional nature and its ability to bind to a variety of cell surface receptors and matrix proteins, TSP-1 has been identified as a potential regulator of angiogenesis and tumor progression. Data collected by Secord, et al. (2007) suggested that high THBS-1 levels may be an independent predictor of worse progression-free and overall survival in women with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer. However, a phase II clinical trail (Garcia, et al., 2008) of bevacizumab and low-dose metronomic oral cyclophosphamide in recurrent ovarian cancer reported that levels of TSP-1 were not associated with clinical outcome.
Tumor Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Biomarkers Compendium (2018) include a 2A recommendation for human papillomavirus (HPV) tumor testing in the workup of occult primary cancers and cancer of the oropharynx (e.g., base of tongue, tonsil, posterior pharyngeal wall, soft palate). Tumor HPV association by testing p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the workup of cancer of the oropharynx is preferred. Per NCCN guidelines on "Cancer of the Oropharynx" (2018), "p16 expression is highly correlated with HPV status and prognosis. Expression of p16 as detected by IHC, is a widely available surrogate biomarker that has very good agreement with HPV status as determined by the gold standard of HPV E6/E7 mRNA expression. Other tests include HPV detection through PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH).
The NCCN guidelines on "Head and Neck Cancers" (version 2.2018) states that there is emerging evidence that shows HPV infection may also be associated with increased risk of SCC of the larynx, and the overall incidence of HPV- positive head and neck cancers is increasing in the U.S. Though there "is a small proportion of non-oropharyngeal tumor sites that are related to HPV, there is lack of consistent evidence in support of prognostic significance, routine HPV testing or p16 testing of non-oropharyngeal cancers (e.g., paransal sinus, oral cavity, larynx).
The NCCN Biomarkers Compendium (2018) for HPV infection include a 2A recommendation for HPV testing in the workup of head and neck cancers that are considered occult primary (e.g., sqaumous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and anaplastic/undifferentiated epithelial tumors.
Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) state: "If a patient has ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-positive or node-negative) breast cancer, the clinician should not use tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy." This is a strong recommendation based upon insufficient evidence. The guidelines recommend against the use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer or TN breast cancer.
uPA
The serine protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its primary inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), have shown promise for risk assessment and prediction of therapeutic response in primary breast cancer (Chin, et al., 2006). High levels of uPA or PAI-1 in primary tumor tissue are associated with an aggressive disease course and poor prognosis in both node-positive and node-negative breast cancer.
A report by the Belgian Healthcare Knowledge Centre (KCE) (San Miguel, et al., 2015) found no studies reporting on the impact of uPA/PAI-1 on clinical management (clinical utility).
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) state: "If a patient has ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-negative) breast cancer, the clinician may use urokinase plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy." This is a weak recommendation based upon high-quality evidence. The ASCO guidelines recommend the use of urokinase plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer or TN breast cancer.
Zap-70
Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70, which is used as a prognostic marker in (CLL).
Zap-70 is indicated to assess prognosis and need for aggressive therapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) (Chin, et al., 2006). ZAP-70 is a 70-kD member of the Syk family of protein tyrosine kinases. It is expressed primarily in T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells and is critical for signal transduction following T-cell receptor engagement. In CLL B-cells, elevated ZAP-70 expression appears to predict the need for therapy as effectively as IgVH mutation status. Although ZAP-70 expression is strongly correlated with IgVH mutation status, the combination of the two markers may provide greater prognostic value than either marker alone. Positive ZAP-70 results predict an aggressive disease course.
3D Predict Panels
The 3D Predict Ovarian Doublet Panel (KIYATEC, Inc.) is an investigational ovarian cancer drug response profile that will be used to help optimize therapeutic decision-making over the course of the disease. This ovarian oncology test uses spheroid cell culture to assess patient-specific response to a panel of 4 oncology drugs (i.e., carboplatin, doxorubicin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel), providing a tumor chemotherapy response prediction for each drug.
The 3D Predict Ovarian PARP Panel (KIYATEC, Inc.) is another investigational ovarian cancer drug response profile which uses spheroid cell culture to assess patient-specific response to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (niraparib, olaparib, rucaparib, velparib), providing tumor response prediction for each drug.
KIYATEC, Inc. is recruiting patients to participate in a prospective, open-label, non-randomized, clinical trial (3D-PREDICT; NCT03561207) to evaluate a patient-specific ex vivo 3D (EV3D) assay for drug response using a patient's own biopsy or resected tumor tissue for assessing tissue response to therapy in patients with advanced cancers, including ovarian cancer, high-grade gliomas, and high-grade rare tumors (KIYATEC, 2022).
4KScore
4Kscore Test measures the blood plasma levels of four different prostate-derived kallikrein proteins [Total PSA, Free PSA, Intact PSA and Human Kallikrein2 (hK2)] and combines results in an algorithm with age, DRE (nodules, no nodules) and prior biopsy results. The result is purportedly an individual’s specific probability for finding a high-grade, Gleason score 7 or higher prostate cancer upon biopsy.
Parekh et al (2015) performed the first prospective evaluation of the 4Kscore in predicting Gleason ≥7 PCa in the USA. The investigators prospectively enrolled 1012 men scheduled for prostate biopsy, regardless of prostate-specific antigen level or clinical findings, from 26 US urology centers between October 2013 and April 2014. The primary outcome was Gleason ≥7 PCa on prostate biopsy. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, risk calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were determined, along with comparisons of probability cutoffs for reducing the number of biopsies and their impact on delaying diagnosis. Gleason ≥7 PCa was found in 231 (23%) of the 1012 patients. The investigators stated that the 4Kscore showed excellent calibration and demonstrated higher discrimination (area under the curve [AUC] 0.82) and net benefit compared to a modified Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Risk Calculator 2.0 model and standard of care (biopsy for all men) according to DCA. A possible reduction of 30-58% in the number biopsies was identified with delayed diagnosis in only 1.3-4.7% of Gleason ≥7 PCa cases, depending on the threshold used for biopsy. Pathological assessment was performed according to the standard of care at each site without centralized review.
Stattin et al (2015) conducted a case-control study nested within a population-based cohort. PSA and three additional kallikreins (4KScore) were measured in cryopreserved blood from a population-based cohort in Västerbotten, Sweden. Of 40,379 men providing blood at ages 40, 50, and 60 years from 1986 to 2009, 12,542 men were followed for >15 yr. From this cohort, the Swedish Cancer Registry identified 1423 incident PCa cases, 235 with distant metastasis. Most metastatic cases occurred in men with PSA in the top quartile at age 50 yr (69%) or 60 yr (74%), whereas 20-yr risk of metastasis for men with PSA below median was low (≤0.6%). The investigators reported that, among men with PSA >2 ng/ml, a prespecified model based on four kallikrein markers significantly enhanced the prediction of metastasis compared with PSA alone. About half of all men with PSA >2 ng/ml were defined as low risk by this model and had a ≤1% 15-yr risk of metastasis. The authors concluded that, for men in their fifties, screening should focus on those in the top 10% to 25% of PSA values because the majority of subsequent cases of distant metastasis are found among these men. Testing of four kallikrein markers in men with an elevated PSA could aid biopsy decision making.
Voigt et al (2014) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the aggregated results from published studies of the Kallikrein Panel. The results of the meta-analysis were used to model the Kallikrein Panel's effect on healthcare costs. The authors reported that meta-analysis demonstrates a statistically significant improvement of 8-10% in predictive accuracy. The authors estimated that 48% to 56% of current prostate biopsies could be avoided and that use of the Kallikrein Panel could result in annual US savings approaching $1 billion.
Konety et al (2015) conducted a clinical utility study to assess the influence of the 4Kscore Test on the decision to perform prostate biopsies in men referred to urologists for abnormal PSA and/or DRE results. The study population included 611 patients seen by 35 academic and community urologists in the United States. Urologists ordered the 4Kscore Test as part of their assessment of men referred for abnormal PSA and/or DRE test results. Results for the patients were stratified into low risk (< 7.5%), intermediate risk (7.5%-19.9%), and high risk (≥ 20%) for aggressive prostate cancer. The investigators reported that the 4Kscore Test results influenced biopsy decisions in 88.7% of the men. Performing the 4Kscore Test resulted in a 64.6% reduction in prostate biopsies in patients; the actual percentage of cases not proceeding to biopsy were 94.0%, 52.9%, and 19.0% for men who had low-, intermediate-, and high-risk 4Kscore Test results, respectively. A higher 4Kscore Test was associated with greater likelihood of having a prostate biopsy (P < 0.001). The investigators reported that, among the 171 patients who had a biopsy, the 4Kscore risk category is strongly associated with biopsy pathology.
Lin et al (2016) sought to evaluate the utility of the 4Kscore in predicting the presence of high-grade cancer in men on active surveillance. Plasma collected before the first and subsequent surveillance biopsies was assessed for 718 men prospectively enrolled in the multi-institutional Canary PASS trial. Biopsy data were split 2:1 into training and test sets. The investigators developed statistical models that included clinical information and either the 4Kpanel or serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The endpoint was reclassification to Gleason ≥7. The investigators used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and area under the curve (AUC) to assess discriminatory capacity, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to report clinical net benefit. Significant predictors for reclassification were 4Kpanel (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-1.81) or PSA (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.53-2.91), ≥20% cores positive (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.33-3.32), two or more prior negative biopsies (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.85), prostate volume (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.31-0.70), and body mass index (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.14). ROC curve analysis comparing 4K and base models indicated that the 4Kpanel improved accuracy for predicting reclassification (AUC 0.78 vs 0.74) at the first surveillance biopsy. Both models performed comparably for prediction of reclassification at subsequent biopsies (AUC 0.75 vs 0.76). In DCA, both models showed higher net benefit compared to biopsy-all and biopsy-none strategies. Limitations include the single cohort nature of the study and the small numbers; results should be validated in another cohort before clinical use.
Guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, 2016) lists the 4Kscore nonpreferentially among a number of tests (i.e., the percent free PSA and the Prostate Health Index (PHI)) that can be considered for patients prior to biopsy and among several tests (i.e., percent free PSA, PHI, PCA3 and ConfirmMDx) for those with prior negative biopsy for men thought to be at higher risk for clinically significant prostate cancer. The NCCN guidelines state that the 4Kscore cannot be recommended over other tests (i.e., the percent free PSA, the Prostate Health Index (PHI), The NCCN guidelines explain that head-to-head comparisons have been performed in Europe for some of these tests, performed individually or in combinations in the intial or repeat biopsy settings, but sample sizes were small and results varied. The NCCN guidelines stated that the optimal order of biomarker tests and imaging is unknown, and that it remains unclear how to interpret multiple tests in individual patients, especially when results are contradictory. The panel states that it is important for patients and their urologists to understand, however, that no cutoff threshold has been established for the 4KScore.
Recommendations from Memorial Sloan Kettering (Vickers, et al., 2016) state that in biopsy-naive men with PSA ≥3 ng/mL, prostate MRI is the strongest independent predictor of clinically significant prostate cancer, but "[a]s evidence continues to build, we believe that prostate MRI may emerge as a valuable tool to reduce overdiagnosis of PCa, most likely in concert with newer biomarkers, such as the Prostate Health Index, the 4Kscore, and single nucleotide polymorphism panels.
A 2016 MolDx assessment of the 4KScore concluded that "the intended use population has been inadequately validated; the 4Kscore model has continuously changed; the model has been recurrently tested on potentially inappropriate patients (PSA > 10) and patients with inadequate biopsy sampling; it is unclear how much the hK2 and possibly intact PSA contribute to the model; the value of the 4Kscore model/algorithm is fraught with statistical hypothesis and not prospective outcomes or concordance in a defined patient population likely to be considered for biopsy (eg: PSA 3-10 ng/mL); assumptions are made that no harm will come to following young men with unknown low grade prostate cancer (not on AS); there is significant difficulty equating the model used in the Swedish study to the presently proposed formula; and the incidence of clinically diagnosable prostate cancer in patients with low risk by the model/algorithm at 10 years is very concerning."
Anceschi et al (2019) stated that in recent years, several biomarkers alternative to standard prostate specific antigen (PSA) for PCa diagnosis have become available. In a systematic review, these researchers examined current knowledge about alternative serum and urinary biomarkers for the diagnosis of PCa. A research was conducted in Medline, restricted to English language articles published between December 2014 and June 2018 with the aim to update previously published series on PCa biomarkers. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) criteria were used for selecting studies with the lowest risk of bias. Emerging role and actual controversies on serum and urine alternative biomarkers to standard PSA for PCa diagnosis, staging and prognosis assessment, such as prostate health index (PHI), PCA3, ConfirmMDx, Aberrant PSA glycosylation, MiPS, miRNAs were critically presented in the current review. The authors concluded that although the use of several biomarkers has been recommended or questioned by different international guidelines, larger prospective randomized studies are still necessary to validate their efficacy in PCa detection, discrimination, prognosis and treatment effectiveness. To-date, only PHI and 4Kscore have shown clinical relevance for discriminating more aggressive PCa. Furthermore, a new grading classification based on molecular features relevant for PCa risk-stratification and tailoring treatment is still needed.
Kim et al (2019) noted that prostate cancer (CaP) is the most common cancer diagnosed among men in the United States and the 5th most common cancer among men in Korea. Unfortunately, the early stages of CaP may have no symptoms. Therefore, early detection is very important and physicians managing voiding dysfunction must have awareness regarding CaP. The traditional tests used for early detection of CaP are the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE). However, a high PSA level is not specific for CaP. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, urinary tract infection (UTI), and urinary retention can all cause a high PSA level. Thus, no test shows sufficient accuracy to truly be useful for screening men for CaP. A prostate biopsy is the only method that yields a definitive diagnosis of CaP; however, this test is invasive and uncomfortable. Recently, new biomarkers for CaP detection have been proposed to improve the accuracy of the PSA test. These investigators summarized their knowledge of various new biomarkers, including PSA-associated biomarkers (the prostate health index and 4Kscore), molecular biomarkers (PCA3, TMPRSS2: ERG fusion gene, and various miRNAs), and proteomics-associated biomarkers, and the ways in which they may improve the detection rate of CaP. The authors concluded that until now, there has been many efforts to predict early stage CaP such as PSA associated markers, various molecular markers, miRNA markers, and protein markers. Unfortunately, the follow-up validation studies are lack due to several reasons. Thus, future studies of CaP biomarkers need to focus on combinations of molecular biomarkers and clinical variables, rather than on biomarkers alone.
Marzouk et al (2019) stated that recent years have seen the development of biomarkers and imaging technologies designed to improve the specificity of PSA. Widespread implementation of imaging technologies, such as mp-MRI raises considerable logistical challenges. These researchers evaluated a biopsy strategy that utilizes selective mp-MRI as a follow-up test to biomarkers to improve the detection of significant PCa. They developed a conceptual approach based on the risk calculated from the 4Kscore using results from the U.S. prospective validation study, multiplied by the likelihood ratio of mp-MRI from the PROMIS trial. The primary outcome was Gleason grade greater than or equal to 7 (grade group greater than or equal to 2) cancer on biopsy. Using decision curve analysis, the net benefit was determined for this model and compared with the use of the 4Kscore and mp-MRI independently at various thresholds for biopsy. For a cut-point of 7.5 % risk of high-grade disease, patients with less than 5 % risk from a blood marker would not have risk of significant PCa sufficiently increased by a positive mp-MRI to warrant biopsy; comparably, patients with a risk of greater than 23 % would not have risk sufficiently reduced by a negative imaging study to forgo biopsy. From the 4Kscore validation study, 46 % of men considered for biopsy in the U.S. have risks 5 % to 23 %. Net benefit was highest for the combined strategy, followed by 4Kscore alone. The authors concluded that selective mp-MRI in men with intermediate scores on a secondary blood test resulted in a biopsy strategy that was more scalable than mp-MRI for all men with elevated PSA. These researchers stated that prospective validation is needed to examine if the predicted properties of combined blood and imaging testing are empirically confirmed.
Falagario et al (2020) stated that the 2019 European Association of Urology guidelines recommended mp-MRI for biopsy-naïve patients with clinical suspicion of PCa and avoiding biopsy in patients with negative mp-MRI and low clinical suspicion. However, consensus on the optimal definition of low clinical suspicion is lacking. These researchers evaluated 266 biopsy-naïve patients who underwent mp-MRI, the 4Kscore test, and prostate biopsy to define the best strategy to avoid unnecessary testing and biopsies. The European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer risk calculator (ERSPC-RC) and PSA density (PSAd) were also considered. For men with Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System v2.0 (PI-RADS) 1⿿2 lesions, the highest negative predictive value (NPV) was observed for those with low or intermediate 4Kscore risk (96.9 % and 97.1 %), PSAd < 0.10 ng/ml/cm3 (98.7 %), and ERSPC-RC less than 2 % (98.7 %). For men with PI-RADS 3⿿5 lesions the lowest positive predictive value (PPV) was observed for those with low 4Kscore risk (0 %), PSAd less than 0.10 ng/ml/cm3 (13.2 %), and ERSPC-RC of less than 2 % (12.3 %). The best biopsy strategy was an initial 4Kscore followed by mp-MRI if the 4Kscore was greater than 7.5 % and a subsequent biopsy if the mp-MRI was positive (PI-RADS 3⿿5) or the 4Kscore was 18 %. This would result in missing 2.7 % (2/74) of clinically significant PCs (csPCs) and avoiding 34.2 % of biopsies. Initial mp-MRI followed by biopsy for negative mp-MRI (PI-RADS 1⿿2) if the 4Kscore was 18 % or PSAd was 0.10 ng/ml/cm3 resulted in a similar percentage of csPC missed (2.7 % [2/74] and 1.3 % [1/74]) but slightly fewer biopsies avoided (25.2 % and 28.1 %). Physicians should consider clinical risk screening tools when ordering and interpreting mp-MRI results to avoid unnecessary testing and diagnostic errors. The authors stated that performing the 4Kscore test in conjunction with mp-MRI for men with a clinical suspicion of prostate cancer may help to reduce unnecessary biopsies. These researchers stated that this study was limited by its small sample size and its retrospective nature; prospective validation of these findings is needed before their implementation in clinical practice.
An UpToDate review on “Screening for prostate cancer” (Hoffman, 2021) states that “Referral for urologic evaluation will not necessarily result in a prostate biopsy. Other tests (e.g., free to total PSA ratio [f/T PSA], PCA3, 4Kscore test, and/or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) may be done by the urologist to help determine the likelihood that the PSA is elevated due to prostate cancer, the PSA may be followed over time, or a biopsy may be performed. Relevant considerations include the patient's health status, clinical likelihood for harboring significant disease, and personal wishes”.
Agbetuyi-Tayo et al (2024) noted that PCa is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among men, especially men of African descent; and contributing significantly to cancer-related morbidity and mortality globally. The disease varies widely, from slow-developing forms to highly aggressive or potentially fatal variants. Accurate risk stratification is essential for making therapeutic decisions and designing adequate clinical trials. These researchers examined a broad spectrum of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, many of which are incorporated into clinical guidelines, including the PHI, 4Kscore, STHLM3, PCA3, SelectMDx, EPI, and MiPS. They also highlighted emerging biomarkers with pre-clinical support, such as urinary non-coding RNAs and DNA methylation patterns. Furthermore, this review examined the role of tumor-associated microbiota in PCa, offering new insights into its potential contributions to disease understanding. By examining the latest advancements in PCa biomarkers, this review enhanced understanding their roles in disease management. These researchers stated that despite its advantages, the 4Kscore is not without limitations. The test's reliance on complex algorithms and its integration of multiple biomarkers may limit its accessibility and ease of use in routine clinical practice, especially in resource-limited settings. In addition while the 4Kscore has been validated in various populations, its performance may vary across different demographic groups, necessitating further research to ensure consistent accuracy across diverse patient populations.
Auvinen et al (2024) stated that PSA screening has potential to reduce PCa mortality but often detects PCa that is not clinically important. These researchers described rates of low-grade (grade group 1) and high-grade (grade groups 2 to 5) PCa identified among men invited to participate in a PCa screening protocol consisting of a PSA test, a 4-kallikrein (4K) panel, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The ProScreen Trial was a clinical study carried out in Helsinki and Tampere, Finland, that randomized 61,193 men aged 50 through 63 years who were free of PCa in a 1:3 ratio to either be invited or not be invited to undergo screening for PCa between February 2018 and July 2020. Participating men were randomized to the intervention underwent PSA testing. Those with a PSA level of 3.0 ng/ml or higher underwent additional testing for high-grade PCa with a 4K panel risk score. Those with a kallikrein panel score of 7.5 % or higher underwent an MRI of the prostate gland, followed by targeted biopsies for those with abnormal prostate gland MRI findings. Final data collection occurred through June 31, 2023. In descriptive exploratory analyses, the cumulative incidence of low-grade and high-grade PCa after the 1st screening round were compared between the group invited to undergo PCa screening and the control group. Of 60,745 eligible men (mean [SD] age, 57.2 [4.0] years), 15,201 were randomized to be invited and 45,544 were randomized not to be invited to undergo PCa screening. Of 15,201 eligible males invited to undergo screening, 7,744 (51 %) participated. Among them, 32 low-grade PCa (cumulative incidence, 0.41 %) and 128 high-grade PCa (cumulative incidence, 1.65 %) were detected, with 1 cancer grade group result missing. Among the 7,457 invited men (49 %) who refused participation, 7 low-grade PCa (cumulative incidence, 0.1 %) and 44 high-grade PCa (cumulative incidence, 0.6 %) were detected, with 7 cancer grade groups missing. For the entire invited screening group, 39 low-grade PCa (cumulative incidence, 0.26 %) and 172 high-grade PCa (cumulative incidence, 1.13 %) were detected. During a median follow-up of 3.2 years, in the group not invited to undergo screening, 65 low-grade PCa (cumulative incidence, 0.14 %) and 282 high-grade PCa (cumulative incidence, 0.62 %) were detected. The risk difference for the entire group randomized to the screening invitation versus the control group was 0.11 % (95 % CI: 0.03 % to 0.20 %) for low-grade and 0.51 % (95 % CI: 0.33 % to 0.70 %) for high-grade cancer. The authors concluded that in this preliminary descriptive report from a randomized clinical trial, compared with a control group not offered screening, a single PCa screening intervention that included a PSA test, a kallikrein panel for patients with PSA values of 3.0 ng/ml or higher, and an MRI, the screening intervention detected 1 additional high-grade cancer per 196 men invited to screening and 1 low-grade cancer per 909 men invited to the screening group. These investigators stated that these preliminary findings from a single round of screening should be interpreted cautiously, pending results of the study's primary mortality outcome.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, the absolute differences between the 2 randomized groups were small and their clinical importance remains unclear. Second, prior screening reported by a substantial proportion of the participants may have reduced cancer detection compared with a population that had not undergone prior screening for PCa, although the findings did not show material differences between participants with and without previous PSA tests. Third, the results were based on a single invitation for screening; thus, some high-grade PCa were likely missed, although they may be identified after subsequent screening invitations. Fourth, no data on cancers missed at screening were available and interval cancer incidence is needed to evaluate sensitivity of the screening protocol (ability to detect cases or completeness of cancer detection).
Robinson et al (2025) stated that recognizing the limitations of PSA screening and the morbidity of prostate biopsies, several blood- and urine-based biomarkers have been proposed for pre-biopsy risk stratification. These assays aim to reduce the frequency of unnecessary biopsies (i.e., negative or Grade Group 1 [GG1]) while maintaining highly sensitive detection of clinically significant cancer (GG of 2 or higher) PCa. These investigators reviewed the literature describing the use of currently available blood- and urine-based biomarkers for detection of GG of 2 or higher PCa, including the PHI, 4Kscore, MPS, SelectMDx, EPI, and IsoPSA. To facilitate clinical application, these researchers focused on the use of biomarkers as a post-PSA secondary test before biopsy, as proposed in clinical guidelines. Outcomes included test performance measures -- sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV -- as well as clinical outcomes resulting from biomarker use (i.e., unnecessary biopsies avoided, GG of 2 or higher PCa missed). Contemporary validation data (2015 to 2023) showed that currently available biomarkers provide approximately 15 % to 50 % specificity at a sensitivity of 90 % to 95 % for GG of 2 or higher PCa. Clinically, this indicated that secondary use of biomarker testing in men with elevated PSA could allow for avoidance of up to 15 % to 50 % of unnecessary prostate biopsies, while preserving detection of 90 % to 95 % of GG of 2 or higher PCa that would be detected under the traditional "biopsy all" approach. The authors concluded that the contemporary literature further supported the proposed role of post-PSA biomarker testing to reduce the use of invasive biopsy while maintaining highly sensitive detection of GG of 2 of higher PCa. Moreover, these researchers stated that questions remain regarding the optimal application of biomarkers in combination or in sequence with mpMRI.
An UpToDate review on “Active surveillance for males with clinically localized prostate cancer” (Punnen et al, 2025) states that “Molecular markers of prostate cancer detection -- Serum biomarkers such as the 4K score, and Prostate Health Index and urinary biomarkers such as the ExoDx Prostate (Epi) test, SelectMDx, prostate cancer antigen 3, and the Mi-prostate score are available to assist in the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer in order to help decide if a prostate biopsy is warranted. There is very limited evidence supporting a role for any of these molecular markers for decision-making related to suitability for AS, and we suggest not using them for this purpose. Although some markers have been evaluated for predicting reclassification and may have some benefit in helping to select appropriate patients for surveillance versus treatment; none of the studies have examined the relative benefit of any these markers compared with other tests that are more commonly used in AS, such as mpMRI or tissue-based genomic markers”.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Prostate Cancer” (Version 2.2025) does not mention 4KScore as a management tool.
Active Surveillance of Prostate Cancers in Men with "Favorable" Intermediate-Risk Disease
Mulcahy (2016) stated that the NCCN is the first major organization in the U.S. that has broadened the scope of prostate cancers that qualify for active surveillance to include men with "favorable" intermediate-risk disease. Active surveillance includes ongoing disease monitoring (with PSA testing, biopsies, and imaging), but does not include definitive treatment, such as surgery or radiation, or related harms, such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence. Previously, the NCCN and other organizations (e.g., the American Urological Association [AUA]) have recommended active surveillance only for very-low-risk and low-risk prostate cancers. However, the NCCN is now recommending active surveillance for intermediate-risk prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 7 (3+4), which is considered favorable (the grade 3 prostate cancer is predominant accounting for at least 50 % of the biopsied tissue, and the grade 4 is secondary accounting for at least 5 % but less than 50 %). Favorable intermediate risk also requires that less than 50 % of a patient's biopsy cores are positive, and that he has no more than 1 NCCN intermediate-risk factor. Those risk factors include a tumor stage of T2b to T2c and a PSA value of 10 to 20 ng/ml. Moreover, the new NCCN recommendation does not include active surveillance for "unfavorable" intermediate-risk cancer, such as that with a Gleason score of 7 (4+3).
Dr. James Mohler of the NCCN Prostate Cancer Panel noted that the use of active surveillance in select men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer has been underway for years at major academic centers. However, the new NCCN recommendation is a "little more inclusive than what many urologists have used for selecting these [favorable intermediate-risk] patients. Specifically, it is "more liberal" in terms of the percentage of positive biopsies it allows and, thus, will allow an even higher percentage of intermediate-risk patients to be monitored with active surveillance". The recommendation is based on a radiation oncology study in which 1,024 patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer underwent radiotherapy with or without androgen-deprivation therapy (Zumsteg et al, 2013). In that study, the authors analyzed recurrence-free survival and distant metastases outcomes, and concluded that intermediate-risk disease is "heterogenous" with "favorable and unfavorable subsets" -- groupings that the NCCN is now using. The idea that active surveillance should be used in favorable intermediate-risk disease was endorsed by Dr. Ann Raldow and her colleagues of the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program. In their observational study, Raldow et al (2015) compared 3,972 men with low-risk prostate cancer with 1,608 men with favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer, all of whom were treated with brachytherapy from 1997 to 2013. These investigators found that rates of prostate-cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality were similar in the 2 groups, and concluded that these findings provided "evidence to support active surveillance as an initial approach for men with favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer".
Dr. Mohler stated that the NCCN Prostate Cancer Panel has been advocating active-surveillance for some time. In 2010, the NCCN was the first organization to recommend active surveillance as the sole initial therapy for many men. The use of active surveillance has increased in recent years in the U.S.; estimates range from a high of 50 % of men with low-risk prostate cancer in Michigan, where an insurance-industry-funded awareness program is underway, to a low of 8 % nationally. Medscape Medical News reported that another estimate of the prevalence of the practice came from CaPSURE, a prostate cancer registry that has been collecting data on men managed at 47 clinical, primarily community-based, sites. An analysis of the data collected from 2008 to 2013 showed that the primary treatment of 38.4 % of men with low-risk tumors was watchful waiting or active surveillance. Furthermore, Dr. Stacy Loeb of the New York University stated that the U.S. has lagged behind certain European countries in the adoption of active surveillance. As of 2013, the use of active surveillance in Sweden was 78 % for men with very-low-risk disease and 59 % for men with low-risk disease.
Afirma Xpression Atlas
Angell and colleagues (2019) noted that the Afirma Xpression Atlas (XA) detects gene variants and fusions in thyroid nodule FNA samples from a curated panel of 511 genes using whole-transcriptome RNA-sequencing. Its intended use is among cytologically indeterminate nodules that are Afirma GSC suspicious, Bethesda V/VI nodules, or known thyroid metastases. These investigators reported its analytical and clinical validation. DNA and RNA were purified from the same sample across 943 blinded FNAs and compared by multiple methodologies, including whole-transcriptome RNA-seq, targeted RNA-seq, and targeted DNA-seq. An additional 695 blinded FNAs were used to define performance for fusions between whole-transcriptome RNA-seq and targeted RNA-seq. These researchers quantified the reproducibility of the whole-transcriptome RNA-seq assay across laboratories and reagent lots. Finally, variants and fusions were compared to histopathology results. Of variants detected in DNA at 5 or 20 % variant allele frequency, 74 and 88 % were also detected by XA, respectively. XA variant detection was 89 % when compared to an alternative RNA-based detection method. Low levels of expression of the DNA allele carrying the variant, compared with the wild-type allele, was found in some variants not detected by XA; 82% of gene fusions detected in a targeted RNA fusion assay were detected by XA. Conversely, nearly all variants or fusions detected by XA were confirmed by an alternative method. Analytical validation studies demonstrated high intra-plate reproducibility (89 % to 94 %), inter-plate reproducibility (86 % to 91 %), and inter-lab accuracy (90 %). Multiple variants and fusions previously described across the spectrum of thyroid cancers were identified by XA, including some with approved or investigational targeted therapies. Among 190 Bethesda III/IV nodules, the sensitivity of XA as a stand-alone test was 49 %. The authors concluded that when the Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) was first used among Bethesda III/IV nodules as a rule-out test, XA supplemented genomic insight among those that were GSC suspicious. These researchers stated that the information obtained from variants and fusions assessment may offer new precision medicine insights from diagnostic FNA samples and the opportunity to advance individualized patient care.
The authors stated that limitations of measuring variants in expressed RNA included that some variants and fusions identified by an alternative method were not identified by XA. The reason for these differences was unclear, nor was it known which test should ideally be considered "correct". While imperfect test sensitivity was one possibility, it was also possible that some DNA variants may not be expressed due to gene silencing, or very low expression levels. Such phenomenon may explain some discrepancies among BRAF V600E variants detected by qPCR that were negative by immunohistochemistry. By employing a 3rd variant detection methodology that used targeted sequencing of RNA templates, these investigators showed that some samples did have very low expression of the gene variants identified in DNA. The biological significance of such variants was unknown. The efficacy of targeted treatment aimed at non-expressed or poorly expressed genomic alterations may be diminished. Conversely, the vast majority of genomic abnormalities identified by XA were confirmed by the alternative method. An additional limitation of RNA sequencing was that variants in non-coding regions, such as TERT promotor variants, were not detected by this method. However, these findings showed that these variants were uncommon among cytologically indeterminate nodules (less than 1 %) and in the vast majority of cases, found in tandem with a RAS variant. Moreover, these researchers showed that TERT promoter variants in combination with RAS variants could occur in benign lesions in Bethesda IV FNAs. While current opinion is that nodules with a RAS variant (with or without TERT promoter variant) should be surgically removed given their potential malignant or pre-malignant status, it is unclear if cancers harboring a TERT promoter variant plus a RAS or BRAF variant should be treated differently based on this genomic information independent from traditional prognostic factors for risks of recurrence and death, especially among lower-risk patients. A DNA based detection method, or development of an RNA expression-based classifier, could be added to XA in the future should reporting of such non-expressed variants be desired.
Krane and associates (2020) stated that recent analytical and clinical validation of the Afirma XA demonstrated test reliability and the identification of genomic alterations that may inform patient management. The updated Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier and XA reports aimed to optimize the understanding of these contributions, including decisions regarding observation versus surgery, the need for disease‐specific pre-operative testing, associated neoplasm types, prognostics, the identification of molecular targets for systemic therapy, and the recognition of potential hereditary syndromes. These investigators noted that the increasing ability to leverage knowledge of molecular alterations in thyroid FNA specimens could further encourage the use of FNA, especially for specimen acquisition from patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. In such patients, the diagnosis may not be in question, but the opportunity to obtain clinically valuable molecular data in the least invasive manner possible is highly beneficial. Morphologic analysis in this setting can also serve to document disease progression to more aggressive tumors, such as poorly differentiated or anaplastic carcinomas. The opportunity to perform cytologic, histologic, and molecular correlation also has the potential to refine and further define cytologic criteria for malignancy on thyroid FNA specimens. The authors concluded that molecular testing of thyroid FNA specimens is widely practiced and adds considerable insight toward clinical decision-making. It is exciting to witness genomic insights supplement the traditional factors used in patient management. Despite this excitement for "genomics", clinicians should not forget that the FDA has generally followed a hands‐off policy of enforcement discretion among laboratory‐developed tests. Therefore, clinicians have had thrust upon them heightened gatekeeper roles of evaluating test quality and safety. As patient advocates, they must demand validation data for all laboratory‐developed tests and reject those that are unsubstantiated.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on "Evaluation and management of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology" (Ross, 2020) states that Afirma introduced an Xpression Atlas as an add-on test, available for GSC-suspicious and Bethesda V and VI nodules, which assesses 761 DNA variants and 130 RNA fusions in 500 genes". Xpression Atlas is not mentioned in the "Summary and Recommendations" section of the review. In addition, no prospective clinical studies for Afirma Xpression Atlas are available.
There is currently insufficient evidence to determine the effects of the Afirma Xpression Atlas on net health outcomes; further investigation is needed to establish its clinical utility.
AMBLor Melanoma Prognostic Test
Avero Diagnostics (Bellingham, WA and Irving, TX), a laboratory operations and pathology company, developed AMBLor, a laboratory test for the identification of early-stage melanoma at low risk of progression. The AMBLor test's technology can identify the presence of two prognostic biomarker proteins, AMBRA1 and loricrin, which are located on the surface of the skin above the tumor. Absence of both markers in the American Joint Committee on Cancer early-stage (stage I and II) melanoma is associated with tumors at normal or high risk of recurrence, whereas normal expression of one or both markers is associated with a low risk of progression (Avero Diagnostics, 2023).
Currently, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed literature to support the sensitivity or specificity of this test.
ArteraAI Prostate Test
The ArteraAI Prostate Test is indicated for identification of patients who may benefit from therapy intensification to help guide treatment decisions for men with localized prostate cancer. Artera's multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) biomarker test is purported to leverage a unique algorithm that assesses digital images from a patient's biopsy and learns from a patient's clinical data. The AI combines this information to predict whether a patient will benefit from hormone therapy and estimate long-term outcomes. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Esteva et al (2022) stated that PCa is the most common cancer in men and a leading cause of cancer death. Determining a patient's optimal therapy is a challenge, where oncologists must select a therapy with the highest likelihood of success and the lowest likelihood of toxicity. International standards for prognostication rely on non-specific and semi-quantitative tools, commonly leading to over- and under-treatment. Tissue-based molecular biomarkers have attempted to address this; however, most have limited validation in prospective, randomized trials and expensive processing costs, posing substantial barriers to widespread adoption. There remains a significant need for accurate and scalable tools to support therapy personalization. These researchers demonstrated PCa therapy personalization by predicting long-term, clinically relevant outcomes using a multi-modal deep learning architecture and train models using clinical data and digital histopathology from prostate biopsies. These investigators trained and validated models using 5 randomized, phase-III clinical trials conducted across hundreds of clinical centers. Histopathological data were available for 5,654 of 7,764 randomized patients (71 %) with a median follow-up of 11.4 years. Compared to the most common risk -- stratification tool-risk groups developed by the NCCN -- their models have superior discriminatory performance across all endpoints, ranging from 9.2 % to 14.6 % relative improvement in a held-out validation set. This AI-based tool improves prognostication over standard tools and allows oncologists to computationally predict the likeliest outcomes of specific patients to determine optimal treatment. Outfitted with digital scanners and internet access, any clinic could offer such capabilities, enabling global access to therapy personalization.
Spratt et al (2023) stated that ADT with RT can benefit patients with localized PCa; however, ADT can negatively impact quality of life (QOL), and there remain no validated predictive models to guide its use. These investigators employed digital pathology images from pre-treatment prostate tissue and clinical data from 5,727 patients enrolled in 5 phase-III randomized trials, in which treatment was RT with or without ADT, as their data source to develop and validate an AI-derived predictive patient-specific model that would determine which patients would develop the primary end-point of DM. The model used baseline data to provide a binary output that a given patient will likely benefit from ADT or not. After the model was locked, validation was carried out using data from NRG Oncology/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 9408 (n = 1,594), a study that randomly assigned men to RT plus or minus 4 months of ADT. Fine-Gray regression and restricted mean survival times were used to examine the interaction between treatment and the predictive model and within predictive model-positive, i.e., benefited from ADT, and predictive model-negative subgroup treatment effects. Overall, in the NRG/RTOG 9408 validation cohort (14.9 years of median follow-up), ADT significantly improved time to DM. Of these enrolled patients, 543 (34 %) were model-positive, and ADT significantly reduced the risk of DM compared with RT alone. Of 1,051 patients who were model-negative, ADT did not provide benefit. The authors concluded that their AI-based predictive model was able to identify patients with a predominantly intermediate risk for PCa likely to benefit from short-term ADT.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, similar to other prognostic and predictive models in active clinical use, this short-term ADT predictive model was not developed and validated as part of a de-novo prospective model dedicated trial. This approach was supported by Simon et al (2009) and use of a randomized trial of RT with or without ADT would strengthen the credibility and level of evidence of this work. Second, during the era of conduct and follow-up of this study, there was no use of advanced molecular imaging. Third, grade migration because of changes in the Gleason grading system may also have impacted patient stratification into NCCN risk groups; however, any potential biases introduced by this were likely random and impact both study groups, and the raw histopathology imagery would not be impacted by changes in definitions of grading over time. Fourth, information on other prognostic clinicopathologic variables, such as the percentage of Gleason pattern 4 or the percentage of positive biopsy cores, was not available; therefore, alternative risk classification schemas for exploratory analyses were not carried out.
Handke et al (2023) noted that in recent years, multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate has gained importance and plays a crucial role in both personalized diagnostics and increasingly in the treatment planning for patients with PCa. These investigators presented established and innovative applications of MRI in the diagnosis and treatment of localized PCa, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, they examined alternative approaches and compared them in a comprehensive manner. These researchers carried out a systematic literature review on the use of mpMRI for biopsy and therapy planning. The integration of modern imaging techniques, especially mpMRI, into the diagnostic algorithm has revolutionized PCa diagnosis. MRI and MRI-guided biopsy detect more significant PCa, with the potential to reduce unnecessary biopsies and the diagnosis of clinically insignificant carcinomas. Furthermore, MRI provides crucial information for risk stratification and treatment planning in PCa patients, both before radical prostatectomy (RP) and during active surveillance. The authors concluded that multi-parametric MRI offered significant added value for the diagnosis and treatment of localized PCa. Moreover, these researchers stated that the advancement of MRI analysis, such as the implementation of AI algorithms, holds the potential for further enhancing imaging diagnostics.
In a systematic review, Bazarkin et al (2024) examined AI's capabilities in the genetics of PCa and bladder cancer (BCa) to evaluate target groups for such analysis as well as to assess its prospects in daily practice. In total, this analysis included 27 studies: 10 have reported on PCa; and 17 on BCa, respectively. The AI algorithms added clinical value and showed promising results in several fields, including cancer detection, assessment of cancer development risk, risk stratification in terms of survival and relapse, and prediction of response to a specific therapy. Besides clinical applications, genetic analysis aided by the AI shed light on the basic urologic cancer biology. The authors believed their results of the AI application to the analysis of PCa, BCa data sets will aid in identifying new targets for urological cancer therapy. The integration of AI in genomic research for screening and clinical applications will evolve with time to help personalizing chemotherapy, prediction of survival and relapse, aid treatment strategies such as reducing frequency of diagnostic cystoscopies, and clinical decision-making, e.g., by predicting immunotherapy response. These factors will eventually result in personalized and precision medicine; thus, improving patient outcomes.
Ross et al (2024) noted that accurate risk stratification is critical to guide management decisions in localized PCa. Previously, these researchers had developed and validated a multi-modal AI (MMAI) model generated from digital histopathology and clinical features. In this study, these investigators externally validated this model on men with high-risk or locally advanced PCa treated and followed as part of a phase-III randomized control trial (RCT). The validation cohort included 318 localized high-risk PCa patients from NRG/RTOG 9902 with available histopathology (337 [85 %] of the 397 patients enrolled into the trial had available slides, of which 19 [5.6 %] failed due to poor image quality). Two previously locked prognostic MMAI models were validated for their intended endpoint: DM and PCa-specific mortality (PCSM). Individual clinical factors and the number of NCCN high-risk features served as comparators. Sub-distribution HR (sHR) was reported per standard deviation increase of the score with corresponding 95 % CI using Fine-Gray or Cox proportional hazards models. The DM and PCSM MMAI algorithms were significantly and independently associated with the risk of DM (sHR [95 % CI] = 2.33 [1.60 to 3.38], p < 0.001); and PCSM, respectively (sHR [95 % CI] = 3.54 [2.38 to 5.28], p < 0.001) when compared against other prognostic clinical factors and NCCN high-risk features. The lower 75 % of patients by DM MMAI had estimated 5- and 10-year DM rates of 4 % and 7 %, and the highest quartile had average 5- and 10-year DM rates of 19 % and 32 %, respectively (p < 0.001). Similar results were observed for the PCSM MMAI algorithm. The authors concluded that they externally validated the prognostic ability of MMAI models previously developed among men with localized high-risk disease. MMAI prognostic models further risk stratified beyond the clinical and pathological variables for DM and PCSM in a population of men already at a high risk for disease progression. These investigators stated that this study provided evidence for consistent validation of their deep learning MMAI models to improve prognostication and enable more informed decision-making for patient care. Moreover, these researchers stated that further investigations are needed to understand the benefits of integration of the MMAI model within routine clinical care environments.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, the included Gleason information was based on original classification reported and has not been re-classified by current grading definitions. Second, there were neither any genomic biomarkers nor clinical nomograms available as comparators in this study due to data limitation; further investigations examining MMAI performance in more homogeneous risk populations and subgroups of interest are needed. Third, due to the era in which the trial was carried out, men were not diagnosed and staged with the use of prostate-specific membrane antigen PET and multi-parametric MRI, there have been multiple changes in treatment and imaging in routine clinical care. While these may impact absolute event rates, these are unlikely to impact the prognostic superiority of the MMAI models over routine clinicopathological variables. Fourth, prognostic signals based on the MMAI models were developed agnostic to treatment selection; this study was under-powered to examine the MMAI models for response to CT.
Tward et al (2024) evaluated a multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) model that integrates digital histopathology and clinical data to improve risk stratification for localized prostate cancer in a cohort of 9,787 patients from eight NRG Oncology phase III randomized trials. The MMAI model was compared to the standard National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk groups. The MMAI system reclassified 42% of patients compared to NCCN categories, identifying a larger proportion as low-risk (43.5% vs 30.4%) while maintaining a similar 10-year distant metastasis rate (3.2% for MMAI vs 1.7% for NCCN). The MMAI model further stratified the NCCN high-risk group, distinguishing a subset with a markedly elevated 10-year metastasis risk (26.3%), while also identifying patients within the high-risk group who had much lower risk (3.4% and 8.2%). The investigators found that the MMAI approach expands the population identified as low metastatic risk and more accurately pinpoints those at highest risk, potentially reducing both overtreatment and undertreatment.
The study had a number of drawbacks. The MMAI model was developed and validated exclusively using data from patients enrolled in NRG Oncology phase III randomized trials, all of whom received radiation therapy, androgen deprivation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. This may limit the generalizability of the findings to patients managed with other modalities, such as surgery or active surveillance, or to those treated outside of clinical trial settings, where patient selection and management may differ. The study relied on digitized pre-treatment biopsy histopathology slides and clinical data. The quality and availability of digital pathology infrastructure may vary across institutions, potentially limiting the immediate applicability of the MMAI model in routine clinical practice. Although the MMAI model demonstrated improved risk stratification compared to NCCN risk groups, the study did not address how integration of this tool would impact clinical decision-making or patient outcomes in real-world practice. Prospective clinical utility and implementation studies are needed. Finally, as with all AI-based models, there is a risk of overfitting to the training data, and the model’s performance may be affected by changes in clinical practice, pathology processing, or population characteristics over time. Continuous validation and recalibration will be necessary as the model is deployed more widely.
Feng et al (2024) evaluated the prognostic and predictive utility of a digital pathology-based multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) algorithm in men with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) enrolled in the SPARTAN phase III trial, which investigated the addition of apalutamide to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The MMAI model integrated digitized hematoxylin and eosin-stained primary tumor slides with baseline clinical parameters (Gleason score, age, T stage, PSA) to generate a risk score for each patient. Among 420 evaluable patients, 63% were classified as MMAI high risk and 37% as non-high risk. MMAI high-risk status was associated with significantly shorter metastasis-free survival (MFS), second progression-free survival (PFS2), and overall survival (OS). IMMAI high-risk patients derived the greatest benefit from apalutamide, with marked improvements in MFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.19), PFS2 (HR 0.47), and OS (HR 0.6) compared to placebo. The interaction between MMAI risk group and treatment was statistically significant for both MFS and PFS2, indicating that the MMAI score may serve as a predictive biomarker for response to apalutamide. The investigators concluded that this study demonstrates that MMAI is both a prognostic and potentially predictive biomarker in nmCRPC, capable of identifying patients at highest risk for progression and those most likely to benefit from intensified therapy with apalutamide.
The drawbacks of the study include the fact that the analysis was retrospective and limited to patients with available, high-quality digitized hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides and complete baseline clinical data, resulting in the exclusion of a substantial number of trial participants. This introduces potential selection bias and may limit generalizability to the broader nmCRPC population, especially those without accessible archival tissue or with suboptimal sample quality. Also, the MMAI algorithm was applied to primary tumor samples obtained years prior to the development of nmCRPC. While the study demonstrated prognostic and predictive value, the biological relevance of archival tissue to current disease state remains a concern, as tumor evolution and treatment effects over time may not be fully captured. The study was conducted within the context of a single randomized trial (SPARTAN), and external validation in independent nmCRPC cohorts is lacking. This limits the ability to assess the robustness and reproducibility of the MMAI model across diverse clinical settings and populations. The study also did not compare the MMAI algorithm directly to other established molecular or genomic classifiers, nor did it assess the incremental value of MMAI over standard clinical risk models. Finally, the study did not address the impact of advanced imaging modalities (e.g., PSMA PET) on risk stratification, which may reclassify some nmCRPC patients as metastatic and affect the interpretation of MMAI-derived risk groups in contemporary practice.
Markowski et al (2024) evaluated a multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) biomarker for its prognostic value in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) using data from the phase 3 CHAARTED trial. The MMAI model integrated digital histopathology images and clinical variables to generate risk scores for 456 patients with evaluable data. The main findings were that the MMAI biomarker was prognostic for overall survival, clinical progression, and development of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Specifically, patients classified as MMAI-high risk had significantly worse 5-year overall survival (39%) compared to MMAI-intermediate (58%) and MMAI-low (83%) groups (log-rank p < 0.001). The MMAI score remained independently prognostic after adjustment for treatment, disease volume, and stage at diagnosis, with hazard ratios for overall survival, clinical progression, and castration resistance all exceeding 1.5 and highly statistically significant (p < 0.001). The distribution of MMAI-high risk was greatest in patients with high-volume, synchronous metastatic disease.
The study had a number of drawbacks. First, the analysis was restricted to 456 out of 790 patients (58%) from the CHAARTED trial who had evaluable digital histopathology images and complete clinical data, introducing potential selection bias and limiting generalizability to the broader metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) population. Patients without available or adequate tissue samples were excluded, and the characteristics of excluded patients may differ in ways that affect the prognostic value of the MMAI biomarker. Second, the MMAI biomarker was developed and validated using archival primary tumor tissue, which may not fully reflect the current biology of metastatic disease, especially after systemic therapy and disease progression. Tumor evolution and heterogeneity over time could impact the accuracy of risk stratification based on baseline samples. Third, the study was retrospective and exploratory in nature, and the MMAI model was not compared head-to-head with other established molecular or genomic prognostic tools, such as Decipher or transcriptomic classifiers, nor was its incremental value over standard clinical risk models formally assessed. Fourth, the findings are based on a single clinical trial cohort (CHAARTED), and external validation in independent, contemporary mHSPC populations is lacking. This limits the ability to assess the robustness and reproducibility of the MMAI biomarker across diverse clinical settings and treatment paradigms. Finally, the study did not address the clinical utility or impact of MMAI-guided risk stratification on treatment decision-making or patient outcomes in real-world practice.
Spratt et al (2024) performed a meta-analysis of individual patient-level data from six NRG/RTOG phase III randomized trials to validate a multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) biomarker for high-risk prostate cancer. The main findings were that the MMAI biomarker was independently and strongly prognostic for distant metastasis (DM) and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) in men with high-risk features (cT3–4, Gleason 8–10, PSA >20 ng/mL, or primary Gleason pattern 5), outperforming standard clinicopathologic variables such as PSA, Gleason score, T-stage, and number of high-risk features. On multivariable analysis, the MMAI score was the only variable significantly associated with DM, and it provided superior discrimination for 5-year DM and PCSM compared to traditional risk factors. The MMAI biomarker stratified high-risk patients into subgroups with widely varying long-term risks of metastasis and mortality, despite all meeting high-risk criteria.
The study had a number of drawbacks. The analysis was restricted to patients from six NRG/RTOG phase III randomized trials who had available and adequate digital histopathology and clinical data, which introduces potential selection bias and may limit generalizability to the broader high-risk prostate cancer population, especially those without accessible or high-quality tissue samples. The MMAI biomarker was developed and validated using archival pre-treatment biopsy tissue, which may not fully capture the current tumor biology at the time of recurrence or progression, given the potential for tumor evolution over time. While the MMAI model outperformed standard clinicopathologic variables for prognostication, the study did not directly compare the MMAI biomarker to other established molecular or genomic classifiers, nor did it assess the incremental value of MMAI over existing clinical risk models in a head-to-head fashion. The study was retrospective and did not evaluate the clinical utilityor impact of MMAI-guided risk stratification on treatment decision-making or patient outcomes in real-world practice. Prospective validation and implementation studies are needed to address these gaps.
Roach et al. (2025) evaluated the algorithmic fairness of multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) models for prostate cancer prognostication in men of African and non-African origin using data from five NRG Oncology phase III randomized trials. Previous studies have established the prognostic value of MMAI biomarkers in high-risk and metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, but concerns remain about potential bias, especially since African American men have historically had worse prostate cancer outcomes and are underrepresented in biomarker development. In this analysis, 5,708 patients were included, with 948 (16.6%) identified as African American. Two MMAI models were assessed: one optimized for distant metastasis (DM) and another for prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM). The models’ prognostic performance was evaluated separately in African American and non-African American subgroups. The MMAI algorithms demonstrated strong and comparable prognostic performance for both DM and PCSM in African American and non-African American men, with similar risk score distributions and hazard ratios in both groups. The investigators found that there was no evidence of algorithmic bias or performance disparity by race.
The study had a number of drawbacks. Although the study included a relatively large cohort of African American men (16.6% of the total population), African American and other minority groups remain underrepresented compared to their disease burden in the general population, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to all men of African descent or to other underrepresented populations. Additionally, the analysis was restricted to patients from five NRG Oncology phase III trials who had available and adequate digital histopathology and clinical data, introducing potential selection bias. Patients without accessible or high-quality tissue samples were excluded, and the characteristics of these excluded patients may differ in ways that affect the performance and fairness of the MMAI models. The MMAI models were developed and validated using archival pre-treatment biopsy tissue, which may not fully capture the current tumor biology at the time of recurrence or progression, given the potential for tumor evolution over time. While the study demonstrated comparable prognostic performance of the MMAI models across racial subgroups, it did not assess the impact of other social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, access to care, or comorbidities, which are known to contribute to disparities in prostate cancer outcomes and may influence the real-world performance of AI-based tools. Finally, the study did not compare the MMAI models directly to other established molecular or genomic classifiers, nor did it evaluate the clinical utility or impact of MMAI-guided risk stratification on treatment decision-making or patient outcomes in routine practice.
Parker et al. (2025) reported on a post-hoc ancillary biomarker analysis of four phase 3 randomized controlled trials from the STAMPEDE platform, including patients with advanced or very high-risk prostate cancer starting long-term androgen deprivation therapy. The study included 3,167 patients with a median follow-up of 6.9 years. The investigators included patients from the docetaxel, docetaxel plus zoledronic acid, abiraterone, or abiraterone plus enzalutamide arms, recruited at 112 sites. Patients were classified as having metastatic disease or being at very high risk for metastasis based on nodal status, T stage, PSA, and Gleason score. The analysis used the locked ArteraAI Prostate MMAI algorithm. Only patients with all required data for score generation were included. The study demonstrated that the MMAI score was strongly associated with prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) at 5 years, both as a continuous variable (HR per SD increase: 1.40, 95% CI 1.30–1.51, p<0.0001) and when stratified by quartiles. The highest quartile (Q4) identified patients with significantly higher PCSM risk across both non-metastatic and metastatic subgroups. The authors stated that the MMAI model provided additional prognostic discrimination beyond conventional disease burden stratification, identifying subgroups with notably different 5-year PCSM rates even within the same disease stage or burden category.
The study had a number of drawbacks. The study is a post-hoc ancillary biomarker analysis of four phase 3 randomized controlled trials, not a prospective trial designed to test the clinical utility of the MMAI model. This design limits the ability to determine whether use of the test improves patient outcomes or changes clinical management. Selection bias is possible because only patients with complete clinical data and digitized biopsy samples were included (3,167 of 5,213 eligible), which may not fully represent the broader population of advanced prostate cancer patients. The MMAI model was validated for prognostic, not predictive, performance; it stratifies risk but does not demonstrate that its use leads to improved outcomes or guides treatment selection. No evidence is provided that clinical decisions based on the MMAI score improve survival, quality of life, or reduce overtreatment.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Prostate Cancer” (Version 1.2024) states that “Multivariable models, such as gene expression classifiers or artificial intelligence (AI)-derived digital histopathology biomarkers, can combine clinical, pathologic, and other biomarkers to further improve risk stratification”.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on “Localized prostate cancer: Risk stratification and choice of initial treatment” (Richie, 2024) does not mention artificial intelligence / AI as a management option.
Augusta Hematology Optical Genome Mapping
The Augusta Hematology Optical Genome Mapping test (Georgia Esoteric and Molecular Labs, Augusta University, Bionano) uses optical genome mapping (via the Saphyr system (Bionano Genomics) for copy number alterations and gene rearrangements utilizing DNA from blood or bone marrow in patients with hematolymphoid neoplasia. The test is aimed to report clinically significant alterations.
Auria
Auria (Namida Lab, Inc.) is a home laboratory breast cancer screening test that evaluates for S100A8 and S100A9 biomarkers by ELISA method on tear fluid. The sample strip is a thin piece of filter paper that is commonly used to test for dry eye. The results are interpreted using an algorithm and reported as a risk score.
Auria is intended for women ages 30 and over. Auria is not a replacement for screening mammograms. Auria is not intended for women with an unevaluated palpable mass or area of concern in their breast tissue. It is also not intended for women who no longer have breast tissue. Moreover, this test is intended for informational and educational use only, and is not intended to be used for diagnostic purposes.
Avantect Ovarian Cancer Test
Avantect Ovarian Cancer Test (ClearNote Health) is a cell-free DNA (cfDNA)-based blood test used for early detection of ovarian cancer in women with high risk (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations , first-degree family member with ovarian cancer). Testing methods include whole-genome sequencing (WGS) with 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) enrichment, a chemical modification of DNA, using whole blood or plasma. An algorithm is used to report if cancer is detected or not detected
Per the manufacturer's website, Avantect Ovarian Cancer Test does not establish a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and results should be considered in the context of other clinical criteria. Definitive diagnosis of ovarian cancer usually requires a series of imaging scans, blood tests, and a biopsy.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) practice guidelines on "Genetic/familial high-risk assessment: Breast, ovarian, and pancreatic" (Version 1.2025) does not provide a recommendation for the use of a cfDNA-based blood test as a management tool.
Avantect Pancreatic Cancer Test
The Avantect test (ClearNote Health) is a cell-free DNA (cfDNA)-based blood test that combines whole-genome sequencing with 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) profiling in a single assay to evaluate persons at high risk for pancreatic cancer. The test incorporates machine learning and a bioinformatic algorithm to detect the presence of cancer. The results are reported as detected or not detected.
In a comprehensive analytical validation study, Chowdhury et al (2024) report on the testing method of the early detection pancreatic cancer test using 5hmC signatures. The authors state their validation study encompasses precision, sample stability, limit of detection, interfering substance studies, and a comparison with an alternative method. The assay performance on an independent case-control patient cohort was previously reported with a sensitivity for early-stage (stage I/II) pancreatic cancer of 68.3% (95% CI, 51.9%-81.9%) and an overall specificity of 96.9% (95% CI, 96.1%-97.7%). Precision studies showed a cancer classification of 100% concordance in biological replicates. The sample stability studies revealed stable assay performance for up to 7 days after blood collection. The limit of detection studies revealed equal results between early- and late-stage cancer samples, emphasizing strong early-stage performance characteristics. Comparisons of concordance of the Avantect assay with the enzymatic methyl sequencing (EM-Seq) method, which measures both methylation (5-methylcytosine) and 5hmC, were greater than 95% for all samples tested. The authors concluded that the Avantect Pancreatic Cancer Test showed strong analytical validation in multiple validation studies required for laboratory-developed test accreditation. The comparison of 5hmC versus EM-Seq further validated the 5hmC approach as a robust and reproducible assay. The authors acknowledged that the studies presented primarily focus on the analytical aspects of Avantect, whereas the clinical validation and utility across diverse high-risk patient groups are currently being assessed.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) practice guidelines on "Genetic/familial high-risk assessment: Breast, ovarian, and pancreatic" (Version 1.2025) does not provide a recommendation for the use of a cfDNA-based blood test as a management tool.
Currently, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed literature to support the sensitivity or specificity of this test.
Aventa FusionPlus
Aventa FusionPlus (Aventa Genomics, LLC) is a next-generation sequencing test that detects gene fusions, translocations, and other rearrangements across 361 genes from formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue. The test uses 3D genomics, which involves exploring the 3-dimensional organization of DNA in the nucleus to reveal insights into the genome’s sequence, structure, and regulatory landscape. The test is indicated for patients with driver-negative solid tumors (e.g., RAS-wt NSCLC and PDAC, unresolved sarcomas, any other driver-negative solid tumor). The aim of the test is to see all clinically relevant variants to enable physicians to identify druggable targets, better understand prognosis, and resolve diagnostic dilemmas (Aventa, 2024).
There is insufficient evidence in peer-reviewed published literature to support the clinical value of Aventa FusionPlus.
BBDRisk Dx
BBDRisk Dx by Silbiotech, Inc. is a genomic risk test for women diagnosed with precancerous breast tumors that have one or more of the following: Atypical Ductal Hyperplasias (ADH), Atypical Lobular Hyperplasias (ALH), Usual Ductal Hyperplasia (UDH), Papilloma, or Sclerosing Adenosis The test assays a set of cancer biomarker proteins in the tumor tissue and is intended to predict the likelihood of developing breast cancer in the next five years after diagnosis. Based on the cancer marker levels in the tumor tissue, a ‘Cancer Risk Score’ in the range of 0-10 will be provided. The higher the risk score indicates a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Poola et al (2019) discussed the dilemma faced by oncologists in administering preventative measures to "at risk" patients diagnosed with atypical and non-atypical hyperplasia due to lack of any molecular means of risk stratification and identifying high-risk subjects. These investigators examined a 4-marker risk signature, MMP-1, CEACAM6, HYAL1, and HEC1, using 440 hyperplastic tissues for identifying high-risk subjects who will benefit from preventative therapies. They assayed the markers by IHC and combined their expression levels to obtain a composite value from 0 to 10, which they called a "Cancer Risk Score". These researchers demonstrated that the 4-marker-based risk scores predicted subsequent cancer development with an accuracy of 91 % and 86 % for atypical and non-atypical subjects, respectively. They have established a correlation between risk scores and cancer rates by stratifying the samples into low-risk (score of less than or equal to 0.5); intermediate-risk (score of less than or equal to 5.4), and high-risk (score of greater than 5.4) groups using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. These investigators have evaluated cancer rates at 5, 10, and 15 years. These findings showed that the average cancer rates in the first 5 years among low- and intermediate-risk groups were 2 % and 15 %, respectively. Among high-risk group, the average cancer rates at 5 years were 73 % and 34 % for atypical and non-atypical subjects, respectively. The authors concluded that data were presented in establishing MMP-1-, CEACAM6-, HYAL1-, and HEC1-based risk scoring and risk stratification strategy to classify a hyperplasia subject as low-risk, intermediate-risk, or high-risk for developing future breast cancer. Furthermore, data on cancer rates for a given risk group at 5 years, 10 years, and beyond were presented for atypical as well as non-atypical patients. The risk scoring model described here offered for the 1st time a tumor biology-based personalized risk scoring method for making informed treatment decisions. Prophylactic treatment decisions can now be made based on the cancer risk score and consultation between a patient and her health care professional (e.g., a standard screening for women with low-risk, increased surveillance for subjects of intermediate-risk, and risk-reducing endocrine therapies and/or prophylactic mastectomy for high-risk group similar to BRCA gene mutation carriers). These investigators stated that the above treatment guidelines were approved for only atypical subjects but not for non-atypical subjects. These findings presented here on non-atypical samples warrants the need for developing treatment guidelines similar to subjects with atypical growths. These researchers noted that the findings of this study in conjunction with the available prophylactic measures could prevent approximately 20 % to 25 % of sporadic breast cancers.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Breast cancer” (Version 2.2022) does not mention BBDRisk (MMP-1, CEACAM6, HYAL1, or HEC1).
Biodesix BDX-XL2, Nodify Lung, Nodify CDT, or Nodify XL2 Test for Distinguishing Benign from Malignant Lung Nodules
BDX-XL2 (Biodesix Inc) is a blood-based classifier designed to identify low-to-moderate risk patients with a likely benign lung nodule. This classifier supposedly integrates plasma proteins with clinical risk factors associated with lung cancer.
Biodesix also offers Nodify Lung testing which consists of two blood-based proteomic tests, the Nodify CDT and Nodify XL2, to help interpret the risk of malignancy of a lung nodule. The tests is obtained by means of a liquid biopsy on a simple blood draw. The Nodify XL2 test is an integrated classifier that measures the ratio of two proteins (LG3BP and C163A) combined with several clinical and radiological factors to help identify those nodules that are likely benign.
Tanner, et al. (2015) noted that pulmonary nodules (PNs) are a common reason for referral to pulmonologists. The majority of data for the evaluation and management of PNs is derived from studies carried out in academic medical centers. Little is known regarding the prevalence and diagnosis of PNs, the use of diagnostic testing, or the management of PNs by community pulmonologists. In an observational, multi-center, record review, these investigators evaluated 377 patients aged 40 to 89 years referred to 18 geographically diverse community pulmonary practices for intermediate PNs (8 to 20 mm). Study measures included the prevalence of malignancy, procedure/test use, and nodule pre-test probability of malignancy as calculated by 2 previously validated models. The relationship between calculated pre-test probability and management decisions was evaluated. The prevalence of malignancy was 25 % (n = 94); about one-half of the patients (46 %, n = 175) had surveillance alone. Biopsy was carried out on 125 patients (33.2 %). A total of 77 patients (20.4 %) underwent surgery, of whom 35 % (n = 27) had benign disease. PET scan was used in 141 patients (37 %). The false-positive rate for PET scan was 39 % (95 % CI: 27.1 % to 52.1 %). Pre-test probability of malignancy calculations showed that 9.5 % (n = 36) were at a low risk, 79.6 % (n = 300) were at a moderate risk, and 10.8 % (n = 41) were at a high risk of malignancy. The rate of surgical resection was similar among the 3 groups (17 %, 21 %, 17 %, respectively; p = 0.69). The authors concluded that 1 in 4 patients referred with a nodule to a community pulmonologist has cancer, making management decisions critical to patient outcomes. To spare patients unnecessary testing, use of a higher probability of cancer risk to define a nodule as low risk appeared reasonable. There is a wide variation in how nodules are managed and the choice of management may be influenced by a variety of factors in addition to pre-test probability. These investigators stated that future research should focus on what influences decision-making in PN management so that interventions may be developed to promote proper guideline adherence and avoidance of unnecessary invasive procedures.
Silvestri, et al. (2018) stated that lung nodules are a diagnostic challenge, with an estimated yearly incidence of 1.6 million in the United States. In a multi-center, observational study, these researchers examined the accuracy of an integrated proteomic classifier in identifying benign nodules in patients with a pre-test probability of cancer (pCA) of less than or equal to 50 %. This trial included 685 patients with 8- to 30-mm lung nodules. Multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry was used to measure the relative abundance of 2 plasma proteins, LG3BP and C163A. Results were integrated with a clinical risk prediction model to identify likely benign nodules. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Estimates of potential changes in invasive testing had the integrated classifier results been available and acted on were made. A subgroup of 178 patients with a clinician-assessed pCA of less than or equal to 50 % had a 16 % prevalence of lung cancer. The integrated classifier demonstrated a sensitivity of 97 % (confidence interval [CI]: 82 to 100), a specificity of 44 % (CI: 36 to 52), and a NPV of 98 % (CI: 92 to 100) in distinguishing benign from malignant nodules. The classifier performed better than PET, validated lung nodule risk models, and physician cancer probability estimates (p < 0.001). If the integrated classifier results were used to direct care, 40 % fewer procedures would be performed on benign nodules, and 3 % of malignant nodules would be mis-classified. The authors concluded that when used in patients with lung nodules with a pCA of less than or equal to 50 %, the integrated classifier accurately identified benign lung nodules with good performance characteristics. If used in clinical practice, invasive procedures could be reduced by diverting benign nodules to surveillance. Moreover, these researchers stated that further research is needed to examine the effect of incorporating this test into the diagnostic algorithm for nodule management in the hope of reducing unnecessary procedures in patients without cancer.
The authors stated that the present study had several drawbacks. First, the effect the plasma protein test might have had on test ordering was retrospectively analyzed; thus, a prospective study to assess changes in practice is needed. Second, community practices were under-represented in this trial; however, based on a previous study, the likely benefit in terms of reduction of invasive testing would be significantly greater than that reported here. Third, although there was precedent for reporting 1-year outcomes for stable nodules, traditionally, 2 years of nodule stability is what has been required to determine a nodule is benign. Two-year follow-up data will be reported in the future once finalized. Fourth, there were 88 patients without follow-up CT scan data at 1 year. This degree of missing data may not be random, as patients with a low risk of lung cancer may have been less likely to be adherent with follow-up recommendations.
An editorial by Al Nasrallah and Sears (2018) comment on the PANOPTIC trial conducted by Silvestri, et al. (2018). The authors state that the trial represents an important step in development of a molecular profile that will aid in classification of intermediate-risk nodules which will hopefully avoid unnecessary procedures, anxiety, and costs. However, we are not quite ready to put away the biopsy needle just yet. The authors report that “this well-conducted clinical validation study of two plasma biomarkers [LG3BP and C163A] used in conjunction with well-defined clinical risk factors is a necessary step before determination of clinical utility. There are many lung cancer biomarkers at various stages of development, few of which have progressed to the point of clinical validation. Advantages of this integrated classifier are that the serum biomarkers are easily obtained, the clinical characteristics are readily available, and it could be combined with other risk stratification characteristics available now and in the future”.
Ostrin, et al. (2020) noted that lung cancer is the leading worldwide cause of cancer mortality, as it is often detected at an advanced stage. Since 2011, low-dose CT scan-based screening has promised a 20 % reduction in lung cancer mortality. However, effectiveness of screening has been limited by eligibility only for a high-risk population of heavy smokers and a large number of false positives generated by CT. Biomarkers have tremendous potential to improve early detection of lung cancer by refining lung cancer risk, stratifying positive CT scans, and categorizing intermediate-risk pulmonary nodules. Three biomarker tests (Early CDT-Lung, Nodify XL2, Percepta) have undergone extensive validation and are available to the clinician. The authors discussed these tests, with their clinical applicability and limitations, current ongoing evaluation, and future directions for biomarkers in lung cancer screening and detection. Moreover, these researchers stated that biomarkers are playing an emerging role in the early detection of lung cancer. There are many potential roles for biomarkers, from risk stratification to classification of nodules detected incidentally or through low-dose screening programs. Several multi-analyte biomarker panels are available and have shown performance in classification of indeterminate pulmonary nodules; however, these panels must be used in an appropriate clinical context. Furthermore, there is still much work to be done on unfulfilled needs within and outside of CT-based screening.
Ost (2021) stated that likelihood ratios (LRs) are a method to evaluate diagnostic test performance and assist in clinical decision-making. While sensitivity and specificity are useful for binary tests, they cannot be directly applied to tests with greater than 2 possible test results. LRs can be used for diagnostic tests with 2 or more possible test results and are also suitable for tests with continuous results. These investigators reviewed the concepts of LRs and how they relate to sensitivity and specificity. Practical examples from the pulmonary literature of how LRs are used to calculate post-test disease probabilities using Bayes' theorem were provided. These included examples when there were 3 or more categorical test results that have distinct interpretations (e.g., cytology results from endobronchial ultrasound [US]) as well as continuous test results (e.g., computed tomography [CT] lymph node size and probability of metastasis). These researchers also highlighted some problems, pitfalls, and misunderstandings regarding LRs in clinical practice. They employed the example of how the Nodify XL2 test incorrectly calculated and applied LRs, which may lead to falsely low estimates of the probability of cancer in some pulmonary nodules.
Tanner, et al. (2021) noted that the prospective PANOPTIC Trial was carried out at 33 sites to validate the clinical performance of the integrated classifier Nodify XL2 test (Biodesix Inc., Boulder, CO). Details of trial design and test development have previously been published. Briefly, patients age 40 years or older with a newly detected nodule 8 to 30 mm in diameter were included. Cancer diagnosis was by histopathology, and benign diagnosis was made by histopathology, radiographic resolution, or stability. The 1-year analysis population included 178 patients. Imaging data at 2 years minimum was available from 161 patients for this report. The presence and total number of nodules were noted from radiology reports and collected on case report forms. Of the 392 patients included in the PANOPTIC Trial, 178 had a physician-assessed probability for malignancy (pCA) of at least 50 %. In patients with a pCA of less than or equal to 50 %, 149 (84 %) were benign at year 1. At year 2, 10 patients were lost to follow-up, and 7 had final visits that did not extend to 2 years. These 17 excluded patients had been categorized as benign at the 1-year interval, reducing the number of patients with benign nodules to 132 at the 2-year interval and leaving a total of 161 patients (90 %) with data available for analysis. All nodules designated as benign at year 1 remained benign by imaging (e.g., stable or resolved) at year 2 with no change in pathologic diagnoses or nodule size by CT. Patients included in the trial could have more than 1 nodule on imaging studies, with the most suspicious selected as the index lesion. In the intended use group (n = 178), 101 (57 %) had multiple nodules on CT imaging. There were on average 3 nodules (range of 1 to 10), and more than 4 indicated a shift to a higher probability of a benign nodule. Patients with multiple nodules were older than those with a single nodule (p = 0 .002). There was no significant difference in classifier performance between those with multiple nodules compared with those with 1 nodule (p = 0.164). These researchers stated that this study, although not powered to be conclusive, suggested that the classifier performed similarly regardless of nodule number. Furthermore, more than 4 or 5 nodules has been shown to be an indicator of a benign process, and the observational data reported in this trial were supportive.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Non-small cell lung cancer” (Version 1.2023) does not mention the use of “likelihood ratios” or "proteomic" tests as a management tool.
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) Core Curriculum provides a 2021 Pulmonary Core Curriculum update (Garrison et al, 2021) which focuses on lung cancer including risks and prevention, screening, nodules, therapeutics and associated pulmonary toxicities, and malignant pleural effusions. The authors, Ngoc-Tram Ha and Van K. Holden, state that “Current risk stratification models categorize nodules into low, intermediate, and high malignancy risk on the basis of the clinician pretest probability of malignancy (pCA). Use of these models can guide follow-up and management, but careful selection and application of available calculators are required. Models may not have been validated outside of the original patient population and may apply only to solid nodules”. The authors go on to state that “Recent studies have focused on molecular biomarkers to further risk-stratify nodules, but additional clinical utility studies are needed”. An example includes integrated plasma proteomic classifier (two plasma proteins and five clinical risk factors) which have been evaluated in patients with undiagnosed 8- to 30-mm lung nodules and a low-to-moderate pCA of less than or equal to 50%, for which a “likely benign” result accurately identified patients with benign nodules for up to 2 years of follow-up.
Pritchett, et al. (2023) stated that a blood-based integrated classifier (IC) has been clinically validated to improve accuracy in assessing probability of cancer risk (pCA) for pulmonary nodules (PN). These researchers examined the clinical utility of this biomarker for its ability to reduce invasive procedures in patients with pre-test pCA of 50 % or less. This was a propensity score matching (PSM) cohort study comparing patients in the ORACLE prospective, multi-center, observational registry to control patients treated with usual care. This study enrolled patients meeting the intended use criteria for IC testing: pCA of 50 % or less, age of 40 years or older, nodule diameter of 8 to 30 mm, and no history of lung cancer and/or active cancer (except for non-melanomatous skin cancer) within 5 years. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate invasive procedure use on benign PNs of registry patients as compared to control patients. A total of 280 IC tested, and 278 control patients met eligibility and analysis criteria and 197 were in each group after PSM (IC and control groups). Patients in the IC group were 74 % less likely to undergo an invasive procedure as compared to the control group (absolute difference 14 %, p < 0.001) indicating that for every 7 patients tested, 1 unnecessary invasive procedure was avoided. Invasive procedure reduction corresponded to a reduction in risk classification, with 71 patients (36 %) in the IC group classified as low risk (pCA < 5 %). The proportion of IC group patients with malignant PNs sent to surveillance were not statistically different than the control group, 7.5 % versus 3.5 % for the IC versus control groups, respectively (absolute difference 3.91 %, p 0.075). The authors concluded that the IC for patients with a newly discovered PN has shown valuable clinical utility in a real-world setting. These investigators stated that the use of this biomarker can change physicians' practice and reduce invasive procedures in patients with benign pulmonary nodules.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, definitive diagnoses for nodules that were surveilled in this analysis were based on 1 year of follow-up; therefore, a nodule could be mis-classified here as benign when it might have subsequently been malignant. This appeared unlikely as shown in the previous validation trial, which initially reported data at 1 year, and recently showed that there was no change in diagnoses at 2 years, making it unlikely that these results will significantly change over time. This was an observational rather than interventional study so there was variation in management and follow-up, although the findings from the ORACLE study will be more representative of real-world practice than past observational studies without the use of the biomarker. Second, this study lacked randomization to examine the impact of the IC test on clinical practice. Using a historical control could not eliminate bias such as secular trends or other changes in physician’s behavior. This study addressed this potential by selecting patients at the same practices that were treated before the initiation of this study and by using a standard propensity score matching process to balance clinical characteristics between the groups. Third, the consequence for mis-classifying patients with malignancy to likely benign and placing them in surveillance is unknown. More importantly, the rate that this occurred was not statistically different than the control group. However, this study had a relatively small sample of surveilled malignant nodules, and the results could be different with a larger study. To further examine the clinical utility of the IC test, a large randomized controlled trial (the ALTITUDE trial -- NCT04171492) using this IC versus usual care for the management of nodules is underway and should provide additional detail for these drawbacks. Furthermore, the mis-classification with IC testing was not worse than other tools used for nodule classification, such as PET. In addition, a study by Maiga et al (2018) evaluating the performance of PET scans for risk stratifying high-risk lung nodules identified that the negative predictive value of PET scans could vary significantly, ranging from 17 % to 70 %. This indicated that a negative PET scan does not always correspond to a benign designation. These investigators recommended the approach of using the IC to supplement clinical factors and to assist in clinical decision-making, rather than it being seen as the sole determinate for diagnosis or patient management. Still, it is essential to note that a likely benign IC test result still requires follow-up with surveillance CT, and should growth be detected on a subsequent scan, appropriate diagnostic action is indicated.
Kheir, et al. (2023) noted that an IC that uses plasma proteomic biomarker along with 5 clinical and imaging factors was previously shown to be potentially useful in lung nodule evaluation. In a retrospective study, these researchers examined the impact of the integrated proteomic classifier on management decisions in patients with a pre-test pCA of 50 % or less in “real-world” clinical setting. These researchers examined patients with lung nodules who were evaluated using the IC as compared to standard clinical care during the same period, with at least 1-year follow-up. A total of 995 patients were evaluated for lung nodules over 1 year following the implementation of the IC with 17.3 % prevalence of lung cancer. A total of 231 patients met the study eligibility criteria; 102 (44.2 %) were tested with the IC, while 129 (55.8 %) did not. The median number of chest imaging studies was 2 [inter-quartile range (IQR), 1 to 2] in the IC arm and 2 [IQR, 1 to 3] in the non-integrated classifier arm (p = 0.09). The median outpatient clinic visit was 2.00 (IQR, 1.00 to 3.00) in the IC arm and 2.00 (IQR, 2.00 to 3.00) in the non-integrated classifier (p = 0.004). Fewer invasive procedures were pursued in the IC arm as compared to non-integrated classifier respectively (26.5 % versus 79.1 %, p < 0.001). All patients in the IC arm with post-pCA (likely benign n = 39) had designated benign diagnosis at 1-year follow-up. The authors concluded that in patients with lung nodules with a pCA of 50 % or less, use of the IC was associated with fewer invasive procedures and clinic visits without mis-classifying patients with likely benign lung nodules results at 1-year follow-up. These researchers stated that their surveys suggested the educational video helped patients understand nodule evaluations and the use of a biomarker. The use of the biomarker may have also reduced patient anxiety and future studies will help further identify tools from patient perspectives to implement biomarker testing.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, the use of an IC was retrospectively studied in clinical practice; however, a prospective randomized study to evaluate changes in practice is warranted and underway to evaluate such impact in clinical practice (NCT04171492). Second, patients were followed-up to 1-year outcomes for stable nodules, in contrast to traditional 2 years surveillance for nodule stability. This was chosen as 1 year of chest imaging stability showed no growth in nodules stable on subsequent 2-year follow-up in a research setting. Third, due to retrospective nature of the study with 1-year follow-up, there was a possibility that patients in the IC arm with reduced or indeterminate risk might eventually had malignant nodule diagnosis; therefore, it is essential to continue chest imaging surveillance for such patients. Fourth, advanced age and smoking history were more common in the non-IC arm which might have impacted these findings.
Moez, et al. (2023) stated that although lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (CT) is rolling out in many areas of the world, differentiating indeterminate pulmonary nodules remains a major challenge. These researchers carried out one of the 1st systematic investigations of circulating protein markers to differentiate malignant from benign screen-detected pulmonary nodules. Based on 4 international low-dose CT screening studies, these investigators assayed 1,078 protein markers using pre-diagnostic blood samples from 1,253 participants based on a nested case-control design. Protein markers were measured using proximity extension assays, and data were analyzed using multi-variable logistic regression, random forest, and penalized regressions. Protein burden scores (PBSs) for overall nodule malignancy and imminent tumors were estimated. These researchers identified 36 potentially informative circulating protein markers differentiating malignant from benign nodules, representing a tightly connected biological network; 10 markers were found to be especially relevant for imminent lung cancer diagnoses within 1 year. Increases in PBSs for overall nodule malignancy and imminent tumors by 1 standard deviation (SD) were associated with odds ratios (ORs) of 2.29 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.95 to 2.72) and 2.81 (95 % CI: 2.27 to 3.54) for nodule malignancy overall and within 1 year of diagnosis, respectively. Both PBSs for overall nodule malignancy and for imminent tumors were substantially higher for those with malignant nodules than for those with benign nodules, even when limited to Lung Computed Tomography Screening Reporting and Data System (LungRADS) category 4 (p < 0.001). The authors concluded that circulating protein markers could aid in differentiating malignant from benign pulmonary nodules. Moreover, these researchers stated that validation with an independent CT screening study is needed before clinical implementation.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on “Diagnostic evaluation of the incidental pulmonary nodule” (Weinberger and McDermott, 2023) states that “The Pulmonary Nodule Plasma Proteomic Classifier (PANOPTIC) trial investigated the ability of five clinical risk factors (age, smoking status, nodule diameter, shape, and location) and the expression of two plasma proteins associated with lung cancer and cancer immune response (LG3BP and C163A) to differentiate between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. Results suggested that the integrated classifier accurately identifies benign lung nodules with good performance characteristics (high sensitivity [97 %] and high negative predictive value [98 %]). These findings need further validation before this index can be recommended”.
BioSpeciFx
BioSpeciFx is an individualized molecular tumor profiling of a panel of tumor markers to establish a personalized molecular profile of a tumor to recommend treatment options. It is often ordered in combination with an invitro chemosensitivity/chemoresistance assay or ChemoFx. See CPB 0245 - Tumor Chemosensitivity Assays and CPB 0758 - Tumor Chemoresistance Assays. The combination of molecular profiling and invitro drug response marker testing is sometimes referred to as comprehensive tumor profiling.
BluePrint
Molecular subtyping profile or BluePrint is proposed for the evaluation of an individual’s prognosis when diagnosed with breast cancer. The multigene profile classifies breast cancer into basal type, luminal type and ERBB type (HER2/neu positive) molecular subclasses to stratify an individual’s risk to purportedly assist with treatment decisions.
Agendia BluePrint has an 80-gene profile that classifies breast cancer into molecular subtypes (Raman, et al., 2013). The profile separates tumors into Basal-type, Luminal-type and ERBB2-type subgroups by measuring the functionality of downstream genes for each of these molecular pathways to inform the physician of the potential effect of adjuvant therapy.
Krijgsman et al (2012) noted that classification of breast cancer into molecular subtypes maybe important for the proper selection of therapy, as tumors with seemingly similar histopathological features can have strikingly different clinical outcomes. Herein, these researchers reported the development of a molecular subtyping profile (BluePrint), which enables rationalization in patient selection for either chemotherapy or endocrine therapy prescription. An 80-Gene Molecular Subtyping Profile (BluePrint) was developed using 200 breast cancer patient specimens and confirmed on 4 independent validation cohorts (n = 784). Additionally, the profile was tested as a predictor of chemotherapy response in 133 breast cancer patients, treated with T/FAC neoadjuvant chemotherapy. BluePrint classification of a patient cohort that was treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 133) shows improved distribution of pathological Complete Response (pCR), among molecular subgroups compared with local pathology: 56 % of the patients had a pCR in the Basal-type subgroup, 3 % in the MammaPrint low-risk, luminal-type subgroup, 11 % in the MammaPrint high-risk, luminal-type subgroup, and 50 % in the HER2-type subgroup. The group of genes identifying luminal-type breast cancer is highly enriched for genes having an Estrogen Receptor binding site proximal to the promoter-region, suggesting that these genes are direct targets of the Estrogen Receptor. Implementation of this profile may improve the clinical management of breast cancer patients, by enabling the selection of patients who are most likely to benefit from either chemotherapy or from endocrine therapy.
An assessment by the National Institute for Health Research (Ward, et al., 2013) found the evidence for Blueprint was limited. Because of the limited available data identified for this test, the NIHR was unable to draw firm conclusions about its analytical validity, clinical validity (prognostic ability) and clinical utility. The report stated that further evidence on the prognostic and predictive ability of this test was required.
A report by the Belgian Healthcare Knowledge Centre (KCE) (San Miguel, et al., 2015) found that limited evidence for the prognostic ability (clinical validity) of BluePrint. The KCE found insufficient evidence on the impact of BluePrint on clinical management (clinical utility).
Furthermore, there is no information regarding BluePrint/molecular subtyping from NCCN’s clinical practice guideline on "Breast cancer" (Version 2.2013).
BostonGene Tumor Portrait Test
The BostonGene Tumor Portrait Test (BostonGene, Waltham, MA) utilizes DNA whole exome (WES) and RNA transcriptome (RNAseq) sequencing to identify genomic alterations (e.g., single nucleotide variants (SNV), indels, copy number alterations (CNA), tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), expressed functions, frameshifts) assess the expression levels of more than 20,000 genes. The test incorporates genomic and transcriptomic analysis coupled with proprietary algorithms to generate an ease of use tumor schematics known as the Molecular Funtional Portrait. This indivualized tumor map serves to faciliate treatment decision-making (e.g., help select the most effective therapy, avoid unnecessary side effects and decrease treatment costs). Furthermore, the test aims to predict individual response to immunotherapy and stratify individuals into responders and non-responders.
Breast Cancer Gene Expression Ratio / Breast Cancer Index
The Breast Cancer Gene Expression Ratio (HOXB13:IL17BR, also known as H/I) (AviaraDx, Inc., Carlsbad, CA) is intended to predict the risk of disease recurrence in women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, lymph node-negative breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Gene Expression Ratio is based on the ratio of the expression of two genes: the homeobox gene-B13 (HOXB13) and the interleukin- 17B receptor gene (IL17BR). In breast cancers that are more likely to recur, the HOXB13 gene tends to be over-expressed, while the IL-17BR gene tends to be under-expressed.
Ma et al (2004) reported on the early validation of the HOXB13:IL17BR gene expression ratio. The investigators generated gene expression profiles of hormone receptor-positive primary breast cancers in a set of 60 patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen monotherapy. An expression signature predictive of disease-free survival was reduced to a two-gene ratio, HOXB13 versus IL17BR, which outperformed existing biomarkers. The investigators concluded that ectopic expression of HOXB13 in MCF10A breast epithelial cells enhances motility and invasion in vitro, and its expression is increased in both preinvasive and invasive primary breast cancer. The investigators suggested that HOXB13:IL17BR expression ratio may be useful for identifying patients appropriate for alternative therapeutic regimens in early-stage breast cancer.
In an 852-patient retrospective study, Ma, et al (2006) found that the HOXB13:IL17BR ratio (H:I expression ratio) independently predicted breast cancer recurrence in patients with ER-positive, lymph-node negative cancer. The H:I expression ratio was found to be predictive in patients who received tamoxifen therapy as well as in those who did not. Expression of HOXB13, IL17BR, CHDH, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 852 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary breast cancers from 566 untreated and 286 tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients. Gene expression and clinical variables were analyzed for association with relapse-free survival (RFS) by Cox proportional hazards regression models. The investigators reported that, in the entire cohort, expression of HOXB13 was associated with shorter RFS (p = .008), and expression of IL17BR and CHDH was associated with longer RFS (p < 0.0001 for IL17BR and p = 0.0002 for CHDH). In ER-positive patients, the HOXB13:IL17BR index predicted clinical outcome independently of treatment, but more strongly in node-negative patients. In multivariate analysis of the ER-positive node-negative subgroup including age, PR status, tumor size, S phase fraction, and tamoxifen treatment, the two-gene index remained a significant predictor of RFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.9; 95 % CI:1.5 to 10.3; p = .007).
The value of the Breast Cancer Gene Expression Ratio was also evaluated in a study by Goetz et al (2006). That study found that a high H:I expression ratio is associated with an increased rate of relapse and mortality in ER-positive, lymph node-negative cancer patients treated with surgery and tamoxifen. Goetz et al (2006) examined the association between the ratio of the HOXB13 to IL17BR expression and the clinical outcomes of relapse and survival in women with ER-positive breast cancer enrolled onto a North Central Cancer Treatment Group adjuvant tamoxifen trial (NCCTG 89-30-52). Tumor blocks were obtained from 211 of 256 eligible patients, and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR profiles for HOXB13 and IL-17BR were obtained from 206 patients. In the node-positive cohort (n = 86), the HOXB13/IL-17BR ratio was not associated with relapse or survival. In contrast, in the node-negative cohort (n = 130), a high HOXB13/IL-17BR ratio was associated with significantly worse RFS [HR, 1.98; p = 0.031], disease-free survival (DFS) (HR, 2.03; p = 0.015), and OS (HR, 2.4; p = 0.014), independent of standard prognostic markers.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center (BCBSA, 2007) announced that its Medical Advisory Panel (MAP) concluded that the use of the Breast Cancer Gene Expression Ratio gene expression profiling does not meet the TEC criteria.
The Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention (EGAPP) Working Group (2009) found insufficient evidence to make a recommendation for or against the use of the H:I ratio test to improve outcomes in defined populations of women with breast cancer. EGAPP concluded that the evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of the proposed uses of this test. The EWG encouraged further development and evaluation of these technologies.
In a systematic review on gene expression profiling assays in early-stage breast cancer, Marchionni, et al. (2008) summarized evidence on the validity and utility of 3 gene expression-based prognostic breast cancer tests: Oncotype Dx, MammaPrint, and H/I. The authors concluded that gene expression technologies show great promise to improve predictions of prognosis and treatment benefit for women with early-stage breast cancer. However, more information is needed on the extent of improvement in prediction, characteristics of women in whom the tests should be used, and how best to incorporate test results into decision making about breast cancer treatment.
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (Harris, et al., 2007) found that, in newly diagnosed patients with node-negative, estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, the Oncotype Dx assay can be used to predict the risk of recurrence in patients treated with tamoxifen. The ASCO guidelines concluded that Oncotype Dx may be used to identify patients who are predicted to obtain the most therapeutic benefit from adjuvant tamoxifen and may not require adjuvant chemotherapy. The ASCO guidelines found, in addition, that patients with high recurrence scores appear to achieve relatively more benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy than from tamoxifen. ASCO found that there are insufficient data at present to comment on whether these conclusions generalize to hormonal therapies other than tamoxifen, or whether this assay applies to other chemotherapy regimens. Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (Harris, et al., 2007) concluded that the precise clinical utility and appropriate application for other multiparameter assays, such as the MammaPrint assay, the Rotterdam Signature, and the Breast Cancer Gene Expression Ratio are under investigation. ASCO also found insufficient data to recommend use of proteomic patterns for management of patients with breast cancer.
Sgori et al (2013) found that, in the absence of extended letrozole therapy, high H/I identifies a subgroup of ER-positive patients disease-free after 5 years of tamoxifen who are at risk for late recurrence. The investigators also found that, when extended endocrine therapy with letrozole is prescribed, high H/I predicts benefit from therapy and a decreased probability of late disease recurrence. Sgori, et al. conducted a prospective-retrospective, nested case-control design of 83 recurrences matched to 166 nonrecurrences from letrozole- and placebo-treated patients within MA.17 trial. Expression of H/I within primary tumors was determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction with a prespecified cutpoint. The investigators determined the predictive ability of H/I for ascertaining benefit from letrozole using multivariable conditional logistic regression including standard clinicopathological factors as covariates. All statistical tests were two-sided. The investigators reported that high H/I was statistically significantly associated with a decrease in late recurrence in patients receiving extended letrozole therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.16 to 0.75; P = .007). In an adjusted model with standard clinicopathological factors, high H/I remained statistically significantly associated with patient benefit from letrozole (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.73; P = .006). Reduction in the absolute risk of recurrence at 5 years was 16.5% for patients with high H/I (P = .007). The interaction between H/I and letrozole treatment was statistically significant (P = .03).
BioTheranostics Breast Cancer Index (BCI) is a prognostic biomarker that provides quantitative assessment of the likelihood of distant recurrence in patients diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive, lymph node-negative breast cancer (Raman, et al., 2013). In development and validation studies, BCI stratified about 50% of tamoxifen treated ER+, node-negative breast cancer patients into a low risk group for 10-year distant recurrence. BCI is a molecular assay developed from the combination of two indices: HOXB13:IL17BR and five cell cycle-associate gene index (BUB1B, CENPA, NEK2, RACGAP1, RRM2) that assesses tumor grade. The test is performed on a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block.
Ma et al (2008) reported on the development and early validation of a five-gene reverse transcription PCR assay for molecular grade index (MGI) that has subsequently been incorporated into BCI and is suitable for analyzing routine formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded clinical samples. The investigators found that the combination of MGI and HOXB13:IL17BR outperformed either alone and identifies a subgroup (approximately 30%) of early stage estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients with very poor outcome despite endocrine therapy. From their previously published list of genes whose expression correlates with both tumor grade and tumor stage progression, the investigators selected five cell cycle-related genes to build MGI and evaluated MGI in two publicly available microarray data sets totaling 410 patients. Using two additional cohorts (n =323), the investigators developed a real-time reverse transcription PCR assay for MGI, validated its prognostic utility, and examined its interaction with HOXB13:IL17BR. The investigators reported that MGI performed consistently as a strong prognostic factor and was comparable with a more complex 97-gene genomic grade index in multiple data sets. In patients treated with endocrine therapy, MGI and HOXB13:IL17BR modified each other's prognostic performance. High MGI was associated with significantly worse outcome only in combination with high HOXB13:IL17BR, and likewise, high HOXB13:IL17BR was significantly associated with poor outcome only in combination with high MGI.
Jerevall et al (2011) reported on the development of the Breast Cancer Index, a dichotomous index combining two gene expression assays, HOXB13:IL17BR (H:I) and molecular grade index (MGI), to assess risk of recurrence in breast cancer patients. The study objective was to demonstrate the prognostic utility of the combined index in early-stage breast cancer. In a blinded retrospective analysis of 588 ER-positive tamoxifen-treated and untreated breast cancer patients from the randomized prospective Stockholm trial which was conducted during 1976 to 1990, H:I and MGI were measured using real-time RT-PCR. Association with patient outcome was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression. A continuous risk index was developed using Cox modelling. The investigators found that the dichotomous H:I+MGI was significantly associated with distant recurrence and breast cancer death. The greater than 50% of tamoxifen-treated patients categorized as low-risk had less than 3% 10-year distant recurrence risk. A continuous risk model (Breast Cancer Index (BCI)) was developed with the tamoxifen-treated group and the prognostic performance tested in the untreated group was 53% of patients categorized as low risk with an 8.3% 10-year distant recurrence risk.
Jankowitz et al (2011) reported on a study to validate the prognostic performance of BCI in estrogen-receptor positive, lymph node negative breast cancer patients. The investigators found that, in this characteristically low-risk cohort, BCI classified high versus low-risk groups with about a five-fold difference in 10-year risk of distant recurrence and breast cancer-specific death. The investigators identified tumor samples from 265 estrogen-receptor positive, lymph-node negative tamoxifen-treated patients from a single academic institution's cancer research registry. They performed the BCI assay and assigned scores based on a predetermined risk model. The investigators assessed risk by BCI and Adjuvant Online! (AO) and correlated these to clinical outcomes in the patient cohort. The investigators found that BCI was a significant predictor of outcome in this cohort of estrogen-receptor positive, lymph-node negative patients (median age: 56-y; median follow-up: 10.3-y), treated with adjuvant tamoxifen alone or tamoxifen with chemotherapy (32%). BCI categorized 55%, 21%, and 24% of patients as low, intermediate and high-risk, respectively. The 10-year rates of distant recurrence were 6.6%, 12.1% and 31.9% and of breast cancer-specific mortality were 3.8%, 3.6% and 22.1% in low, intermediate, and high-risk groups, respectively. In a multivariate analysis including clinicopathological factors, BCI was a significant predictor of distant recurrence (HR for 5-unit increase = 5.32 [CI 2.18-13.01; P = 0.0002]) and breast cancer-specific mortality (HR for a 5-unit increase = 9.60 [CI 3.20-28.80; P < 0.0001]). AO was significantly associated with risk of recurrence. In a separate multivariate analysis, both BCI and AO were significantly predictive of outcome. In a time-dependent (10-year) ROC curve accuracy analysis of recurrence risk, the addition of BCI and AO increased predictive accuracy in all patients from 66% (AO only) to 76% (AO+BCI) and in tamoxifen-only treated patients from 65% to 81%. The authors concluded that BCI and AO are independent predictors with BCI having additive utility beyond standard of care parameters that are encompassed in AO. The authors acknowledge that this study is limited by the fact that it was a retrospective, single-institution study and that results may have been biased on the basis of specimen availability and patterns of referral to the tertiary academic center.
Mathieu et al (2012) assessed the performance of BCI to predict chemosensitivity based on pathological complete response (pCR) and breast conservation surgery (BCS). The authors performed the BCI assay on tumor samples from 150 breast cancer patients from a single institution treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The authors used logistical regression and c-index to assess predictive strength and additive accuracy of BCI beyond clinicopathologic factors. BCI classified 42% of patients as low, 35% as intermediate and 23% as high risk. Low BCI risk group had 98.4% negative predictive value (NPV) for pCR and 86% NPV for BCS. High versus low BCI group had a 34 and 5.8 greater likelihood of achieving pCR and BCS, respectively (P=0.0055; P=0.0022). BCI increased c-index for pCR (0.875-0.924; p=0.017) and BCS prediction (0.788-0.843; p=0.027) beyond clinicopathologic factors. The authors concluded that BCI significantly predicted pCR and BCS beyond clinicopathologic factors. High NPVs indicate that BCI could be a useful tool to identify breast cancer patients who are not eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The authors concluded that "these results suggest that BCI could be used to assess both chemosensitivity and eligibility for BCS." The authors stated that an important limitation of this study is that, in this retrospective analysis, patients were not selected based on ER or HER2 expression for the indications of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The authors explained that this could have increased the predictive strength of BCI given that this biomarker was initially developed and validated in ER + node-negative patients
Zhang et al (2013) examined the prognostic performance of BCI for prediction of early (0-5 years) and late (more than 5 years) risk of distant recurrence in patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER(+)), lymph node-negative (LN(-)) tumors. The BCI model was validated by retrospective analyses of tumor samples from tamoxifen-treated patients from a randomized prospective trial (Stockholm TAM, n = 317) and a multi-institutional cohort (n = 358). Within the Stockholm TAM cohort, BCI risk groups stratified the majority (approximately 65%) of patients as low risk with less than 3% distant recurrence rate for 0 to 5 years and 5 to 10 years. In the multi-institutional cohort, which had larger tumors, 55% of patients were classified as BCI low risk with less than 5% distant recurrence rate for 0 to 5 years and 5 to 10 years. Zhang and colleagues found that, for both cohorts, continuous BCI was the most significant prognostic factor beyond standard clinicopathologic factors for 0 to 5 years and more than five years. The authors concluded that the prognostic sustainability of BCI to assess early- and late-distant recurrence risk at diagnosis has clinical use for decisions of chemotherapy at diagnosis and for decisions for extended adjuvant endocrine therapy beyond five years.
Sgori et al (2013) compared the prognostic ability of the BCI assay, the Oncotype DX Breast, and IHC4 for both early and late recurrence in patients with estrogen-receptor-positive, node-negative (N0) disease who took part in the Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination (ATAC) clinical trial. In this prospective comparison study, Sgori and colleagues obtained archival tumor blocks from the TransATAC tissue bank from all postmenopausal patients with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer from whom the Oncotype DX and IHC4 values had already been derived. The investigators did BCI analysis in matched samples with sufficient residual RNA using two BCI models -- cubic (BCI-C) and linear (BCI-L)-using previously validated cutoffs. The prospectively-defined primary study objective was to evaluate overall (0–10y) prognostic performance of the BCI-C model for DR in ER+ N0 patients. Secondary objectives were: 1) assessment of the prognostic performance of the BCI-L model and its components, H/I and MGI, for overall (0–10y), early (0–5y) and late (5–10y) DR; 2) comparative performance of BCI-L versus the Oncotype DX RS and IHC4. To assess the ability of the biomarkers to predict recurrence beyond standard clinicopathological variables, the investigators calculated the change in the likelihood-ratio from Cox proportional hazards models. Suitable tissue was available from 665 patients with estrogen-receptor-positive, N0 breast cancer for BCI analysis. The primary analysis showed significant differences in risk of distant recurrence over 10 years in the categorical BCI-C risk groups (p<0·0001) with 6·8% (95% CI 4·4-10·0) of patients in the low-risk group, 17·3% (12·0-24·7) in the intermediate group, and 22·2% (15·3-31·5) in the high-risk group having distant recurrence. BCI-C analyzed as a continuous variable was not significantly associated with overall (0–10y) risk of DR when adjusted for CTS (inter-quartile HR=1·39; 95% CI, 0·99 to 3·70; LR-Δχ2=3·70; P=0·054). Comparison of the prognostic performance of BCI-L to BCI-C indicated that unlike BCI-C, BCI-L was a significant predictor of risk of recurrence as a continuous variable, and the HR after adjustment with CTS was 2·19 versus 4.86 between high- and low-risk groups for BCI-C and BCI-L, respectively. Thus, all subsequent analyses were performed utilizing BCI-L. The secondary analysis showed that BCI-L was a much stronger predictor for overall (0-10 year) distant recurrence compared with BCI-C (interquartile HR 2·30 [95% CI 1·62-3·27]; likelihood ratio (LR)-Δχ(2)=22·69; p<0·0001). When compared with BCI-L, the Oncotype Dx breast score was less predictive (HR 1·48 [95% CI 1·22-1·78]; LR-Δχ(2)=13·68; p=0·0002) and IHC4 was similar (HR 1·69 [95% CI 1·51-2·56]; LR-Δχ(2)=22·83; p<0·0001). All further analyses were done with the BCI-L model. In a multivariable analysis, all assays had significant prognostic ability for early distant recurrence (BCI-L HR 2·77 [95% CI 1·63-4·70], LR-Δχ(2)=15·42, p<0·0001; Oncotype Dx Breast score HR 1·80 [1·42-2·29], LR-Δχ(2)=18·48, p<0·0001; IHC4 HR 2·90 [2·01-4·18], LR-Δχ(2)=29·14, p<0·0001); however, only BCI-L was significant for late distant recurrence (BCI-L HR 1·95 [95% CI 1·22-3·14], LR-Δχ(2)=7·97, p=0·0048; 21-gene recurrence score HR 1·13 [0·82-1·56], LR-Δχ(2)=0·48, p=0·47; IHC4 HR 1·30 [0·88-1·94], LR-Δχ(2)=1·59, p=0·20). The authors concluded that BCI-L was the only significant prognostic test for risk of both early and late distant recurrence and identified two risk populations for each timeframe. BCI-L could help to identify patients at high risk for late distant recurrence who might benefit from extended endocrine or other therapy. An important limitation is that the evaluation of BCI-L was a secondary objective of this study; the primary objective was evaluation of BCI-C.
An editorial (Ignatiadis, 2013) accompanying the study by Sgroi, et al. stated that the BCI test is "ready for prime time" in treatment decision making for post-menopausal, estrogen-receptor positive women who have undergone 5 years of hormonal therapy. The editorial noted that there are other molecular diagnostic assays that also have been shown to predict late recurrence. For support, the editorial cited a study by Sestak, et al. (2013), which found that, in the last follow-up phase, Clinical Treatment Score (CTS) added most prognostic information for distant recurrence in years 5 to 10 for breast cancer patients in the ATAC trial. Sestak, et al. reported that, in a multivariate model that incorporated CTS, PAM50 provided the strongest additional prognostic factor in the 5 to 10 year followup phase, followed by BCI, and with IHC4 and RS adding the least prognostic information.
A manufacturer funded study (Gustavsen, et al., 2014) reported on a model that found BCI to be cost saving from a third-party payer perspective, based upon assumptions about the impact of BCI on adjuvant chemotherapy use, extended endocrine therapy use, and endocrine therapy compliance. The authors developed two economic models to project the cost-effectiveness of BCI in a hypothetical population of patients with estrogen-receptor positive, lymph-node negative breast cancer compared with standard clinicopathologic diagnostic modalities. The authors modeled costs associated with adjuvant chemotherapy, toxicity, followup, endocrine therapy, and recurrence over 10 years. The models examined cost utility compared with standard practice when used at diagnosis and in patients disease-free at 5 years post diagnosis. The authors reported that use of BCI was projected to be cost saving in both models. In the newly diagnosed population, net cost savings were $3803 per patient tested. In the 5 years post diagnosis population, BCI was projected to yield a net cost savings of $1803 per patient tested. The authors reported that sensitivity analyses demonstrated that BCI was cost saving across a wide range of clinically relevant input assumptions.
Preliminary data suggest that molecular approaches including gene expression platforms such as BCI may add to classical clinical parameters including tumor size and node status at diagnosis, but further research is needed (Smith, et al., 2014; Bianchini & Gianni, 2013; Ignatiadis and Sotiriou, 2013). The clinical utility of BCI and other molecular diagnostics in predicting late recurrence has yet to be established (Foukakis and Bergh, 2015). It also remains to be established which of several molecular diagnostic tests in development are the most appropriate for detecting late recurrence (Sestak & Kuzick, 2015).
An assessment by the National Institute for Health Research (Ward, et al., 2013) found that, based on the limited available data, no firm conclusions can be drawn about the analytical validity, clinical validity (prognostic ability) and clinical utility of the Breast Cancer Index. The assessment stated that further evidence on the prognostic and predictive ability of this test is required. An assessment by IETS (2013) and a consensus statement (Azim, et al., 2013) reached similar conclusions.
An assessment by the BlueCross BlueShield Association (2015) concluded that the evidence is insufficient to permit conclusions about the Breast Cancer Index on health outcomes. Although evidence supports the association of risk classes defined by the Breast Cancer Index and recurrence and survival outcomes, it remains to be shown whether the Breast Cancer Index adds incremental prognostic information to standard clinical risk classifiers.
An assessment by the Belgian Healthcare Knowledge Centre (KCE) (San Miguel, et al.,2015) found that the evidence for the H/I ratio assay is limited to studies supporting the prognostic ability (clinical validity) of the test. They found insufficient evidence for the impact of the H/I ratio assay on clinical management (clinical utility).
A review published in the ASCO Educational Book (Smith, et al., 2014) reviewed the BCI and other currently available molecular diagnostics for selecting and determining the optimal duration of endocrine adjuvant therapy in women with early stage estrogen receptor positive breast cancer: "Further research into applying molecular features and gene expression scores to standard clinico-pathologic criteria for tailoring extended endocrine therapy is now a high priority.... An important research challenge is now to identify which patients are likely to benefit from this type of long-term therapy. Preliminary data suggest that molecular approaches including gene expression platforms such as ROR may add to classical clinical parameters including tumor size and node status at diagnosis."
A Palmetto Medicare Local Coverage Determination (LCD) allows coverage of the Breast Cancer Index in certain post-menopausal women with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, reasoning that the data defined benefit of the BCI test appears to be when a woman is having significant side effects or has other concerns regarding adjuvant tamoxifen therapy and is opposed to taking more than 5 years of tamoxifen or starting on an AI (letrazole) after tamoxifen (CMS, 2014). The LCD noted, however, that, there is an increase in recurrence risk with increasing BCI score such that, "at the 95% confidence interval (CI), the risk in some individuals categorized in the BCI-low group could be as high as 20%. Due to the data complexity, there is a significant possibility that a physician might consider all BCI-L patients at negligible risk, and thus not consider extended hormone therapy and consequently lead women from the NCCN recommended interventions. Given the low toxicity and low cost of extended therapy, the false sense of security could deny many women from lifesaving therapy."
There is a lack of consensus among guidelines regarding the value of molecular assays in determining whether longer durations of adjuvant endocrine therapy beyond 5 years are clinically indicated. Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (Burstein, et al., 2014) on adjuvant endocrine therapy for hormone-receptor positive breast cancer state: "Well-established clinical factors including tumor size; nodal status; ER, PgR, and HER2 biomarkers; and molecular diagnostic assays serve as prognostic factors for breast cancer recurrence. However, there are no robust specific clinical or biomarker measures that selectively predict early versus late recurrence, nor predict whether tamoxifen or AI therapy would be appropriate treatment, nor determine whether longer durations of adjuvant endocrine therapy are clinically indicated." The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for breast cancer version 2, 2015 states: "Multiple other multi-gene mor multi-gene expression assay systems have been developed. These systems are generally based upon small, retrospective studies, and the Panel believes that none are currently sufficiently validated to warrant inclusion in the guideline." The St. Gallen guideline panel (Coates, et al., 2015) found that Oncotype DX, MammaPrint, PAM-50 ROR score, EndoPredict and the Breast Cancer Index were all considered usefully prognostic for years 1-5, but only the Oncotype Dx commanded a majority in favor of its value in predicting the usefulness of chemotherapy. The Panel agreed that the PAM50 ROR score was clearly prognostic beyond five years, and that the Mammaprint was not prognostic beyond 5 years. The Panel was divided about the prognostic value of the Breast Cancer Index, the Oncotype DX, and EndoPredict in this time period. ESMO guidelines (Senkus, et al., 2013) state: "Molecular signatures for ER-positive breast cancer such as OncotypeDx, EndoPredict, Breast Cancer Index or for all types of breast cancer (pNO-1) such as MammaPrint and Genomic Grade Index are commercially available, but none of them have proven robust clinical utility so far. In some cases of difficult decision, such as grade 2 ER-positive HER-2 negative and node-negative breast cancer, MammaPrint and Oncotype DX may be used in conjunction with all clinicopathological factors, to help in treatment decision-making."
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) state: "If a patient has ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-negative) breast cancer, the clinician may use the Breast Cancer Index to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy." This is a moderate strength recommendation based upon intermediate quality evidence. ASCO guidelines recommend use of the Breast Cancer Index to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy in patients with ER/PgR=positive, HER2-negative (node-positive) breast cancer. The guidelines also recommend against the use of the Breast Cancer Index in HER2-positive breast cancer or TN breast cancer. The guidelines also recommended against the use of The Breast Cancer Index to guide decisions on extended endocrine therapy for patients with ER/PgR-positive, HER-2 negative (node-negative) breast cancer who have had 5 years of endocrine therapy without evidence of recurrence.
BreastSentry
BreastSentry is a test that measures the serum levels of 2 biomarkers, pro-neurotensin (pro-NT) and pro-enkephalin (pro-ENK), which are supposedly predictive of a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer. Available evidence to support the use of these markers were observational studies examining the correlation of these markers with incidence of breast cancer. However, there is no evidence on the use of these markers in a screening program, much less data on what actions would be taken based upon the results of this testing.
Melander and colleagues (2014) noted that high fasting plasma pro-NT concentration was associated with the development of breast cancer in the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study (MDCS). These investigators aimed at replicating the initial finding in an independent second cohort. The Malmo Preventive Project (MPP) is a population study and comprised 18,240 subjects when examined in 2002 to 2006. Of women without history of breast cancer at examination, these researchers included all who developed breast cancer during follow-up (n = 130) until December 31, 2010, and a random sample of women without breast cancer until the end of follow-up (n = 1,439) for baseline plasma pro-NT assessment (mean age of 70.0 ± 4.4 years); pro-NT was measured in fasting plasma samples and was related to the risk of later breast cancer development using multi-variate logistic regression. Pro-neurotensin [OR per standard deviation (SD) increment of LN-transformed pro-NT] was significantly related to incident breast cancer [OR, 2.09; 95 % CI: 1.79 to 2.44; p < 0.001; adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and hormone replacement therapy]. The effect estimate in the MPP was larger than in the discovery cohort (MDCS), with the main difference between the 2 cohorts being that women of the MPP study were on the average about 10 years older and follow-up time was shorter than that of the MDCS. The authors concluded that as initially found in the MDCS, fasting plasma pro-NT was significantly associated with the development of breast cancer in the MPP study as well. They stated that the replication suggested that pro-NT may be of value for the identification of women at high risk of breast cancer development.
Melander and associates (2015) stated that in experimental studies, enkephalins (ENKs) and related opioids have been implicated as negative regulators of breast cancer development by enhancing immune-mediated tumoral defense as well as directly inhibiting cancer cells. These researchers hypothesized that plasma levels of ENKs are predictive of the long-term breast cancer risk. They measured pro-ENK A, a surrogate for mature ENK, and examined its predictive value for the development of breast cancer in a large population of middle-aged women and an independent study population. These investigators related pro-ENK in fasting plasma samples from 1,929 healthy women (mean age of 57.6 ± 5.9 years) of the MDCS to breast cancer incidence (n = 123) during a median follow-up of 14.7 years. For replication, pro-ENK was related to risk of breast cancer (n = 130) in an older independent sample from the MPP consisting of 1,569 women (mean age of 70.0 ± 4.4 years). In the MDCS, pro-ENK was inversely related to the risk of incident breast cancer, with a hazard ratio (HR) per each SD increment of logarithm-transformed pro-ENK of 0.72 (95 % CI: 0.62 to 0.85; p < 0.001). The linear elevation of risk over pro-ENK quartiles 3, 2, and 1, with the 4rth quartile as a reference, was 1.38 (95 % CI: 0.73 to 2.64), 2.29 (95 % CI: 1.26 to 4.15), and 3.16 (95 % CI: 1.78 to 5.60; for the trend, p < 0.001), respectively. These results were replicated in the MPP, where the continuous OR for incident breast cancer was 0.63 (95 % CI: 0.52 to 0.76; p < 0.001) and the risk over pro-ENK quartiles 3, 2, and 1, where the 4th quartile was the reference, was 2.48 (95 % CI: 1.25 to 4.94), 2.94 (95 % CI: 1.50 to 5.77), and 4.81 (95 % CI: 2.52 to 9.18; for the trend, p < 0.001), respectively. The authors concluded that low fasting plasma concentration of the opioid precursor peptide pro-ENK was associated with an increased risk of future breast cancer in middle-aged and post-menopausal women. Moreover, they stated that these findings supported the results of several previous experimental studies and should encourage further research regarding the ENK system as a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
The authors stated that this study had 2 main drawbacks. Mammographic screening is performed every 2nd year in Swedish women aged 40 to 74 years to identify individuals with sub-clinical but existing breast cancer, whereas pro-ENK testing may identify higher-risk individuals several years before they develop detectable breast cancer. Unfortunately, these investigators did not have data regarding the family history of breast cancer and the presence of benign breast disease. Thus, they could not determine whether the association between low levels of pro-ENK and breast cancer risk may be mediated through, or confounded by, these factors. These researchers did not have access to individual data from mammographic examinations actually performed, and could not exclude a confounding relationship between pro-ENK and mammographic screening density. However, the Kaplan-Meier curves of 1st breast cancer events versus pro-ENK data continued to separate throughout follow-up, and most evidently from 10 to 15 years after pro-ENK measurement. This observation was of interest when the potential biologic explanations of these findings were considered.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Breast cancer" (Version 2.2018) does not mention pro-neurotensin (pro-NT) and pro-enkephalin (pro-ENK).
BT Test
Provista Life Sciences (Phoenix, AZ) has developed a laboratory test called the Biomarker Translation Test, or the BT Test, which is a test score based on a multi-protein biomarker analysis (i.e., IL-2, -6,-8,-12, TNFa, EGF, FGF, HGF, VEGF) and medical profile of an individual's risk factors for breast cancer. It is intended to be used as an adjunctive test along with other breast cancer detection modalities, however, there are no published studies of the effectiveness of this test.
BTG Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer
BT-Reveal Early Pancreatic Cancer Test (Breakthrough Genomics), also referred to as BTG Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer test, uses a plasma specimen to evaluate circulating tumor cell–free DNA (cfDNA) for 59 biomarkers to help detect early pancreatic cancer in patients at high risk for developing the disease. The test is intended for use as a screening tool for at-risk individuals. A positive result does not guarantee the individual has cancer. For all positive results, additional follow-up imaging and other confirmatory tests are recommended.
The peer-reviewed publications discussed in the manufacturer’s website includes literature on the underlying technology used in the development of the test; however, none reflect the specific performance metrics of the test or the initial clinical data that was submitted to the FDA as part of the test’s designation as a ‘Breakthrough Device’.
CancerIntercept
CancerIntercept (Pathway Genomics) is a liquid biopsy intended for use as a non-invasive screening test designed for early cancer detection and monitoring. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the blood is tested for the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) by screening for specific cancer-associated mutations using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify both the mutant and wild type DNA, followed by a "specific enrichment of the mutant and simultaneous removal of the wild type DNA by using a proprietary technology," after which the "mutant DNA is sequenced on Illumina’s next-generation sequencing platform." The tests analyze the presence of 96 frequently occurring DNA mutation hot spots in nine cancer driver genes (BRAF, CTNNB1, EGFR, FOXL2, GNAS, KRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA and TP53) that, when mutated, can cause cancer or contribute to cancer progression. These mutations are commonly associated with lung, breast, ovarian, colorectal cancers and melanoma, and may occur less frequently in other cancer types (such as pancreatic, head and neck, thyroid, gastric and prostate cancers). Clinical trials are ongoing to assess the correlation of liquid biopsy results with the actual presence or absence of these mutations in the tumor itself.
The test is offered for two general indications: CancerIntercept Detect is a liqud biopsy designed to detect tumor DNA in high-risk individuals; CancerIntercept Monitor is intended to monitor patients with active or previously diagnosed cancer.
There is a lack of adequate clinical validation to justify CancerIntercept Detect's recommended use in screening high-risk patients for cancer. There is a lack of clinical trial evidence showing that CancerIntercept Detect results in earlier diagnosis or decreases mortality from cancer.
Clinical trials are also examining the prognostic value of various mutations screened for by the CancerIntercept Monitor test in terms of recurrence, survival, and response to treatment.
Caris Assure
Caris Assure (Caris Life Sciences) is a blood-based liquid biopsy test that analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) of over 23,000 genes. The assay utilizes circulating nucleic acid sequencing (cNAS), a novel approach to liquid biopsy that analyzes cell-free DNA and RNA from plasma, plus genomic DNA and messenger RNA from circulating white blood cells (WBCs), to distinguish somatic tumor variants, incidental clonal hematopoiesis (age-related somatic mutations that accumulate in blood cells), and incidental germline mutations.
Caris Target Now / Caris Molecular Profiling Service
Molecular Intelligence Services (formerly Target Now Molecular Profiling Test) uses a multi-platform profiling approach including gene sequencing (NGS and Sanger), protein expression analysis (immunohistochemistry) and gene copy number analysis (chromogenic or fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH]). The test has been used to examine tumor samples for underlying molecular alterations that may yield insights into potentially overlapping and different therapeutic options for individuals with these tumor types.
According to the manufacturer, the Caris Life Sciences molecular profiling test, Caris Target Now, examines the genetic and molecular changes unique to a patient's tumor so that treatment options may be matched to the tumor's molecular profile. The manufacturer states that the Caris Target Now test is performed after a cancer diagnosis has been established and the patient has exhausted standard of care therapies or if questions in therapeutic management exist. Using tumor samples obtained from a biopsy, the tumor is examined to identify biomarkers that may have an influence on therapy. Using this information, Caris Target Now is intended to provide information on the drugs that will be more likely to produce a positive response. The manufacturer states that Caris Target Now can be used with any solid cancer such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
There is insufficient evidence to support the use of Caris Target Now molecular profiling. A study (Von Hoff et al, 2010) compared the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with refractory metastatic cancers using a treatment regimen selected by Caris Target Now molecular profiling of the patient's tumor with the PFS for the most recent regimen on which the patient had experienced progression. The investigators prespecified that a molecular profiling approach would be deemed of clinical benefit for the individual patient who had a PFS ratio (defined as a ratio of PFS on molecular profiling-selected therapy to PFS on prior therapy) of greater than or equal to 1.3. In 86 patients who had molecular profiling attempted, there was a molecular target detected in 84 (98 %). Sixty-six of the 84 patients were treated according to molecular profiling results. Eighteen (27 %) of 66 patients had a PFS ratio of greater than or equal 1.3 (95 % CI:17 % to 38 %). Therefore, the null hypothesis (that less than or equal to 15 % of this patient population would have a PFS ratio of greater than or equal to 1.3) was rejected. The authors concluded that, in 27 % of patients, the molecular profiling approach resulted in a longer PFS on an molecular profiling-suggested regimen than on the regimen on which the patient had just experienced progression. An accompanying editorial (Doroshow, 2010) noted that the trial had a number of significant limitations, including uncertainty surrounding the achievement of time to progression (the study’s primary endpoint), and a lack of a randomized design for this trial.
A report by the National Horizon Scanning Centre (2013) stated that the company stated that the tumor profiling service provided by Caris Life Sciences has been extensively altered with the addition of several new technologies. The new service is named Caris Life Sciences Molecular Intelligence Services. The NHSC stated that randomized controlled trials comparing clinical outcomes for patients using Caris molecular profiling to those receiving standard specialist care are needed to determine whether this testing service is effective and cost-effective.
Circulating Cell-Free Nucleic Acids in Colorectal Cancer
Toth and colleagues (2016) stated that screening methods for the most frequent diagnosed malignant tumor, CRC, have limitations. Total circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis came into focus as a potential screening test for CRC. Detection of epigenetic and genetic alterations of cfDNA as DNA methylation or DNA mutations and related ribonucleic acids may improve cancer detection based on unique, CRC-specific patterns. These investigators summarized the CRC-specific nucleic acid biomarkers measured in peripheral blood and their potential as screening markers. Detection of DNA mutation has inadequate sensitivity; however, methylated DNA can be established with higher sensitivity from CRC plasma samples. The ribonucleic acid based miRNA studies represented higher sensitivity for CRC as compared with mRNA studies. Recently, isolation of cfDNA has become automated, highly reproducible and a high throughput method. The authors concluded that with automated possible diagnostic tools, a new approach may be available for CRC screening as liquid biopsy.
Spindler (2017) noted that circulating DNA can be used to measure cfDNA and for detection and quantification of tumor-specific genetic alterations in the peripheral blood, and the broad clinical potential of circulating DNA has attracted increasing focus over the past decade. Concentrations of circulating DNA are high in metastatic CRC, and the total levels of cfDNA have been reported to hold strong prognostic value. Colorectal tumors are characterized by a high frequency of well known, clinically relevant genetic alteration, which is readily detected in the cfDNA and holds potential for tailoring of palliative therapy and for monitoring during treatment. These investigators reviewed the current literature that has specifically reported data on the potential utility of cfDNA and on tumor-specific mutations in metastatic CRC (mCRC). Methodological, biological and clinical aspects were discussed based on the most recent development in this specific setting, and eligible studies were identified by systematic literature searched from PubMed and Embase in addition to conference papers and communications. The literature regarding cfDNA in CRC is broad and heterogeneous concerning aims, nomenclature, methods, cohorts and clinical end-points and consequently difficult to include in a single systematic search. However, the available data underline a strong clinical value of measuring both total cfDNA levels and tumor-specific mutations in the plasma of patients with mCRC, pre- and during systemic therapy. The authors concluded that this paper had gathered the most recent literature on several aspects of cfDNA in mCRC, including methodological, biological and clinical aspects, and discussed the large clinical potential in this specific setting, which needs to be validated in carefully designed prospective studies in statistically relevant cohorts.
Circulating Tumor Cells (e.g., CellMax Life and FirstSightCRC) for Screening of Colorectal Cancer
Yang and colleagues (2017) noted that CTCs have been accepted as a prognostic marker in patients with mCRC (International Union for Cancer Control [UICC] stage IV). However, the prognostic value of CTCs in patients with non-mCRC (Union for International Cancer Control [UICC] stage I to III) still remains in dispute. These researchers carried out a meta-analysis to examine the prognostic significance of CTCs detected by the RT-PCR method in patients diagnosed with non-mCRC patients. A comprehensive literature search for relevant articles was performed in the Embase, PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar databases. The studies were selected according to pre-determined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Using the random-effects model of Stata software, version12.0 (2011) (Stata Corp, College Station, TX), to conduct the meta-analysis, and the HR, RR and their 95 % CIs were regarded as the effect measures. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were also conducted to clarify the heterogeneity. A total of 12 eligible studies, containing 2,363 patients with non-mCRC, were suitable for final analyses. The results showed that the OS (HR = 3.07, 95 % CI: 2.05 to 4.624, p < 0.001; I2 = 55.7 %, p = 0.008) and DFS (HR = 2.58, 95 % CI: 2.00 to 3.32, p < 0.001; I2 = 34.0 %, p = 0.085) were poorer in patients with CTC-positive, regardless of the sampling time, adjuvant therapy and TNM stage. CTC-positive was also significantly associated with regional lymph nodes (RLNs) metastasis (RR = 1.62, 95 % CI: 1.17 to 2.23, p = 0.003; I2 = 74.6 %, p < 0.001), depth of infiltration (RR = 1.41, 95 % CI: 1.03 to 1.92, p = 0.03; I2 = 38.3 %, p = 0.136), vascular invasion (RR = 1.66, 95 % CI: 1.17 to 2.36, p = 0.004; I2 = 46.0 %, p = 0.135), tumor grade (RR = 1.19, 95 % CI: 1.02 to 1.40, p = 0.029; I2 = 0 %, p = 0.821) and TNM stage (I, II versus III) (RR = 0.76, 95 % CI: 0.71 to 0.81, p < 0.001; I2 = 0 %, p = 0.717). However, there was no significant relationship between CTC-positive and tumor size (RR = 1.08, 95 % CI: 0.94 to 1.24, p = 0.30; I2 = 0 %, p = 0.528). The authors concluded that detection of CTCs by RT-PCR method had prognostic value for non-mCRC patients, and CTC-positive was associated with poor prognosis and poor clinicopathological prognostic factors. However, the prognostic value of CTCs supported the use of CTCs as an indicator of metastatic disease prior to the current classification of mCRC meaning it is detectable by CT/MRI. This study did not address the use of CTC for screening of CRC.
Lopresti and associates (2019) stated that CTCs represent an easy, repeatable and representative access to information regarding solid tumors. However, their detection remains difficult because of their paucity, their short half-life, and the lack of reliable surface biomarkers. Flow cytometry (FC) is a fast, sensitive and affordable technique, ideal for rare cells detection. Adapted to CTCs detection (i.e., extremely rare cells), most FC-based techniques require a time-consuming pre-enrichment step, followed by a 2-hours staining procedure, impeding on the efficiency of CTCs detection. These researchers overcame these caveats and reduced the procedure to less than 1 hour, with minimal manipulation. First, cells were simultaneously fixed, permeabilized, then stained. Second, using low-speed FC acquisition conditions and 2 discriminators (cell size and pan-cytokeratin expression), these investigators suppressed the pre-enrichment step. Applied to blood from donors with or without known malignant diseases, this protocol ensured a high recovery of the cells of interest independently of their epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and could predict which samples were derived from cancer donors. The authors concluded that this proof-of-concept study laid the bases of a sensitive tool to detect CTCs from a small amount of blood upstream of in-depth analyses (colorectal cancer was one of the key words in this study).
Baek and co-workers (2019) noted that CTCs in the blood have been used as diagnostic markers in patients with CRC. In a prospective study, these researchers evaluated a CTC detection system based on cell size to examine CTCs and their potential as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for CRC. From 2014 to 2015, a total of 88 patients with newly diagnosed CRC, who were scheduled for surgery, and 31 healthy volunteers were enrolled and followed-up in Pusan National University Hospital; CTCs were enriched using a centrifugal microfluidic system with a new fluid-assisted separation technique (FAST) and detected by cytomorphological evaluation using fluorescence microscopy. Two or more CTCs were detected using FAST in 74 patients and 3 healthy volunteers. The number of CTCs in the CRC group was significantly higher than that in the healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). When a ROC curve was created to differentiate patients with CRC from healthy volunteers, the sensitivity and specificity were almost optimized when the critical CTC value was 5/7.5 ml of blood. When this value was used, the sensitivity and specificity in differentiating patients with CRC from the healthy controls were 75 % and 100 %, respectively. In patients with CRC with greater than or equal to 5 CTCs, vascular invasion was frequently identified (p = 0.035). All patients with stage IV were positive for CTCs. Patients with greater than or equal to 5 CTCs showed a trend toward poor OS and PFS. The authors concluded that this study demonstrated promising results with the use of FAST-based CTC detection for the early diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. This study did not address the use of CTC for screening of CRC.
UpToDate reviews on "Screening for colorectal cancer: Strategies in patients at average risk" (Doubeni, 2019) and "Screening for colorectal cancer in patients with a family history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyp" (Ramsey and Grady, 2019) do not mention measurement of circulating tumor cells as a screening tool.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guidelines on "Colon cancer" (Version 2.2019) and "Rectal cancer" (Version 2.2019) do not mention measurement of circulating tumor cells as a screening tool.
Circulating Tumor Cells (e.g., CELLSEARCH)
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) test, CELLSEARCH (Menarini Silicon Biosystems Inc), is a blood test that has been proposed as a method to determine prognosis, evaluate progression and assess treatment response in individuals with metastatic breast, colorectal and prostate cancers. CTC assays were developed to detect cells that break away from tumors and enter the blood stream.
The CellSearch™ Epithelial Cell Kit, along with the CellSpotter™ Analyzer (Veridex, LLC, Warren, NJ) is a device designed to automate the detection and enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) of epithelial origin (CD45-, EpCAM+, and cytokeratins 8, 18+ and/or 19+) in whole blood in patients with advanced breast cancer (Ellery, et al., 2010; Raman, et al., 2011). It is intended for use in adjunctively monitoring and predicting cancer disease progression and response to therapy.
The CellSearch Epithelial Cell Kit received FDA 510(k) clearance on January 21, 2004. The FDA concluded that the device is substantially equivalent to immunomagnetic circulating cancer cell selection and enumeration systems. These devices consist of biological probes, fluorochromes and other reagents, preservation and preparation devices and semi-automated analytical instruments to select and count circulating cancer cells in a prepared sample of whole blood.
The CellSearch Epithelial Cell Kit quantifies CTCs by marking cancerous cells with tiny, protein-coated magnetic balls in whole blood. These cells are stained with fluorescent markers for identification and then dispensed into a cartridge for analysis where a strong magnetic field is applied to the mixture causing the magnetically marked cells to move to the cartridge surface. The cartridge is then analyzed by the CellSpotter Analyzer. A medical professional rechecks the CTCs and the CellSpotter Analyzer tallies the final CTC count.
In a prospective, multicenter study, Cristofanilli et al (2004) used the CellSearch System on 177 patients with measurable metastatic breast cancer for levels of CTCs both before the patients started a new line of therapy and at follow-up. The progression of the disease or the response to treatment was determined with the use of standard imaging studies at the participating centers every nine to twelve weeks. Outcomes were assessed according to levels of CTCs at baseline, before the patients started a new therapy. In the first test, patients with 5 or more CTCs per 7.5 ml of blood compared to a group with fewer than 5 CTCs had a shorter median progression-free survival (2.7 months vs. 7.0 months) and shorter overall survival (10.1 months vs. greater than 18 months). At the follow-up visit, approximately three to four weeks after the initiation of therapy, the percentage of patients with more than 5 CTC was reduced from 49 percent to 30 percent, suggesting a benefit from therapy. The difference in progression-free survival between the two groups remained consistent (2.1 months for women with 5 or more CTCs vs. 7 months for women with less than 5 CTCs). Overall, survival in the women with more than 5 CTCs was 8.2 months compared to greater than 18 months in the cohort with less than 5 CTCs. Cristofanilli concluded that the number of CTCs before treatment was an independent predictor of progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer. However, Cristofanilli also concluded that the results may not be valid for patients who do not have measurable disease or for those starting a new regimen of hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or both. He states, "The prognostic implications of an elevated level of circulating tumor cells for patients with metastatic disease who are starting a new treatment may be an opportunity to stratify these patients in investigational studies". Furthermore, the study did not address whether patients with an elevated number of circulating tumor cells might benefit from other therapies. Thus, this minimally invasive assay requires further evaluation as a prognostic marker of disease progression and response to therapy.
The clinical application of quantifying CTCs in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients remains unclear. Published data in the peer-reviewed medical literature are needed to determine how such measurements would guide treatment decisions and whether these decisions would result in beneficial patient outcomes (Kahn, et al., 2004; Abeloff, et al., 2004). An assessment of CellSearch by AETSA (2006) concluded "In the current stage of development of this technology, there is no evidence that it provides any advantage over existing technology for CTC identification or indeed any additional clinical use." Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (Harris, et al., 2007) found: "The measurement of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) should not be used to make the diagnosis of breast cancer or to influence any treatment decisions in patients with breast cancer. Similarly, the use of the recently U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared test for CTC (CellSearch Assay) in patients with metastatic breast cancer cannot be recommended until further validation confirms the clinical value of this test."
An assessment by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH, 2012) found that studies indicate that measurement of CTCs using the CellSearch system could be used as prognostic factors for progression of the disease and the potential treatment of patients with ovarian cancer. No economic studies were identified, therefore the cost-effectiveness of the CellSearch system could not be summarized.
Although studies relate circulating tumor cells to prognostic indicators (see, e.g., Cohen, et al., 2008; De Giorgi, et al., 2009), there are a lack of published prospective clinical studies demonstrating that measurement of CTCs alters management such that clinical outcomes are improved. Such clinical outcome studies are currently ongoing. Current guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) make no recommendations for use of circulating tumor cells.
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) state: "The clinician should not use circulating tumor cells to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy." This is a strong recommendation based upon intermediate-quality evidence.
Scher et al (2015) noted that clinical trials in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) need new clinical end-points that are valid surrogates for survival. These researchers evaluated circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration as a surrogate outcome measure. Examining CTCs alone and in combination with other biomarkers as a surrogate for OS was a secondary objective of COU-AA-301, a multi-national, randomized, double-blind phase III trial of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone versus prednisone alone in patients with metastatic CRPC previously treated with docetaxel. The biomarkers were measured at baseline and 4, 8, and 12 weeks, with 12 weeks being the primary measure of interest. The Prentice criteria were applied to test candidate biomarkers as surrogates for OS at the individual-patient level. A biomarker panel using CTC count and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was shown to satisfy the 4 Prentice criteria for individual-level surrogacy; 12-week surrogate biomarker data were available for 711 patients. The abiraterone acetate plus prednisone and prednisone-alone groups demonstrated a significant survival difference (p = 0.034); surrogate distribution at 12 weeks differed by treatment (p < 0.001); the discriminatory power of the surrogate to predict mortality was high (weighted c-index, 0.81); and adding the surrogate to the model eliminated the treatment effect on survival. Overall, 2-year survival of patients with CTCs less than 5 (low risk) versus patients with CTCs greater than or equal to 5 cells/7.5 ml of blood and LDH greater than 250 U/L (high risk) at 12 weeks was 46 % and 2 %, respectively. The authors concluded that a biomarker panel containing CTC number and LDH level was shown to be a surrogate for survival at the individual-patient level in this trial of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone versus prednisone alone for patients with metastatic CRPC. They stated that independent phase III clinical trials are needed to validate these findings.
An assessment from the Institut National d’Excellence en Santé et Services Sociaux (INESSS) (Arsenault & Le Blanc, 2016) concluded: "Based on the scientific literature identified, the use of CellSearch tests as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in patients with early-stage breast cancer is not justified. The evidence is insufficient for establishing a concrete association between the presence of CTCs pre- and posttreatment and patient survival. In the case of patients with metastatic breast cancer, the examination of the scientific literature suggests that CTC enumeration prior to treatment could be a prognostic biomarker for patient survival. Despite the prognostic value of CTC enumeration, based on studies, its clinical utility has yet to be confirmed. For now, CellSearch tests should not be used outside the context of a clinical study. Further studies are needed to determine if the CellSearch test could play a clinically significant role in managing breast cancer patients."
CELLSEARCH Circulating Melanoma Cell (CMC)
Circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) are cancerous melanocytes that break away from the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream. They are thought to be responsible for metastatic progression of melanoma. The CELLSEARCH Circulating Melanoma Cell (CMC) (Menarini Silicon Biosystems, Inc) is a blood-based test that uses the CELLTRACKS Circulating Melanoma Cell Kit to identify and count CMCs. The kit, which immunomagnetically captures and fluorescently labels CD146 positive (CD146+) cells from whole blood, is used for morphological characterization and enumeration based on differential CD146, high molecular–weight melanoma-associated antigen, CD34 and CD45 protein biomarkers in persons with melanoma.
Lucci et al (2020) state that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can be detected in patients with melanoma; however, there are limited data regarding their significance in stage III disease. Thus, the authors prospectively assessed CTCs at first presentation in clinic (baseline) for 243 patients with stage III melanoma to determine whether CTCs are associated with early relapse. CTCs were measured using the CellSearch System. Relapse-free survival (RFS) was compared between patients with one or more baseline CTC versus those with no CTCs. Log-rank test and Cox regression analysis were applied to establish associations of CTCs with RFS. At least one baseline CTC was identified in 90 of 243 (37%) patients. Forty-five (19%), 67 (28%), 118 (49%), and 13 (5%) patients were stage IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, or IIID, respectively. CTC detection was not associated with substage, or primary tumor characteristics. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the detection of ≥1 baseline CTC was significantly associated with decreased 6-month RFS [log-rank, P < 0.0001; HR, 3.62, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.78-7.36; P < 0.0001] and 54-month RFS (log-rank, P = 0.01; HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.13-2.54; P = 0.01). The authors acknowledged limitations to their study. At the time of patient accrual, extensive tumor molecular profiling was not routinely performed for patients with stage III melanoma, so they were not able to determine whether CTC detection was associated with any specific tumor genomic mutation or molecular signature. Furthermore, effective checkpoint blockade and targeted therapy regimens were not widely employed during the time of this study, therefore they were not able to determine whether current adjuvant therapies effect CTC detection and outcome for these patients. The authors concluded that one or more CTC was independently associated with melanoma relapse, suggesting that CTC assessment may be useful to identify patients at risk for relapse who could derive benefit from adjuvant therapy.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) practice guidelines for "Melanoma: Cutaneous" (Version 2.2024) states, "Existing and emerging GEP [gene expression profiling] tests and other molecular techniques (i.e., circulating tumor DNA tests) should be prospectively compared to determine their clinical utility, including with no-cost, contemporary models that incorporate readily available CP [clinicopathologic] variables. Prospective study of the utility of predictive GEP for SLNB [sentinel lymph node biopsy] risk, in conjunction with well-established CP factors, is ongoing". NCCN does not mention morphological characterization and enumeration based on differential CD146 as a management tool.
NCCN practice guidelines for "Melanoma: Uveal" does not mention use of CTC detection, or morphological characterization and enumeration based on differential CD146, as a management tool.
CELLSEARCH Circulating Multiple Myeloma Cell (CMMC) Test
The CELLSEARCH Circulating Multiple Myeloma Cell Test (Menarini Silicon Biosystems, Inc) analyzes peripheral blood for circulating multiple myeloma cells (CMMCs). The test consists of circulating plasma cell immunologic selection, identification, morphological characterization, and enumeration of plasma cells based on differential CD138, CD38, CD19, and CD45 protein biomarker expression.
CELLSEARCH ER Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC-ER) Test
The CELLSEARCH ER Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC-ER) Test (Menarini Silicon Biosystems, Inc) is a blood-based test that analyzes CTC selection, morphological characterization and enumeration based on differential epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), cytokeratins 8, 18, and 19, CD45 protein biomarkers, and quantification of estrogen receptor (ER) protein biomarker–expressing cells.
Forsare et al (2020) state that estrogen receptor (ER) can change expression between primary tumor (PT) and distant metastasis (DM) in breast cancer, and that a tissue biopsy reflects a momentary state at one location, whereas liquid-based markers (CTCs) reflect real-time tumor progression. In a prospective observational study of 168 women with newly diagnosed metastatic breast cancer, the authors evaluated ER-status during tumor progression from PT to DM and CTCs, and related the ER-status of CTCs to prognosis. Blood was collected at different timepoints. After CellSearch enrichment, CTCs were captured on DropMount slides and evaluated for ER expression at baseline (BL) and after 1 and 3 months of therapy. Comparison of the ER-status of PT, DM, and CTCs at different timepoints was performed using the McNemar test. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Evidence of a shift from ER positivity to negativity between PT and DM was demonstrated (p = 0.019). The authors state they found strong evidence of similar shifts from PT to CTCs at different timepoints (p < 0.0001), and that ER-positive CTCs at 1 and 3 months were related to better prognosis. The authors concluded that a shift in ER-status from PT to DM/CTCs was demonstrated. ER-positive CTCs during systemic therapy might reflect the retention of a favorable phenotype that still responds to therapy.
NCCN practice guidelines for "Breast cancer" (Version 5.2024) state, "The clinical use of circulating tumor cells (CTC) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in metastatic breast cancer is not yet included in the NCCN Guidelines for Breast Cancer for disease assessment and monitoring. Patients with persistently increased CTC after 3 weeks of first-line chemotherapy have a poor PFS and OS. In spite of its prognostic ability, CTC count has failed to show a predictive value. A prospective, randomized, phase 3 trial (SWOG S0500) evaluated the clinical utility of serial enumeration of CTC in patients with metastatic breast cancer. According to the study results, switching to an alternative cytotoxic therapy after 3 weeks of first-line chemotherapy in patients with persistently increased CTC did not affect either PFS or OS".
CELLSEARCH HER2 Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC-HER2) Test
The CELLSEARCH HER2 Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC-HER2) Test (Menarini Silicon Biosystems, Inc) analyzes peripheral blood for HER2 status of the circulating tumor cells. The test consists of circulating tumor cell selection, identification, morphological characterization, detection and enumeration based on differential EpCAM, cytokeratins 8, 18, and 19, and CD45 protein biomarkers, and quantification of HER2 protein biomarker–expressing cells.
CELLSEARCH PD-L1 Circulating Tumor Cell (CTCPD-L1) Test
The CELLSEARCH PD-L1 Circulating Tumor Cell (CTCPD-L1) Test (Menarini Silicon Biosystems, Inc) analyzes peripheral blood for morphological characterization and enumeration based on differential epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), cytokeratins 8, 18, and 19, CD45 protein biomarkers, and quantification of PD-L1 protein biomarker–expressing cells.
Bergmann et al (2020) state that PD-L1 expression in tumor biopsies does not necessarily correlate with response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Thus, a reliable predictive biomarker is urgently needed. The authors evaluated PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood from patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC). An assay to test PD-L1 expression on CTCs using the CellSearch system was established using cells of five UC cell lines spiked into blood samples from healthy donors and applied to a heterogeneous cohort of UC patients. Enumeration of CTCs was performed in blood samples from 49 patients with advanced UC. PD-L1 expression in one or more CTC was found in 10 of 16 CTC-positive samples (63%). Both intra- and inter-patient heterogeneity regarding PD-L1 expression of CTCs were observed. Furthermore, vimentin-expressing CTCs were detected in 4 of 15 CTC-positive samples (27%), independently of PD-L1 analysis. The authors state that both CTC detection and presence of CTCs with moderate or strong PD-L1 expression correlated with worse overall survival. Analyses during disease course of three individual patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) suggest that apart from CTC numbers also PD-L1 expression on CTCs might potentially indicate disease progression. The authors concluded that their results demonstrate the potential of CTC-PD-L1 expression to be implemented in monitoring response to ICI therapies. However, the authors acknowledge that their preliminary findings of this study need to be validated in a larger cohort of UC patients uniformly treated by ICI in prospective trials.
ClarityDx Prostate
ClarityDx Prostate (Protean BioDiagnostics; Nanostics Precision Health) is a blood-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that adds AI-powered learning to help healthcare providers classify aggressive prostate cancer risk on patients who received an abnormal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test result, or other suspicion of prostate cancer. ClarityDx Prostate is a decision support tool that combines the lab results of two blood-based biomarkers (total PSA and free PSA) and up to 5 clinical features (age, previous negative prostate biopsy status, digital rectal exam findings, prostate volume, and PI-RADS) to calculate the risk of having clinically significant prostate cancer, defined as Gleason Grade Group 2 or higher, on prostate biopsy. The algorithm classifies the patient as either high risk (indicating biopsy and/or multiparametric MRI [mpMRI] decision making) or low risk (continue monitoring).
Hyndman et al (2024) describe the development of ClarityDX, a predictive analysis platform for generating risk scores from biomarker data and clinical features using an optimized machine learning approach. The authors also describe the utility of the platform with the development of ClarityDX Prostate for predicting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) using readily available patient clinical characteristics and approved laboratory tests. This test aimed to improve the selection of men requiring mpMRI and prostate biopsies from the men who do not require these procedures, thereby reducing patient adverse events and overall healthcare costs. Data from multiple academic institutions and hospitals were used to train and validate ClarityDX Prostate. Development of the ClarityDX platform compared eleven different machine learning algorithms including logistic regression, linear and quadratic discriminant analysis, k-nearest neighbors, linear and radial basis function support vector machines, single decision tree, random forest, LightGBM, XGBoost, and multilayer perceptron. Models were trained to predict csPCa from biopsy results. The algorithm with the highest receiver operator characteristic area under the curve (ROC AUC) value for the validation cohort was further optimized by performing isotonic regression calibration on models using 5-fold cross-validation. The final ClarityDX Prostate model was composed of an ensemble of 50 calibrated models using the same optimal machine learning algorithm, but base models were created on different random subsets of training data using 5-fold cross-validation. The ClarityDX Prostate was compared to mpMRI for predicting csPCa using patients in the training and validation cohorts who had pre-biopsy mpMRI data. Assuming a positive mpMRI was PI-RADS to ≥ 3, mpMRI had sensitivities of 90% and 96% in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Using thresholds for ClarityDX Prostate which matched mpMRI sensitivity, ClarityDX Prostate had at least 7% higher specificity, 3% higher positive predictive value, and 2% higher negative predictive value for both the training and validation cohorts. When assuming a prostate biopsy was performed if the ClarityDX Prostate Risk Score was ≥25%, an estimated 35% of prostate biopsies could be avoided in the validation cohort while missing 11% GG (Grade Group) ≥ 1, 4.5% GG ≥ 2, 3.7% GG ≥ 3, 2.5% GG ≥ 4, and 2.1% GG 5 PCa. Similar results were observed in the training cohort with a threshold of ≥25% predicting 94% of csPCa and missing 14% GG ≥ 1, 6.3% GG ≥ 2, 3.5% GG ≥ 3, 3.4% GG ≥ 4, and 2.5% GG 5 PCa. Study limitations include the lack of mpMRI data for some patients. Additionally, ethnic diversity was relatively low with 67% to 85% of participants self-identifying as White in all clinical sites that provided ethnicity/race data. Nonetheless, the authors concluded that their study shows the utility of their optimized machine learning platform ClarityDX to generate models predicting clinically significant disease from patient samples and clinical features, and when used with current standard of care practices, may help physicians improve stratification of at-risk patients requiring more expensive diagnostic procedures such as mpMRI or biopsy.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines for "Prostate cancer" (Version 1.2025) does not provide a recommendation for ClarityDx Prostate assay as a decision management tool.
ClonoSEQ
ClonoSEQ (Adaptive Biotechnologies) is an FDA-cleared in vitro diagnostic assay that uses multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify and quantify rearranged IgH (VDJ), IgH (DJ), IgK and IgL receptor gene sequences, as well as translocated BCL1/IgH (J) and BCL2/IgH (J) sequences in DNA extracted from bone marrow from patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or multiple myeloma (MM), and blood or bone marrow from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This assay measures minimal residual disease (MRD) to monitor changes in burden of disease during and after treatment. The test is to be use by qualified healthcare professionals in accordance with professional guidelines for clinical decision-making and in conjunction with other clinicopathological features (FDA, 2018; FDA, 2019).
Ching and colleagues (2020) conducted an analytical evaluation of studies on the use of clonoSEQ Assay for establishing measurable (minimal) residual disease in ALL, CLL, and multiple myeloma (MM). The clonoSEQ Assay was used to identify and track unique disease-associated immunoglobulin (Ig) sequences by NGS of IgH, IgK, and IgL rearrangements and IgH-BCL1/2 translocations in malignant B cells. The goal of this analysis was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the clonoSEQ Assay by assessing the limit of detection (LoD), the limit of quantitation (LoQ) and the limit of blank (LoB) in genomic DNA (gDNA) from 66 patients with MM, ALL, or CLL, and three cell lines. Healthy donor gDNA was used as a diluent to contrive samples with specific DNA masses and malignant-cell frequencies. Precision was validated using a range of samples contrived from patient gDNA, healthy donor gDNA, and 9 cell lines to generate measurable residual disease (MRD) frequencies spanning clinically relevant thresholds. Linearity was determined using samples contrived from cell line gDNA spiked into healthy gDNA to generate 11 MRD frequencies for each DNA input, then confirmed using clinical samples. The authors noted that the minimum input for MRD testing via the clonoSEQ Assay is 500 ng (to ensure sensitivity at an MRD frequency of 1 × 10− 4). Quantitation accuracy was assessed by (i) comparing clonoSEQ and multiparametric flow cytometry (mpFC) measurements of ALL and MM cell lines diluted in healthy mononuclear cells, and (ii) analyzing precision study data for bias between clonoSEQ MRD results in diluted gDNA and those expected from mpFC based on original, undiluted samples. Repeatability of nucleotide base calls was assessed via the assay’s ability to recover malignant clonotype sequences across several replicates, process features, and MRD levels. The authors found that LoD and LoQ were estimated at 1.903 cells and 2.390 malignant cells, respectively. LoB was zero in healthy donor gDNA. Precision ranged from 18% CV (coefficient of variation) at higher DNA inputs to 68% CV near the LoD. Variance component analysis showed MRD results were robust, with expected laboratory process variations contributing ≤3% CV. Linearity and accuracy were demonstrated for each disease across orders of magnitude of clonal frequencies. Nucleotide sequence error rates were extremely low. The authors concluded that these studies validate the analytical performance of the clonoSEQ Assay and demonstrate its potential as a highly sensitive diagnostic tool for selected lymphoid malignancies.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for "Acute lymphoblastic leukemia" (Version 3.2024) supports the use of "FDA-approved NGS-based assay" and real-time quantitative PCR as testing methods for MRD quantification in ALL. Moreover, "if MRD is negative by flow cytometry, an FDA-approved NGS assay should be considered to confirm negativity".
For the initial diagnostic workup in multiple myeloma, NCCN guideline (Version 2.2025) recommends additional tests that may be useful in some circumstances. The NCCN Panel "suggests baseline clone identification or storage of bone marrow aspirate sample for clone identification for future minimal residual disease (MRD) testing by NGS if required and assessment for circulating plasma cells in peripheral blood, as clinically indicated". Moreover, for follow-up/surveillance, "consider MRD testing as indicated for prognostication after shared decision with patient".
NCCN clinical practice guidelines for "Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma" (Version 3.2025) states that "Evidence from clinical trials suggests that undetectable MRD in the peripheral blood after the end of time-limited treatment is an important predictor of efficacy" after treatment. Furthermore, "MRD evaluation should be performed using an assay with a sensitivity of 10-4 according to the standardized European Research Initiative on CLL (ERIC) method or standardized NGS method".
ColonSentry
The ColonSentry test (GeneNews, Toronto, Canada) measures the expression of seven genes, which serve as biomarkers to detect colorectal cancer. Interpretation of the status of these seven biomarkers is intended to assist physicians in identifying patients who have an increased current risk. According to the manufacturer, individuals assessed as having an increased current risk of colorectal cancer should consider having a colonoscopy. Individuals assessed as having a decreased current risk of colorectal cancer should discuss with their doctor further screening, including repeating ColonSentry at regular intervals. There is a lack of evidence in the peer-reviewed published medical literature on the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening with ColonSentry. No current evidence-based guidelines from medical professional organizations or public health agencies recommend ColonSentry for colorectal cancer screening.
ColoPrint
ColoPrint (Agendia) is an 18-gene profile that classifies colon cancer into Low Risk or High Risk of relapse, by measuring genes representative of the metastatic pathways of colon cancer metastases which were selected for their predictive relationship to 5-year distant metastases probability (Raman, et al., 2013). ColoPrint is indicated for stage II colon cancer, and provides relapse risk stratification independent of clinical and pathologic factors such as T4-stage and MSI status. ColoPrint determines if the patient is a candidate for chemotherapy. An NCCN Task Force report (NCCN, 2011) concluded that the efficacy of ColoPrint has not been established.
ColoScape and ColoScape PLUS Test
ColoScape
The ColoScape Test (DiaCarta Clinical Lab, DiaCarta, Inc.) is a novel diagnostic test that uses a multi-plex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based multi-gene panel for the qualitative detection of CRC-associated gene mutations and methylation markers in liquid biopsy samples. The test panel targets 61 mutations in 8 genes (APC, BRAF, CTNNB1, KRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA, SMAD4, and TP53) and 7 methylation markers (MYO1G, KCNQ5, C9ORF50, FLI1, CLIP4, ZNF132 and TWIST1) mostly associated with CRC. The test employs DiaCarta’s proprietary XNA technology that leverages a sequence-specific clamp made by xeno-nucleic acid (XNA) to clamp the wild type sequences.
Scimia et al (2018) noted that circulating cfDNA derived from tumors are becoming recognized as clinically significant and extremely useful biomarkers for detection of cancer and for monitoring the progression of targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy. Screening programs for CRC in Europe employ the Fetal Immunochemical Test (FIT) test as a primary screener. FIT+ patients are referred to immediate colonoscopy and the PPV is usually 25 %. In a pilot study, these investigators reported a trial using the ColoScape assay panel to detect mutations in the APC, KRAS, BRAF and CTNNB1 genes, in order to collect preliminary performance indicators and plan a future, larger population study. The assay was used on 52 prospectively collected whole-blood samples obtained from FIT+ patients enrolled in the CRC screening program of ASL NAPOLI 3 SUD, using colonoscopy as confirmation. The assay's sensitivity for advanced adenomas was 53.8 % and the specificity was 92.3 %. The PPV was 70.0 % and the NPV was 85.7 %. Work-flow optimization was essential to maximize sensitivity. Of note, 4 of the 6 positive cases missed by ColoScape had a less than sub-optimal DNA input. Had they been ruled out as inadequate, sensitivity would have increased from 53.8 % to 69 %. However, as stated previously, this was not a clinical trial, but rather an initial, preliminary technical evaluation. The authors concluded that the findings of this study showed that ColoScape is a promising tool and further studies are needed to validate its use for the triage of FIT+ patients.
Sun et al (2021) stated that CRC is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Early detection is critical to reduce CRC morbidity and mortality. These researchers developed a molecular clamping assay called the ColoScape assay for early diagnosis of CRC. A total of 19 mutations in 4 genes (APC, KRAS, BRAF and CTNNB1) associated with early events in CRC pathogenesis were targeted in the ColoScape assay. Xenonucleic acid (XNA)-mediated qPCR clamping technology was used to minimize the wild-type background amplification in order to improve assay sensitivity of CRC mutation detection. The assay analytical performance was verified and validated, cfDNA and FFPE CRC patient samples were evaluated, and an ROC curve was employed to evaluate its performance. The data showed that the assay analytical sensitivity was 0.5 % Variant Allele Frequency, corresponding to approximately 7 to 8 copies of mutant DNA with 5 ng total DNA input per test. This assay was highly reproducible with intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) of less than 3 % and inter-assay CV of less than 5 %. These investigators examined 380 clinical samples including plasma cfDNA and FFPE samples from patients with pre-cancerous and different stages of CRC. The preliminary assay clinical specificity and sensitivity for CRC cfDNA were: 100 % (95 % CI: 80.3 % to 97.5 %) and 92.2 % (95 % CI: 94.7 % to 100 %), respectively, with AUC of 0.96; 96 % specificity (95 % CI: 77.6 % to 99.7 %) and 92 % sensitivity (95 % CI: 86.1 % to 95.6 %) with AUC of 0.94 for CRC FFPE; 95 % specificity (95 % CI: 82.5 % to 99.1 %) and 62.5 % sensitivity (95 % CI: 35.8 % to 83.7 %) with AUC of 0.79 for pre-cancerous lesions cfDNA. The authors concluded that they had developed a rapid and sensitive assay to enable the molecular characterization and detection of pre-cancerous CRC and CRC at different stages in a variety of samples. However, this XNA-based qPCR with only 5 channels available in a qPCR instrument has its limitations. However, the assay can be improved by targeting more genes and more mutation hotspots. Recent molecular characterization and NGS analysis of cancer patients has provided unprecedent insight into cancer molecular mechanisms and revealed molecular signatures of different cancer types. Inclusion of a broader biomarker panel will further improve the assay sensitivity. This XNA-based technology can also be combined with NGS technology to cover a wide range of variants in many genes, making it applicable to the development of comprehensive DNA-based assays for a wide range of cancer diagnostics.
These researchers stated that the preliminary clinical performance of the ColoScape assay showed good sensitivity, including the testing of pre-cancerous screening samples. Mutations from early cancer patients were detected by the ColoScape assay and were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The ColoScape assay and Sanger sequencing results were 98 % concordant. The ColoScape assay has about 89 % concordance with NGS. There were 2 samples identified as mutants by the ColoScape assay and confirmed by Sanger sequencing, but not detectable by NGS, possibly due to the higher assay sensitivity (limit of detection [LOD] about 0.1 % VAF) of the ColoScape assay than that of NGS (LOD about 1 % VAF). The ColoScape assay was used in testing pre-cancerous plasma from FIT-positive patients in a small study and showed 83.3 % PPV and 62.5% assay sensitivity, while FIT testing showed a PPV of 25 %. Since FIT has such a high false negative rate, the ColoScape assay can potentially be used as a triage test in combination with a FIT test to improve the effectiveness of CRC patient management and treatment. There are several CRC-related mutation detection and methylation-based screening assays, (e.g., Cologuard (Exact Sciences Corporation) and Epi ProColon (Epigenomics AG)), available in the market. However, these FDA-approved assays are based only on a single gene methylation detection (Septin 9-Epi ProColon) or 2 methylation biomarkers combined with only 1 target gene mutation assay (Cologuard), which potentially limits the assay sensitivity. In this preliminary study, these researchers demonstrated that the ColoScape assay could detect 66.6 % of mutations from advanced adenoma (AA) samples (although it was only from 10 samples and needs further confirmation), while the reported Cologuard AA detection rate is 42% to 46 %, suggesting that the ColoScape assay potentially has a comparable sensitivity to that of Cologuard for early colon cancer detection from patient blood samples. In addition, these investigators showed a sensitivity for cfDNA sample for pre-cancerous lesions of about 62.5 % and specificity of 95.2 %, suggesting that the ColoScape assay has great potential for early pre-cancerous lesions screening.
Furthermore, NCCN’s clinical practice guidelines on “Colon Cancer” (Version 3.2022) and “Rectal Cancer” (Version 4.2022) do not mention gene mutations and methylation markers as management tools.
ColoScape PLUS
ColoScape PLUS (DiaCarta, Inc.) is a blood-based test that evaluates cell-free DNA (cfDNA) for mutations in 8 genes, methylation by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 7 genes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 4 proteins. The results are reported as positive or negative for colorectal cancer (CRC) or advanced adenoma risk.
Per the manufacturer's website, ColoScape Test is intended to be complementary to and not a replacement for current recommended CRC screening protocols. Patients with abnormal results should be referred for further diagnostic evaluation (colonoscopy, imaging, etc.). The test is performed at DiaCarta laboratory as a laboratory-developed Test (LDT). It was developed and validated, and the performance characteristics determined by DiaCarta. It is not cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (DiaCarta, 2024).
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines on "Colorectal cancer screening" (Version 1.2024) states there are emerging blood-based screening tests evaluating methylation status of the SEPT9 gene to distinguish CRC tissue from normal surrounding tissue, and circulating methylated SEPT9 DNA in plasma as a biomarker for CRC. However, NCCN does not mention evaluating methylation status of other biomarkers. Moreover, NCCN does not mention performing cfDNA analysis for evaluating CRC cancer risk.
The NCCN clinical practice guidelines on "Colon cancer" (Version 5.2024) does not discuss performing cfDNA analysis on genes as a management tool for CRC or adenoma.
Colvera (Circulating Tumor DNA / ctDNA)
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guidelines on "Colon cancer" (Version 4.2018) and "Rectal cancer" (Version 3.2018) do not mention circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a management tool.
Murray and colleagues (2018) stated that methylation in IKZF1 and BCAT1 are common events in colorectal cancer (CRC). They are often detected in blood as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at diagnosis and disappear after surgery in most CRC patients. In a prospective study, these researchers examined the relationship between detection of these markers following surgery and risk for residual disease and for recurrence. ctDNA status with methylated BCAT1 and IKZF1 was determined within 12 months of surgical resection of CRC; and was related to presence of or risk for residual disease (margins involved, metastases present or nature of node involvement), and to RFS. Blood was collected from 172 CRC patients after surgery and 28 (16 %) were ctDNA positive. Recurrence was diagnosed in 23 of the 138 with clinical follow-up after surgery (median follow-up of 23.3 months, inter-quartile range [IQR] 14.3 to 29.5). Multi-variate modeling indicated that features suggestive of residual disease were an independent predictor of post-surgery ctDNA status: cases with any of 3 features (close resection margins, apical node involved, or distant metastases) were 5.3 times (95 % CI: 1.5 to 18.4, p = 0.008) more likely to be ctDNA positive. Multi-variate analysis showed that post-surgery ctDNA positivity was independently associated with an increased risk of recurrence (HR 3.8, 1.5 to 9.5, p = 0.004). The authors concluded that CRC cases positive for methylated ctDNA after surgery are at increased risk of residual disease and subsequently recurrence. This could have implications for guiding recommendations for adjuvant therapy and surveillance strategies. Moreover, these researchers stated that randomized studies are now indicated to examine if monitoring cases with these biomarkers would lead to survival benefit.
Musher and associates (2020) noted that most recurrences of early-stage CRC detected with current surveillance measures are widespread and incurable; ctDNA may facilitate earlier diagnosis of recurrent CRC and improve cancer-related outcomes. Plasma from patients undergoing standard surveillance after definitive treatment for stage II/III CRC was assayed with Colvera and CEA at a single time-point. Results were correlated with radiographic imaging. Assay performance, including sensitivity and specificity for recurrence, were compared. Impact of potentially confounding variables was also examined. A total of 322 patients were included in the final analysis, and 27 recurrences were documented over a median follow-up period of 15 months. Sensitivity for recurrence was 63 % [CI: 42.4 to 80.6] and 48 % (CI: 28.7 to 68.1) for Colvera and CEA (greater than 5 ng/ml), respectively (p = 0.046), while specificity was 91.5 % (CI: 87.7 to 94.4) and 96.3 % (CI: 93.4 to 98.1), respectively (p = 0.016). Smoking and age were independent predictors of CEA, but not Colvera positivity. The authors concluded that Colvera was more sensitive but less specific than CEA in detecting recurrent CRC. Short median follow-up may have been responsible for apparent false positives in Colvera. Moreover, these researchers stated that studies with serial sampling and longer follow-up are needed to examine if earlier detection of CRC recurrence would translate into clinical benefit.
Symonds and co-workers (2020) stated that the sensitive detection of recurrent CRC by the measurement of ctDNA might improve the chance of a cure. These researchers compared a quantitative methylated ctDNA test with CEA in the setting of surveillance for recurrence. Blood samples collected either during surveillance or within 12 months of the confirmation of recurrence were assayed for ctDNA (methylated branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 [BCAT1]/Ikaros family zinc-finger 1 protein [IKZF1]) and CEA. The optimal ctDNA threshold was determined by ROC analysis, and the test performance for the detection of recurrence was compared with CEA (5 ng/ml threshold). The study cohort comprised 144 eligible patients and included 50 recurrence events. The sensitivity of the methylated ctDNA test for recurrence was 66.0 % (95 % CI: 57.1 % to 69.3 %), which was significantly higher than the sensitivity of CEA (31.9 %; 95 % CI: 22.8 % to 36.6 %; p < 0.001). The sensitivity for resectable recurrence (n = 20) was also higher (ctDNA, 60.0 %; CEA, 20.0 %; p = 0.01). The specificity did not differ between the tests (ctDNA, 97.9 %; 95 % CI: 93.2 % to 99.6 %; CEA, 96.4 %; 95 % CI: 91.4 % to 99.0 %). When adjustments were made for other predictors of the presence of recurrence, a positive ctDNA test was an independent predictor (OR, 155.7; 95 % CI: 17.9 to 1360.6; p < .001), whereas CEA was not (OR, 2.5; 95 % CI: 0.3 to 20.6; p = 0.407). The authors concluded that the quantitative ctDNA test showed superior sensitivity in comparison with CEA without a difference in the specificity for detecting recurrent CRC. Moreover, these researchers stated that longitudinal studies are needed to further examine the utility (specifically the survival benefit) of methylated BCAT1/IKZF1 ctDNA in the surveillance of patients with CRC.
ConfirmMDx
ConfirmMDx (MDxHealth, Irvine, CA) is an epigenetic assay using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to measure DNA methylation of gene regions that are associated with cancer. It is designed to distinguish patients with prostate cancer who have a true-negative biopsy from those who may have occult cancer. The test supposedly helps urologists rule-out prostate cancer-free men from undergoing unnecessary repeat biopsies and, helps rule-in high-risk patients who may require repeat biopsies and potential treatment. However, there is inadequate evidence to support the clinical value of ConfirmMDx in patients with prostate cancer.
Stewart et al (2013) reported that ConfirmMDx, a multiplex quantitative methylation specific polymerase chain reaction assay determining the methylation status of GSTP1, APC and RASSF1, was strongly associated with repeat biopsy outcome up to 30 months after initial negative biopsy in men with suspicion of prostate cancer. The investigators blindly tested archived prostate biopsy needle core tissue samples of 498 subjects from the United Kingdom and Belgium with histopathologically negative prostate biopsies, followed by positive (cases) or negative (controls) repeat biopsy within 30 months. Clinical performance of the epigenetic marker panel, emphasizing negative predictive value, was assessed and cross-validated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate all risk factors. The epigenetic assay performed on the first negative biopsies of this retrospective review cohort resulted in a negative predictive value of 90 % (95 % CI: 87 to 93). In a multivariate model correcting for patient age, prostate specific antigen, digital rectal examination and first biopsy histopathological characteristics the epigenetic assay was a significant independent predictor of patient outcome (OR 3.17, 95 % CI: 1.81 to 5.53). The investigators stated that adding this epigenetic assay could improve the prostate cancer diagnostic process and decrease unnecessary repeat biopsies.
Partin et al (2014) reported that the ConfirmMDx epigenetic assay was a significant, independent predictor of prostate cancer detection in a repeat biopsy collected an average of 13 months after an initial negative result. The investigators evaluated the archived, cancer negative prostate biopsy core tissue samples of 350 subjects from a total of 5 urological centers in the United States. All subjects underwent repeat biopsy within 24 months with a negative (controls) or positive (cases) histopathological result. Centralized blinded pathology evaluation of the 2 biopsy series was performed in all available subjects from each site. Biopsies were epigenetically profiled for GSTP1, APC and RASSF1 relative to the ACTB reference gene using quantitative methylation specific polymerase chain reaction. Pre-determined analytical marker cutoffs were used to determine assay performance. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate all risk factors. The epigenetic assay resulted in a negative predictive value of 88 % (95 % CI: 85 to 91). In multivariate models correcting for age, prostate specific antigen, digital rectal examination, first biopsy histopathological characteristics and race the test proved to be the most significant independent predictor of patient outcome (OR 2.69, 95 % CI: 1.60 to 4.51). The investigators stated that adding this epigenetic assay to other known risk factors may help decrease unnecessary repeat prostate biopsies.
- measurement of DNA methylation in body fluids;
- a case-control or case-only design;
- publication in an English journal; and
- adult subjects.
Reviewers conducted data extraction independently using a standardized protocol. A total of 22 studies were finally included in this paper. Primer sequences and methylation method in each study were summarized and evaluated using meta-analyses. This paper represented a unique cross-disciplinary approach to molecular epidemiology. The pooled specificity of GSTP1 promoter methylation measured in plasma, serum, and urine samples from negative-biopsy controls was 0.89 (95 % CI: 0.80 to 0.95). Stratified analyses consistently showed a high specificity across different sample types and methylation methods (include both primer sequences and location). The pooled sensitivity was 0.52 (95 % CI: 0.40 to 0.64). The authors concluded that the pooled specificity of GSTP1 promoter methylation measures in plasma, serum, and urine was excellent and much higher than the specificity of PSA. The sensitivity of GSTP1 was modest, no higher than that of PSA. They stated that these findings suggested that measurement of GSTP1 promoter methylation in plasma, serum, or urine samples may complement PSA screening for prostate cancer diagnosis.
Van Neste et al (2012a) from the MDxHealth stated that PSA-directed prostate cancer screening leads to a high rate of false-positive identifications and an unnecessary biopsy burden. Epigenetic biomarkers have proven useful, exhibiting frequent and abundant inactivation of tumor suppressor genes through such mechanisms. An epigenetic, multiplex PCR test for prostate cancer diagnosis could provide physicians with better tools to help their patients. Biomarkers like GSTP1, APC and RASSF1 have demonstrated involvement with prostate cancer, with the latter 2 genes playing prominent roles in the field effect. The epigenetic states of these genes can be used to assess the likelihood of cancer presence or absence. An initial test cohort of 30 prostate cancer-positive samples and 12 cancer-negative samples was used as basis for the development and optimization of an epigenetic multiplex assay based on the GSTP1, APC and RASSF1 genes, using methylation specific PCR (MSP). The effect of prostate needle core biopsy sample volume and age of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples was evaluated on an independent follow-up cohort of 51 cancer-positive patients. Multiplexing affects copy number calculations in a consistent way per assay. Methylation ratios are therefore altered compared to the respective singleplex assays, but the correlation with patient outcome remains equivalent. In addition, tissue-biopsy samples as small as 20 μm can be used to detect methylation in a reliable manner. The age of FFPE-samples does have a negative impact on DNA quality and quantity. The authors concluded that the developed multiplex assay appears functionally similar to individual singleplex assays, with the benefit of lower tissue requirements, lower cost and decreased signal variation. This assay can be applied to small biopsy specimens, down to 20 microns, widening clinical applicability. Increasing the sample volume can compensate the loss of DNA quality and quantity in older samples.
Van Neste et al (2012b) noted that prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in men and a leading cause of death. Improvements in disease management would have a significant impact and could be facilitated by the development of biomarkers, whether for diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive purposes. The blood-based prostate biomarker PSA has been part of clinical practice for over 2 decades, although it is surrounded by controversy. While debates of usefulness are ongoing, alternatives should be explored. Particularly with recent recommendations against routine PSA-testing, the time is ripe to explore promising biomarkers to yield a more efficient and accurate screening for detection and management of prostate cancer. Epigenetic changes, more specifically DNA methylation, are among the most common alterations in human cancer. These changes are associated with transcriptional silencing of genes, leading to an altered cellular biology. One gene in particular, GSTP1, has been widely studied in prostate cancer. Thus, a meta-analysis has been conducted to examine the role of this and other genes and the potential contribution to prostate cancer management and screening refinement. More than 30 independent, peer-reviewed studies have reported a consistently high sensitivity and specificity of GSTP1 hyper-methylation in prostatectomy or biopsy tissue. The meta-analysis combined and compared these results. The authors concluded that GSTP1 methylation detection can serve an important role in prostate cancer management. The meta-analysis clearly confirmed a link between tissue DNA hyper-methylation of this and other genes and prostate cancer. They stated that detection of DNA methylation in genes, including GSTP1, could serve an important role in clinical practice.
Andres et al (2013) synthesized the principal advances in the field of the study of epigenetics and specifically DNA methylation regarding the diagnosis of urological neoplasms. Review of the literature (PubMed, MEDLINE y COCHRANE) on the study of DNA methylation in urological neoplasms (prostate cancer, bladder cancer, renal cancer and testicular cancer), considering all the studies published up to January 2013 was carried out. It was possible to determine the state of methylation of many genes in tumor samples. When these were compared with healthy tissue samples, it was possible to define the specific aberrant methylation patterns for each type of tumor. The study and definition of specific abnormal methylation patterns of each type of tumor is a tool having potential utility for diagnosis, evaluation, prediction of prognosis and treatment of the different forms of genito-urinary cancer. The analysis of gene methylation in urine after micturition or post-prostatic massage urine, semen, in the wash plasma or fluid from prostatic biopsies may allow early detection of bladder, prostate, renal and testicular cancer. In each of the neoplasms, an epigenetic signature that may be detected in the DNA has been identified, obtained from very scarce or not at all invasive specimens, with potential in the diagnosis and evaluation of prognosis. Validation of these studies will confirm the accuracy, effectiveness, and reproducibility of the results available up to now. Criteria have still not been developed that determine if a gene panel provides sufficient information in the health care practice to guide an unequivocal diagnosis or therapeutic conduct. More studies are needed to compare sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative-predictive values of the test in each case. Multi-center studies analyzing the real reproducibility of these results in a clinical setting also do not exist. The authors concluded that the study of aberrant DNA methylation in biological specimens of patients has an enormous potential for the early diagnosis and screening of genitourinary neoplasms. They stated that more studies are needed to define the series of genes that would mean unequivocal signatures of malignancy. This methodology also has potential when defining prognostic groups and potential of response to different therapies
Lin et al (2013) prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men worldwide, and not all men diagnosed with prostate cancer will die from the disease. A critical challenge, therefore, is to distinguish indolent prostate cancer from more advanced forms to guide appropriate treatment decisions. These investigators used Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing, a genome-wide high-coverage single-base resolution DNA methylation method to profile seven localized prostate cancer samples, 7 matched benign prostate tissues, and 6 aggressive castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) samples. They integrated these data with RNA-seq and whole-genome DNA-seq data to comprehensively characterize the prostate cancer methylome, detect changes associated with disease progression, and identify novel candidate prognostic biomarkers. The analyses revealed the correlation of cytosine guanine dinucleotide island (CGI)-specific hyper-methylation with disease severity and association of certain breakpoints (deletion, tandem duplications, and inter-chromosomal translocations) with DNA methylation. Furthermore, integrative analysis of methylation and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) uncovered widespread allele-specific methylation (ASM) for the first time in prostate cancer. These researchers found that most DNA methylation changes occurred in the context of ASM, suggesting that variations in tumor epigenetic landscape of individuals are partly mediated by genetic differences, which may affect prostate cancer disease progression. They further selected a panel of 13 CGIs demonstrating increased DNA methylation with disease progression and validated this panel in an independent cohort of 20 benign prostate tissues, 16 prostate cancer a, and 8 aggressive CRPCs. The authors concluded that these results warrant clinical evaluation in larger cohorts to help distinguish indolent prostate cancer from advanced disease.
Wojno and colleagues (2014) reported on an observational study that suggests that the ConfirmMDx may reduce biopsy rates in persons suspected of having prostate cancer. The investigators noted that the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is dependent on histologic confirmation in biopsy core tissues. The biopsy procedure is invasive, puts the patient at risk for complications, and is subject to significant sampling errors. The authors stated that an epigenetic test that uses methylation-specific PCR to determine the epigenetic status of the PCa-associated genes GSTP1, APC, and RASSF1 has been clinically validated and is used in clinical practice to increase the negative predictive value (NPV) in men with no history of PCa compared with standard histopathology. The investigators stated that such information can help to avoid unnecessary repeat biopsies. The investigators posited that the repeat biopsy rate may provide preliminary clinical utility evidence in relation to this assay's potential impact on the number of unnecessary repeat prostate biopsies performed in U.S. urology practices. The investigators stated that the purpose of this preliminary study was to quantify the number of repeat prostate biopsy procedures to demonstrate a low repeat biopsy rate for men with a history of negative histopathology who received a negative epigenetic assay result on testing of the residual prostate tissue. In this field observation study, practicing urologists used the ConfirmMDx for PCa to evaluate cancer-negative men considered at risk for PCa. The authors stated that his test has been previously validated in 2 blinded multi-center studies that showed the superior NPV of the epigenetic test over standard histopathology for cancer detection in prostate biopsies. A total of 5 clinical urology practices that had ordered a minimum of 40 commercial epigenetic test requisitions for patients with previous, cancer-negative biopsies over the course of the previous 18 months were contacted to assess their interest to participate in the study. Select demographic and prostate-screening parameter information, as well as the incidence of repeat biopsy, specifically for patients with a negative test result, was collected and merged into 1 collective database. All men from each of the 5 sites who had negative assay results were included in the analysis. A total of 138 patients were identified in these urology practices and were included in the analysis. The median age of the men was 63 years, and the current median serum PSA level was 4.7 ng/ml. Repeat biopsies had been performed in 6 of the 138 (4.3 %) men with a negative epigenetic assay result, in whom no evidence of cancer was found on histopathology. The authors concluded that in this study, a low rate of repeat prostatic biopsies was observed in the group of men with previous histopathologically negative biopsies who were considered to be at risk for harboring cancer. The data suggested that patients managed using the ConfirmMDx for PCa negative results had a low rate of repeat prostate biopsies. Moreover, they stated that these results warrant a large, controlled, prospective study to further evaluate the clinical utility of the epigenetic test to lower the unnecessary repeat biopsy rate.
The PASCUAL Study is a 600 patient randomized, controlled prospective study to track the clinical utility of the ConfirmMDx assay in U.S. urologic practices for the management of patients with a previous histopathologically cancer-negative biopsy, but clinical risk factors suggesting the need for a repeat biopsy (MDxHealth, 2016). The study, initiated in 2014, will compare the rate of repeat biopsies under the standard of care to the rate of repeat biopsies in patients managed with ConfirmMDx test results. The study is expected to be completed in 2017.
A review by Bostrom et al (2015) stated that commercially available epigenetic ConfirmMDx may be of value when repeat biopsies are considered after negative initial prostate biopsies. The review concluded: "Many new genetic-based tests are newly available or in late stages of clinical development, with potential applications in PCa decisions ranging from the need for repeat biopsy to initial treatment selection, decisions about secondary therapy, and selection of treatment for advanced disease. Greater understanding of the potential long-term benefits and limitations of these tests is important, and how exactly they should be used in clinical practice to optimize decision making must be the subject of future prospective studies".
A HealthPACT assessment of ConfirmMDX (Foerster et al, 2013) concluded: "From the evidence base available, prostate cancer detection using DNA methylation assays appears to offer some benefit over existing methods of diagnosis. In particular, the high NPVs and the low rates of false‐negatives observed indicate that DNA methylation assays may provide a means of reducing the number of healthy men incorrectly diagnosed and subjected to unnecessary biopsy; although, high‐quality comparative studies are needed before this can be truly determined. Further studies investigating the effects of prostate cancer detection using DNA methylation compared with conventional techniques on overall patient survival are also required".
Nguyen and colleagues (2015) stated that over the past several years, multiple biomarkers designed to improve prostate cancer risk stratification have become commercially available, while others are still being developed. In this review, these researchers focused on the evidence supporting recently reported biomarkers, with a focus on gene expression signatures. Many recently developed biomarkers are able to improve upon traditional risk assessment at nearly all stages of disease. ConfirmMDx uses gene methylation patterns to improve detection of clinically significant cancer following negative biopsy. Both the Prolaris and Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score tests can improve risk stratification following biopsy, especially among men who are eligible for active surveillance. Prolaris and the Decipher genomic classifier have been associated with risk of adverse outcome following prostatectomy, while Oncotype DX is being studied in this setting. Finally, recent reports of the association of androgen receptor-V7 in circulating tumor cells with resistance to enzalutamide and abiraterone raised the possibility of extending the use of genetic biomarkers to advanced disease. The authors concluded that with the development of multiple genetic expression panels in prostate cancer, careful study and validation of these tests and integration into clinical practice will be critical to realizing the potential of these tools.
Guidelines from 2015 from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network on prostate cancer screening (NCCN, 2015) concluded, regarding ConfirmMDx: "Despite the good NPV of this test, the panel noted that the study population included only patients who were ultimately selected for repeat biopsy. Furthermore, the panel noted that the NPV of first negative biopsy alone is already in the range of 75% to 80% and questioned the true value added by the test results. Therefore, until prospective data for this test or data comparing this test to other tests are available, the panel does not recommend its use".
Guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, 2016) recommend ConfirmMDx nonpreferentially among several markers (percent free PSA, PHI, 4KScore, PCA3 and ConfirmMDx) for men contemplating repeat biopsy because the assay may identify individuals at higher risk of prostate cancer diagnosis on repeat biopsy. The guidelines note that direct comparisons have been performed for some of these tests, used independently or in combinations, in the initial or repat biopsy settings, but sample sizes were small and results varied. Therefore, the NCCN panel concluded that no biomarker test can be recommended over any other at this time. The NCCN panel noted the optimal order of biomarker tests and imaging is unknown; and it remains unclear how to interpret results of multiple tests in individual patients, especially when results are contradictory.
A Joint Consensus Statement from the American Urological Association and the Society of Abdominal Radiology (Rosenkrantz, et al., 2016) state: "Non-imaging markers (i.e., PSA-based measures as well as PCA3) are likely useful in further selecting patients with a negative or low-suspicion MRI (PI-RADS score of 1 or 2, respectively) that may deserve a systematic biopsy despite the MRI results. However, targeted biopsy remains warranted for intermediate or high suspicion MRI lesions despite results from these ancillary markers given the consistently observed strong independent effect of the MRI suspicion score on cancer detection in multivariate models. Further investigation is warranted to identify which of these markers best complements MRI findings in the repeat biopsy setting."
Zhuang and Johnson (2016) noted that progress has been made in applying genetic information to disease management in the postgenomic era, and precision medicine is emerging in prostate cancer management. The prostate health index, the 4-kallikrein (4K) score, and the PCA3, TMPRSS2- ERG, and Prostarix tests have potential for refining prostate cancer screening in conjunction with traditional prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. The Confirm MDx and PCA3 tests have shown promise in identifying men who need be re-biopsied after a primary negative biopsy. Oncotype DX, Prolaris, the biopsy-based Decipher prostate cancer test, and ProMark may improve predictive risk stratification in addition to the traditional Gleason score and tumor stage. Decipher and Prolaris may predict biochemical recurrence and metastasis after radical prostatectomy and possibly help identify patients who need adjuvant therapy. Androgen receptor splice variant 7 appears effective in guiding the selection of 2nd hormonal manipulation with abiraterone or enzalutamide versus chemotherapy when treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Van Neste et al (2016) noted that prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis is challenging because efforts for effective, timely treatment of men with significant cancer typically result in over-diagnosis and repeat biopsies. The presence or absence of epigenetic aberrations, more specifically DNA-methylation of GSTP1, RASSF1, and APC in histopathologically negative prostate core biopsies has resulted in an increased negative predictive value (NPV) of approximately 90 % and thus could lead to a reduction of unnecessary repeat biopsies. These researchers examined if in methylation-positive men, DNA-methylation intensities could help to identify those men harboring high-grade (Gleason score [GS] of greater than or equal to 7) PCa, resulting in an improved PPV. Two cohorts, consisting of men with histopathologically negative index biopsies, followed by a positive or negative repeat biopsy, were combined. EpiScore, a methylation intensity algorithm was developed in methylation-positive men, using area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) as metric for performance. Next, a risk score was developed combining EpiScore with traditional clinical risk factors to further improve the identification of high-grade (GS of greater than or equal to 7) cancer. Compared to other risk factors, detection of DNA-methylation in histopathologically negative biopsies was the most significant and important predictor of high-grade cancer, resulting in a NPV of 96 %. In methylation-positive men, EpiScore was significantly higher for those with high-grade cancer detected upon repeat biopsy, compared to those with either no or low-grade cancer. The risk score resulted in further improvement of patient risk stratification and was a significantly better predictor compared to currently used metrics as PSA and the prostate cancer prevention trial (PCPT) risk calculator (RC). A decision curve analysis indicated strong clinical utility for the risk score as decision-making tool for repeat biopsy. The authors concluded that low DNA-methylation levels in PCa-negative biopsies led to a NPV of 96 % for high-grade cancer. The risk score, comprising DNA-methylation intensity and traditional clinical risk factors, improved the identification of men with high-grade cancer, with a maximum avoidance of unnecessary repeat biopsies. This risk score resulted in better patient risk stratification and significantly out-performed current risk prediction models such as PCPTRC and PSA. The risk score could help to identify patients with histopathologically negative biopsies harboring high-grade PCa.
Van Neste et al (2017) noted that early detection of aggressive PCa remains crucial for effective treatment of patients. However, PCa screening remains controversial due to a high rate of over-diagnosis and over-treatment. To better reconcile both objectives, more effective methods for assessing disease severity at the time of diagnosis are needed. The relationship between DNA-methylation and high-grade PCa was examined in a cohort of 102 prospectively enrolled men who received standard 12-core prostate biopsies. EpiScore, an algorithm that quantifies the relative DNA methylation intensities of GSTP1, RASSF1, and APC in prostate biopsy tissue, was evaluated as a method to compensate for biopsy under-sampling and improve risk stratification at the time of diagnosis. DNA-methylation intensities of GSTP1, RASSF1, and APC were higher in biopsy cores from men diagnosed with GS of greater than or equal to 7 cancer compared to men with diagnosed GS of 6 disease. This was confirmed by EpiScore, which was significantly higher for subjects with high-grade biopsies and higher NCCN risk categories (both p < 0.001). In patients diagnosed with GS of greater than or equal to 7, increased levels of DNA-methylation were present, not only in the high-grade biopsy cores, but also in other cores with no or low-grade disease (p < 0.001). By combining EpiScore with traditional clinical risk factors into a logistic regression model, the prediction of high GS reached an AUC of 0.82 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.73 to 0.91) with EpiScore, digital rectal examination (DRE), and atypical histological findings as most important contributors. The authors concluded that in men diagnosed with PCa, DNA-methylation profiling could detect under-sampled high-risk PCa in prostate biopsy specimens through a field effect. Predictive accuracy increased when EpiScore was combined with other clinical risk factors. They stated that these findings that EpiScore could aid in the detection of occult high-grade disease at the time of diagnosis, thereby improving the selection of candidates for active surveillance.
Kretschmer and colleagues (2017) stated that in the era of personalized medicine and precision oncology, innovative genetic biomarkers are of emerging interest to close the diagnostic and prognostic gap that is left by current clinicopathologic risk classifiers. These investigators summarized evidence regarding prognostic and predictive genetic biomarkers that are currently in widespread clinical use at initial diagnosis as well as following definitive treatment of prostate cancer. They gave a brief summary about basic principles of biomarker research studies and present current data for the Progensa PC3 test, TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion, ConfirmMDx, Prolaris gene panel, OncotypeDX Genomic Prostate score, and Decipher classifier. The authors concluded that evidence regarding those genetic biomarkers has heavily increased recently; however, there is still a lack of large, multi-centric and prospective clinical validation studies. Furthermore, they stated that comparative studies that investigate the prognostic value of various genetic biomarkers are needed.
CyPath Lung
CyPath Lung (Precision Pathology Services and bioAffinity Technologies Inc.) assay uses flow cytometry to evaluate a self–collected sputum specimen for the level of 5 markers (meso-tetra [4- carboxyphenyl] porphyrin [TCPP], CD206, CD66b, CD3, CD19) indicative of lung cancer. The test includes an algorithmic analysis of the findings and reports the likelihood that the patient has lung cancer.
Lemieux et al (2023) conducted an observational cohort study to identify differential characteristics (using CyPath Lung test) between sputum samples taken from healthy participants, participants at high risk for lung cancer who are free of the disease, and participants with confirmed lung cancer. The healthy cohort was defined as a current non-smoker who has smoked less than 5 pack-years in his or her lifetime, and if smoked, quit more than 15 years ago, and has no known lung disease. High-risk cohort was defined as individuals aged 55 to 74 years who is a current smoker with a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years or current non-smoker who has a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years and quit smoking within the past 15 years. The cancer cohort was defined as individuals who have been diagnosed by a physician as highly suspect for having lung cancer, but has not yet undergone a biopsy nor received therapy, and after providing a sputum sample is confirmed to have lung cancer by biopsy. The study included single cell suspensions prepared from induced sputum samples that were collected over three consecutive days and labeled with a viability dye to exclude dead cells, antibodies to distinguish cell types, and a porphyrin to label cancer-associated cells. The labeled cell suspension was run on a flow cytometer and the data collected. An analysis pipeline combining automated flow cytometry data processing with machine learning was developed to distinguish cancer from non-cancer samples from 150 patients at high risk of whom 28 had lung cancer. Flow data and patient features were evaluated to identify predictors of lung cancer. Random training and test sets were chosen to evaluate predictive variables iteratively until a robust model was identified. The final model was tested on a second, independent group of 32 samples, including six samples from patients diagnosed with lung cancer. The authors stated that the automated analysis combined with machine learning resulted in a predictive model that achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.89 (95% CI 0.83-0.89). The sensitivity and specificity were 82% and 88%, respectively, and the negative and positive predictive values 96% and 61%, respectively. Importantly, the test was 92% sensitive and 87% specific in cases when nodules were < 20 mm (AUC of 0.94; 95% CI 0.89-0.99). Testing of the model on an independent second set of samples showed an AUC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.71-0.98) with an 83% sensitivity, 77% specificity, 95% negative predictive value and 45% positive predictive value. The model is robust to differences in sample processing and disease state. The authors concluded that the CyPath Lung correctly classifies samples as cancer or non-cancer with high accuracy, including from participants at different disease stages and with nodules less than 20 mm in diameter. This test is intended for use after lung cancer screening to improve early-stage lung cancer diagnosis.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Biomarkers Compendium and NCCN clinical practice guidelines on “Lung cancer screening” (Version 2.2024) do not include this type of testing method or specimen type for evaluating risk of lung cancer.
DAWN IO Melanoma
The DAWN IO Melanoma (InterVEnn Biosciences) is a liquid biopsy test that was developed to assess whether a patient is likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, specifically nivolumab (Opdivo) in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda) monotherapy. The test applies artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of 142 unique pairs of glycopeptide and product fragments, obtained from plasma, and produces a predictive algorithm reported as likely, unlikely, or uncertain benefit from immunotherapy agents.
DCIS Recurrence Score
An UpToDate review on "Ductal carcinoma in situ: Treatment and prognosis" (Collins et al, 2013) states that "A DCIS Recurrence Score utilizing a multigene assay has been developed and a prospective evaluation of this assay was performed using tumors from 327 patients who participated in the aforementioned E5194 trial. In a preliminary analysis, patients were stratified by recurrence score into three groups that were associated the following risks of an ipsilateral breast event (DCIS or invasive breast cancer) or invasive breast cancer:
- Low (less than 39) -- 12 and 5 %, respectively
- Intermediate (39 to 54) -- 25 and 9 %, respectively
- High (greater than or equal to 55) -- 27 and 19 %, respectively
These results suggest that the DCIS score may help select patients who should undergo adjuvant radiation. However, further validation of these results is required before the multigene assay can become a part of clinical practice. It is also worth noting that a 12 percent risk of an ipsilateral breast event at 10 years in the lowest risk category may not be low enough to justify the routine omission of post-excision RT".
DCISionRT
According to the Prelude Corporation, DCISionRT is a risk assessment test for women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This test is designed to predict the risk of a future DCIS or invasive breast cancer recurrence in the same breast over the next 10 year period. Additionally, a prediction can be made regarding benefit from radiation therapy in reducing the risk of DCIS or invasive disease recurrence. The DCISionRT test can be performed prior to or following breast conserving surgery. The tissue sample, from biopsy or removal during surgery, is assessed for seven different biomarkers associated with key biologic pathways responsible for breast cancer progression as well as four other risk factors. A resultant DCISionRT Score is derived and is a numerical value on a scale of 0.0 to 10.0, and categorized as low or elevated (Prelude, 2021).
Bremer and colleagues (2018) investigated the development of the DCISionRT biological signature to assess recurrence and predict radiotherapy (RT) benefit for DCIS patients following breast-conserving surgery (BCS). The calculation of an individualized Decision Score (DS) was developed and cross-validated in 526 DCIS patients treated with BCS ± RT. A relationship assessment between DS and 10-year risk of invasive breast cancer (IBC) or any ipsilateral breast event (IBE), including IBC or DCIS was performed. Additionally, RT benefit was assessed by risk group and as a function of DS. The results indicated significant association of DS with IBC and IBE risk, HR (per 5 units) of 4.2 and 3.1, respectively. DS identified a low risk group with 10-year IBC risk of 4% (7% IBE) and an elevated risk group with IBC risk of 15% (23% IBE), in patients treated without RT. An examination of DS and RT by group showed the elevated risk group received significant RT benefit, HR of 0.3 for IBC and IBE. DS reclassified 42% of patients into the elevated risk group from a clinicopathologically low-risk subset. Furthermore, patients with an elevated DS exhibited significant RT benefit over baseline. The study concluded that DS was predictive for risk and anticipated RT benefit for DCIS patients. DS classified a clinically meaningful low-risk group and a group with elevated 10-year risks that received considerable RT benefit over baseline.
Decipher
The Decipher test appears to be a RNA biomarkers "assay" for prostate cancer. Decipher does this by measuring the expression levels of 22 RNA biomarkers involved in multiple biological pathways across the genome that are associated with aggressive prostate cancer.
Studies of the Decipher genetic test have evaluated its correlation with tumor characteristics (Den, et al., 2016; Klein, et al., 2016) and reported on the use of this gene panel to predict biochemical recurrence, metastatic progression, and disease-specific survival after radical prostatectomy with or without external beam radiotherapy (Ehro, et al., 2013; Den, et al., 2013; Cooperberg, et al., 2015; Ross, et al., 2014; Klein, et al., 2015; Karnes, et al., 2013; Den, et al., 2014; Den, et al., 2015; Lee, et al., 2016; Klein, et al., 2016; Glass, et al., 2016; Freedland, et al., 2016; Ross, et al., 2016). The impact of Decipher was evaluated in a clinical utility study where 21 uro-oncologists were presented 24 patient cases (12 potential candidates for adjuvant and 12 for salvage external beam radiation therapy) and were asked for treatment recommendations with and without information from the genetic test (Badani, et al., 2013). The recommendation changed in 43% of the adjuvant cases and 53% in the salvage setting, suggesting a potentially significant impact on treatment decisions after radical prostatectoy.
Michalopoulos et al (2014) reported that the Decipher genomic classifier was useful in the clinic when used as a part of the risk stratification in recommending adjuvant radiation to patients with high-risk pathologic features. In that study, 43% of patients shifted to observation based on information of Decipher genomic classifier after radical prostatectomy. The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, treatment recommendations were submitted using an electronic DCI, rather than tracking actual treatment administered per review of medical charts. Thus, treatment recommendations may vary from actual practice patterns. Second, these researchers were unable to assess the patient’s influence on the treatment decision-making process. Third, the association between genomic classifier (GC) test results and treatment recommendations was determined using "early adopters" of the test. Therefore, the treatment recommendations may not be indicative of physician decision-making among other physicians in the field; for example, those who were hesitant or reluctant to modify their practice patterns, or those who were not aware of the availability of the GC test. It should be noted, however, that participants were community-based physicians rather than those with appointments at academic/research centers, and treatment strategies may deviate from standard practice. Last, the influence of practice management decisions on patient outcomes would involve initially inferences based on "chain-of-evidence" and related decision-analytical principles commonly used by the highly regarded USPSTF and recently endorsed in an editorial discussion regarding the research agenda following a large clinical validity trial of a biomarker test for colon cancer screening. Consensus is emerging that long-term, prospective studies in diverse settings will optimize generalizable knowledge to inform best practices for such technologies. This approach and other recommendations for evidence development was recently recommended by a diverse and independent group of researchers, insurers, and policy-makers addressing the challenges of translating the promise of tumor biology research into practice. Studies in other settings, funded by diverse independent sources (e.g., NIH), would be appropriate and warranted.
Nguyen et al (2015) examined how the results of the Decipher test altered recommendations of radiation oncologists and urologists for adjuvant treatment of 10 patients status post RP for prostate cancer. Using clinical information alone, observation was recommended in 42% of decisions made by urologists versus 23% by radiation oncologists (P < .0001). The GC test results altered 35% and 45% of treatment recommendations made by radiation oncologists and urologists, respectively. Badani, et al. (2015) reported on a study where 51 urologists provided treatment recommendations for patients with high-risk prostate cancer with and without Decipher GC test results. Each urologist was asked to provide treatment recommendations on 10 cases randomly drawn from a pool of 100 case histories. Without Decipher GC test result knowledge, observation was recommended for 57% (n = 303), adjuvant radiation therapy (ART) for 36% (n = 193) and other treatments for 7% (n = 34) of patients. Overall, 31% (95% CI: 27-35%) of treatment recommendations changed with knowledge of the Decipher GC test results. However, the long-term impact of these changes in management is unknown (Bostrom et al, 2015).
Spratt et al (2017) performed an individual patient-level metaanalysis of the performance of the Decipher genomc classifier in high-risk men after prostatectomy to predict the development of metastatic disease. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Decipher genomic resource information database were searched for published reports between 2011 and 2016 of men treated by prostatectomy that assessed the benefit of the Decipher test. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models fit to individual patient data were performed; meta-analyses were conducted by pooling the study-specific hazard ratios (HRs) using random-effects modeling. Extent of heterogeneity between studies was determined with the I(2) test. Five studies (975 total patients, and 855 patients with individual patient-level data) were eligible for analysis, with a median follow-up of 8 years. Of the total cohort, 60.9%, 22.6%, and 16.5% of patients were classified by Decipher as low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively. The 10-year cumulative incidence metastases rates were 5.5%, 15.0%, and 26.7% ( P < .001), respectively, for the three risk classifications. Pooling the study-specific Decipher HRs across the five studies resulted in an HR of 1.52 (95% CI, 1.39 to 1.67; I(2) = 0%) per 0.1 unit. In multivariable analysis of individual patient data, adjusting for clinicopathologic variables, Decipher remained a statistically significant predictor of metastasis (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.47; P < .001) per 0.1 unit. The C-index for 10-year distant metastasis of the clinical model alone was 0.76; this increased to 0.81 with inclusion of Decipher. The authors concluded that the Decipher test can improve prognostication of patients postprostatectomy. The authors stated that future study of how to best incorporate genomic testing in clinical decision-making and subsequent treatment recommendations is warranted.
Dalela et al (2017) aimed to develop and internally validate a risk-stratification tool incorporating the Decipher score, along with routinely available clinicopathologic features, to identify patients who would benefit the most from postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy. Patient and Methods Our cohort included 512 patients with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy at one of four US academic centers between 1990 and 2010. All patients had ≥ pT3a disease, positive surgical margins, and/or pathologic lymph node invasion. Multivariable Cox regression analysis tested the relationship between available predictors (including Decipher score) and clinical recurrence (CR), which were then used to develop a novel risk-stratification tool. Overall, 21.9% of patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Median follow-up in censored patients was 8.3 years. The 10-year CR rate was 4.9% vs. 17.4% in patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy versus initial observation ( P < .001). Pathologic T3b/T4 stage, Gleason score 8-10, lymph node invasion, and Decipher score > 0.6 were independent predictors of CR (all P < .01). The cumulative number of risk factors was 0, 1, 2, and 3 to 4 in 46.5%, 28.9%, 17.2%, and 7.4% of patients, respectively. Adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with decreased CR rate in patients with two or more risk factors (10-year CR rate 10.1% in aRT v 42.1% in initial observation; P = .012), but not in those with fewer than two risk factors (P = 0.18). The investigators concluded that, using the new model to indicate adjuvant radiotherapy might reduce overtreatment, decrease unnecessary adverse effects, and reduce risk of CR in the subset of patients (approximately 25% of all patients with aggressive pathologic disease in our cohort) who benefit from this therapy.
In a review of genomic predictors of outcome in prostate cancer, Bostrom et al (2015) noted that the Decipher test, like other gene panels (Prolaris, Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score) have been evaluated in terms of potential prognostic value after RP. The future will tell if this additional information is considered sufficient by the urologic and prostate cancer patients to change practice (Bostrom, et al., 2015; Nguyen, et al., 2015). Bostrom, et al. (2015) commented: "Although clinical studies have suggested potential benefits with these tests, real clinical use and long-term data are needed to judge the added value."
Guidelines on localized prostate cancer from the American Urologic Association (Sanda, et al., 2017) state based upon expert opinion that, among most low-risk localized prostate cancer patients, Decipher and other tissue based genomic biomarkers have not shown a clear role in the selection of candidates for active surveillance. The guidelines also indicate that tissue based genomic biomarkers are not necessary for followup. The guidelines state that the Decipher test has not been validated as providing substantial benefit in the active surveillance population.
Furthermore, NCCN’s clinical practice guideline on "Prostate cancer" (Version 4.2018) states that "These molecular biomarker tests have been developed with extensive industry support, guidance, and involvement, and have been marketed under the less rigorous FDA regulatory pathway for biomarkers. Although full assessment of their clinical utility requires prospective randomized clinical trials, which are unlikely to be done, the panel believes that men with low or favorable intermediate disease may consider the use of Decipher, Oncotype DX Prostate, Prolaris, or ProMark during initial risk stratification. In addition, Decipher may be considered during workup for radical prostatectomy PSA persistence or recurrence (category 2B). Future comparative effectiveness research may allow these tests and others like them to gain additional evidence regarding their utility for better stratification of men with prostate cancer".
Klein et al (2016) evaluated the ability of the Decipher genomic classifier in predicting metastasis from analysis of prostate needle biopsy diagnostic tumor tissue specimens. A total of 57 patients with available biopsy specimens were identified from a cohort of 169 men treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) in a previously reported Decipher validation study at Cleveland Clinic. A Cox multivariable proportional hazards model and survival C-index were used to evaluate the performance of Decipher. With a median follow-up of 8 years, 8 patients metastasized and 3 died of prostate cancer. The Decipher plus NCCN model had an improved C-index of 0.88 (95 % CI: 0.77 to 0.96) compared to NCCN alone (C-index 0.75, 95 % CI: 0.64 to 0.87). On multi-variable analysis (MVA), Decipher was the only significant predictor of metastasis when adjusting for age, pre-operative PSA and biopsy Gleason score (Decipher HR per 10 % increase 1.72, 95 % CI: 1.07 to 2.81, p = 0.02). The authors concluded that biopsy Decipher predicted the risk of metastasis at 10 years post-radical prostatectomy. These researchers stated that while further validation is needed on larger cohorts, pre-operative knowledge of Decipher risk derived from biopsy could indicate the need for multi-modality therapy and help set patient expectations of therapeutic burden.
Nguyen et al (2017a) examined the ability of a biopsy-based 22-marker genomic classifier (GC) to predict for distant metastases after radiation and a median of 6 months of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). These researchers studied 100 patients with intermediate-risk (55 %) and high-risk (45 %) prostate cancer who received definitive radiation plus a median of 6 months of ADT (range of 3 to 39 months) from 2001 to 2013 at a single center and had available biopsy tissue. Six to ten 4-micron sections of the needle biopsy core with the highest Gleason score and percentage of tumor involvement were macro-dissected for RNA extraction; GC scores (range of 0.04 to 0.92) were determined. The primary end-point of the study was time to distant metastasis. Median follow-up was 5.1 years. There were 18 metastases during the study period. On uni-variable analysis (UVA), each 0.1 unit increase in GC score was significantly associated with time to distant metastasis (HR: 1.40 (1.10 to 1.84), p = 0.006) and remained significant after adjusting for clinical variables on MVA (adjusted HR: 1.36 (1.04 to 1.83), p = 0.024). The c-index for 5-year distant metastasis was 0.45 (95 % CI: 0.27 to 0.64) for Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment score, 0.63 (0.40 to 0.78) for NCCN risk groups, and 0.76 (0.57 to 0.89) for the GC score. Using pre-specified GC risk categories, the cumulative incidence of metastasis for GC>0.6 reached 20 % at 5 years after radiation (p = 0.02). The authors believed this was the first demonstration of the ability of the biopsy-based GC score to predict for distant metastases after definitive radiation and ADT for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. Patients with the highest GC risk (GC greater than 0.6) had high rates of metastasis despite multi-modal therapy suggesting that they could potentially be candidates for treatment intensification and/or enrollment in clinical trials of novel therapy.
The authors stated that a limitation of this study was the size of the data-set and length of follow-up, and thus further studies are needed to validate these findings in larger data sets with longer follow-up. In addition, the hypothesis that patients with very low GC score of less than or equal to 0.2 may be able to omit ADT requires further testing in previously treated cohorts as well as in prospective studies, which are currently being planned. Finally, while the GC score was prognostic for distant metastasis, it did not have a significant association with biochemical recurrence. This may reflect the fact that the test was originally developed to specifically predict for distant metastasis and generally only a minority of biochemical recurrences will lead to distant metastasis. Another consideration was that none of the patients in this study received a multi-parametric MRI, and it has previously been shown that MRI could add some prognostic information to clinical variables through up-staging or through detecting potentially higher grade lesions. These researchers stated that future studies should evaluate how GC adds to prognostic value when multiparametric MRI has also been performed, although studies with the cell-cycle progression score suggested that the MRI and the genomic information are capturing different types of prognostic information.
Nguyen et al (2017b) evaluated the ability of biopsy Decipher to predict metastasis and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) in primarily intermediate- to high-risk patients treated with RP or radiation therapy (RT). A total of 235 patients treated with either RP (n = 105) or RT ± androgen deprivation therapy (n = 130) with available genomic expression profiles generated from diagnostic biopsy specimens from 7 tertiary referral centers were included in this study. The highest-grade core was sampled and Decipher was calculated based on a locked random forest model. Metastasis and PCSM were the primary and secondary outcomes of the study, respectively. Cox analysis and c-index were used to evaluate the performance of Decipher. With a median follow-up of 6 years among censored patients, 34 patients developed metastases and 11 died of prostate cancer. On MVA, biopsy Decipher remained a significant predictor of metastasis (HR: 1.37 per 10 % increase in score, 95 % CI]: 1.06 to 1.78, p = 0.018) after adjusting for clinical variables. For predicting metastasis 5-year post-biopsy, Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment score had a c-index of 0.60 (95 % CI: 0.50 to 0.69), while Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment plus biopsy Decipher had a c-index of 0.71 (95 % CI: 0.60 to 0.82); NCCN risk group had a c-index of 0.66 (95 % CI: 0.53 to 0.77), while NCCN plus biopsy Decipher had a c-index of 0.74 (95 % CI: 0.66 to 0.82). Biopsy Decipher was a significant predictor of PCSM (HR: 1.57 per 10 % increase in score, 95 % CI: 1.03 to 2.48, p = 0.037), with a 5-year PCSM rate of 0 %, 0 %, and 9.4 % for Decipher low, intermediate, and high, respectively. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that patients classified as Decipher high risk have a very high 5-year risk of distant metastasis (21 %) and PCSM (9.4 %), and may therefore be rationally subjected to multi-modal therapy or enrolled into clinical trials targeting men with highest-risk disease.
These researchers stated that the cohort size of this study was limited by access to biopsy tissue from community and referral health centers; 93 % of the unavailable cohort were either unavailable or had inadequate tissue and 7.4 % failed RNA extraction. Of the 909 patients eligible for this study, only 235 had biopsy tissue available from the institution in which the RPs or RT ± ADT were performed. A larger cohort size with longer follow-up would have strengthened this study and might have given more PCSM events to allow for a MVA of predictors of PCSM rather than only univariable analysis. Running multi-variable models on a relatively small number of events could also lead to issues with validity, and that was why these investigators fit the Cox models using an adaptation of Firth's penalized approach that was designed to minimize bias in this scenario. Another limitation of this study was that the majority of patients were NCCN intermediate- or high-risk and the authors were unable to draw conclusions regarding Decipher among low-risk patients, who only represented 10 % of the patients in the study. Such information would be useful to guide decisions about treatment versus active surveillance. Finally, research is ongoing to determine the concordance between Decipher scores derived from biopsy versus prostatectomy samples, which has been reported in prior small studies to be 64 %, 75 %, and 86 %.
Gore et al (2017) stated that patients with PCa and their providers face uncertainty as they consider ART or salvage radiotherapy (SRT) after undergoing radical prostatectomy. These researchers prospectively evaluated the impact of the Decipher test, which predicts metastasis risk after radical prostatectomy, on decision-making for ART and SRT. A total of 150 patients who were considering ART and 115 who were considering SRT were enrolled. Providers submitted a management recommendation before processing the Decipher test and again at the time of receipt of the test results. Patients completed validated surveys on PCa-specific decisional effectiveness and PCa-related anxiety. Before the Decipher test, observation was recommended for 89 % of patients considering ART and 58 % of patients considering SRT. After Decipher testing, 18 % (95 % CI: 12 % to 25 %) of treatment recommendations changed in the ART arm, including 31 % among high-risk patients; and 32 % (95 % CI: 24 % to 42 %) of management recommendations changed in the salvage arm, including 56 % among high-risk patients. Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) scores were better after viewing Decipher test results (ART arm: median DCS before Decipher, 25 and after Decipher, 19 [p < 0.001]; SRT arm: median DCS before Decipher, 27 and after Decipher, 23 [p < 0.001]). PCa-specific anxiety changed after Decipher testing; fear of PCa disease recurrence in the ART arm (p = 0.02) and PCa-specific anxiety in the SRT arm (p = 0.05) decreased significantly among low-risk patients. Decipher results reported per 5 % increase in 5-year metastasis probability were associated with the decision to pursue ART (OR, 1.48; 95 % CI: 1.19 to 1.85) and SRT (OR, 1.41; 95 % CI: 1.09 to 1.81) in multi-variable logistic regression analysis. The authors concluded that knowledge of Decipher test results was associated with treatment decision-making and improved decisional effectiveness among men with PCa who were considering ART and SRT. These researchers stated that the Decipher test has the potential to be an important adjunct to clinical decision-making in men with adverse pathology or a rising PSA after undergoing radical prostatectomy for PCa.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, they were presenting interim data regarding treatment recommendations, which may not correlate with the actual treatment received. Final analysis of the current study will identify treatments received within 12 months of Decipher testing. Second, patients were their own controls; these researchers did not include a group unexposed to Decipher testing. Patients who have additional time to consider their clinical and pathological characteristics may have decisional effectiveness changes parallel with the current study findings. Third, patients in the SRT arm had heterogeneous time since prostatectomy, which may influence treatment recommendations independent of Decipher testing results. Last, to the best of their knowledge, no genomic test to-date has been validated against a control to demonstrate that use of the test improved PCa-specific outcomes.
Spratt et al (2018) noted that it is clinically challenging to integrate genomic-classifier results that report a numeric risk of recurrence into treatment recommendations for localized prostate cancer, which are founded in the framework of risk groups. These investigators developed a novel clinical-genomic risk grouping system that can readily be incorporated into treatment guidelines for localized prostate cancer. Two multi-center cohorts (n = 991) were used for training and validation of the clinical-genomic risk groups, and 2 additional cohorts (n = 5,937) were used for re-classification analyses. Competing risks analysis was used to estimate the risk of distant metastasis. Time-dependent c-indices were constructed to compare clinicopathologic risk models with the clinical-genomic risk groups. With a median follow-up of 8 years for patients in the training cohort, 10-year distant metastasis rates for NCCN low, favorable-intermediate, unfavorable-intermediate, and high-risk were 7.3 %, 9.2 %, 38.0 %, and 39.5 %, respectively. In contrast, the 3-tier clinical-genomic risk groups had 10-year distant metastasis rates of 3.5 %, 29.4 %, and 54.6 %, for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk, respectively, which were consistent in the validation cohort (0 %, 25.9 %, and 55.2 %, respectively). C-indices for the clinical-genomic risk grouping system (0.84; 95 % CI: 0.61 to 0.93) were improved over NCCN (0.73; 95 % CI: 0.60 to 0.86) and Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (0.74; 95 % CI: 0.65 to 0.84), and 30 % of patients using NCCN low/intermediate/high would be re-classified by the new 3-tier system and 67 % of patients would be re-classified from NCCN 6-tier (very-low- to very-high-risk) by the new 6-tier system. The authors concluded that a commercially available genomic classifier in combination with standard clinicopathologic variables could generate a simple-to-use clinical-genomic risk grouping that more accurately identifies patients at low-, intermediate, and high-risk for metastasis and can be easily incorporated into current guidelines to better risk-stratify patients.
The authors noted that they did not include a separate NCCN very-high-risk category in their model for several reasons. First, although these men have poor oncologic outcomes, there is a lack of consensus for the definition of very-high-risk disease and thus, it was not included in American Urological Association/American Society for Radiation Oncology/Society of Urologic Oncology 2017 guidelines. Second, only 1.5 % of their training cohort was NCCN very-high-risk. In contrast, 25.7 % of their training cohort was clinical-genomic high-risk, which has significantly worse outcomes than the NCCN high-risk group, and thus, these researchers have identified a much larger group of patients with very poor outcomes. Lastly, a potential source of bias that was present in this retrospective cohort was that the samples analyzed were typically older than 10 years. Thus, it was possible that samples with larger tumor burden were more likely to be analyzed successfully. This may explain why the event rates were generally higher than comparable clinical trial series. This was in contrast to normal clinical use tissue, which has a high pass rate, even for patients with NCCN at very-low risk. Given constant stage and grade migration, it was challenging to simultaneously have modern patients who also have long-term outcomes. For example, 12-year outcomes were recently reported from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 9601, a trial that started over 20 years ago. These investigators stated that despite these drawbacks, it will be important for continued validation of their clinical-genomic risk system.
Berlin et al (2019) stated that NCCN has recently endorsed the stratification of intermediate-risk prostate cancer (IR-PCa) into favorable and unfavorable subgroups and recommended the addition of ADT to RT for unfavorable IR-PCa. Recently, more accurate prognostication was demonstrated by integrating a 22-feature GC to the NCCN stratification system. These researchers tested the utility of the GC to better identify patients with IR-PCa who are sufficiently treated by RT alone. They identified a novel cohort comprising 121 patients with IR-PCa treated with dose-escalated image guided RT (78 Gy in 39 fractions) without ADT. GC scores were derived from tumors sampled in diagnostic biopsies; MVAs, including both NCCN sub-classification and GC scores, were performed for biochemical failure (PSA nadir + 2 ng/ml) and metastasis occurrence. By NCCN sub-classification, 33 (27.3 %) and 87 (71.9 %) of men were classified as having favorable and unfavorable IR-PCa, respectively (1 case unclassifiable). GC scores were high in 3 favorable IR-PCa and low in 60 unfavorable IR-PCa. Higher GC scores, but not NCCN risk subgroups, were associated with biochemical relapse (HR, 1.36; 95 % CI: 1.09 to 1.71] per 10 % increase; p = 0.007) and metastasis (HR, 2.05; 95 % CI: 1.24 to 4.24; p = 0.004). GC predicted biochemical failure at 5 years (area under the curve [AUC], 0.78; 95 % CI: 0.59 to 0.91), and the combinatorial NCCN + GC model significantly out-performed the NCCN alone model for predicting early-onset metastasis (AUC for 5-year metastasis of 0.89 versus 0.86 [GC alone] versus 0.54 [NCCN alone]). The authors demonstrated the accuracy of the GC for predicting disease recurrence in IR-PCa treated with dose-escalated image guided RT alone. The authors concluded that these findings high-lighted the need to evaluate this GC in a prospective clinical trial examining the role of ADT-RT in clinicogenomic-defined IR-PCa subgroups.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, it was arguable that this study was under-powered given the modest sample size and consequently few metastatic events. Nonetheless, this patient cohort was identified from a prospective registry with stringent inclusion criteria of adequate diagnostic biopsy tissue for central pathology review and sampling, omission of concurrent ADT with RT, and contemporary RT dose intensity and technique of 78 Gy in 39 fractions delivered using IGRT. This reflected real life clinical practice, and the fact that the GC was robust for prognosticating these patients was compelling evidence for its routine clinical implementation in men with IR-PCa treated with RT. Next, although these researchers acknowledged that the addition of ADT to RT for unfavorable IR-PCa disease was considered standard practice by several institutions, it remains debatable whether the reported benefits of the combinatorial approach are maintained in the context of RT dose-escalation. Presently, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 22991 phase-III clinical trial provides the main supportive evidence specific to this clinical conundrum. However, it must be noted that the trial's cohort also consisted of 25 % NCCN-defined high-risk patients, treatment schedules with minor dose escalation (i.e., 70 Gy or 74 Gy in more than 75 % of cases), and treatment delivered without image guidance; all elements could in part explain the poor outcomes in the EBRT-alone control arm. Thus, at the time of the present study, the authors’ practice for clinical management of IR-PCa remained largely unchanged, and the low rates of biochemical relapse and metastatic events observed supported this approach. For example, the 5-year biochemical relapse-free rates in this series were 94 % and 88 % for the favorable and unfavorable subgroups, respectively, mirroring the 87 % reported in the DE-RT arm from the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0126 trial in predominantly favorable IR-PCa. Nevertheless, the authors could not completely exclude the presence of selection bias within this cohort; in fact, during the last few years their practice has increasingly embraced the combination of DE-IGRT and short-term ADT, especially in IR-PCa harboring unfavorable indices and/or other aggressive features such as intra-ductal and cribiform subpathologies. Finally, although these researchers have shown the potential utility of the GC test for identifying an unfavorable subgroup of men who likely require treatment intensification beyond DE-IGRT, this study was not positioned to determine the efficacy of combined ADT and DE-IGRT to overcome the adverse prognosis of patients with a GC high risk score.
Kim et al (2019) stated that many men diagnosed with prostate cancer are active surveillance (AS) candidates. However, AS may be associated with increased risk of disease progression and metastasis due to delayed therapy. Genomic classifiers, e.g., Decipher, may allow better risk-stratify newly diagnosed prostate cancers for AS. Decipher was initially assessed in a prospective cohort of prostatectomies to explore the correlation with clinically meaningful biologic characteristics and then assessed in diagnostic biopsies from a retrospective multi-center cohort of 266 men with NCCN very low/low and favorable-intermediate risk prostate cancer. Decipher and Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) were compared as predictors of adverse pathology (AP) for which there is universal agreement that patients with long life-expectancy are not suitable candidates for AS (primary pattern 4 or 5, advanced local stage [pT3b or greater] or lymph node involvement). Decipher from prostatectomies was significantly associated with adverse pathologic features (p < 0.001). Decipher from the 266 diagnostic biopsies (64.7 % NCCN-very-low/low and 35.3 % favorable-intermediate) was an independent predictor of AP (OR 1.29 per 10 % increase, 95 % CI: 1.03 to 1.61, p-value 0.025) when adjusting for CAPRA. CAPRA AUC was 0.57, (95 % CI: 0.47 to 0.68). Adding Decipher to CAPRA increased the AUC to 0.65 (95 % CI: 0.58 to 0.70). Negative predictive value (NPV), which determines the degree of confidence in the absence of AP for patients, was 91 % (95 % CI: 87 to 94 %) and 96 % (95 % CI: 90 to 99 %) for Decipher thresholds of 0.45 and 0.2, respectively. Using a threshold of 0.2, Decipher was a significant predictor of AP when adjusting for CAPRA (p-value 0.016). The authors concluded that the Decipher test could be applied to prostate biopsies from NCCN-very-low/low and favorable-intermediate risk patients to predict absence of adverse pathologic features. These patients are predicted to be good candidates for AS.
The authors stated that this study did not have long-term follow-up to consider survival outcomes and the sample size and low number of events did not allow Decipher to be assessed in individual NCCN risk (e.g., favorable intermediate only) risk groups. These researchers stated that an ongoing multi-institutional study of favorable-intermediate risk patients aims to address this limitation.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Prostate cancer" (Version 4.2019) recommends coverage of "Decipher", "Oncotype DX Prostate", "Prolaris", and "ProMark" (Category 2A). Decipher : For post-biopsy based on NCCN very-low- and low-risk patients with greater than 10 year life expectancy who have not received treatment for prostate cancer and are candidates for active surveillance or definitive therapy.
Decipher Bladder
Decipher Bladder is a genomic subtyping tool used in the management of patients with locally advanced bladder cancer. It classifies the molecular subtype of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and informs which patients may benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to radical cystectomy.
da Costa and colleagues (2019) stated that neuroendocrine (NE) bladder carcinoma is a rare and aggressive variant. Molecular subtyping studies have found that 5 % to 15 % of MIBC have transcriptomic patterns consistent with NE bladder cancer in the absence of NE histology. The clinical implications of this NE-like subtype have not been explored in depth. In this study, transcriptome-wide expression profiles were generated for MIBC collected from 7 institutions and clinical-use of Decipher Bladder. Using unsupervised clustering, these researchers generated a clustering solution on a prospective training cohort (PTC; n = 175), developed single-sample classifiers to predict NE tumors, and evaluated the resultant models on a testing radical cystectomy (RC) cohort (n = 225). A random forest model was finalized and applied to 5 validation cohorts (n = 1,302). Uni- and multi-variable survival analyses were used to characterize clinical outcomes. In the PTC, hierarchical clustering using an 84-gene panel showed a cluster of 8 patients (4.6 %) with highly heterogeneous expression of NE markers in the absence of basal or luminal marker expression. NE-like tumors were identified in 1 % to 6.6 % of cases in validation cohorts. Patients with NE-like tumors had significantly worse 1-year PFS (65 % NE-like versus 82 % overall; p = 0.046) and, after adjusting for clinical and pathologic factors, had a 6.4-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality (p = 0.001); IHC confirmed the neuronal character of these tumors. The authors concluded that a single-patient classifier was developed that identified patients with histologic urothelial cancer harboring a NE transcriptomic profile. These tumors represent a high-risk subgroup of MIBC, which may require different treatment. Moreover, these researchers stated that prospective validation is needed before this classification can be used clinically.
The authors stated that this study was limited by the lack of central pathology review of all cases, although the majority of cases were assessed by dedicated genitourinary pathologists at the respective tertiary care centers and the NE-like cases were centrally reviewed. The prospectively collected clinical-use cases underwent stringent sample processing with only the muscle-invasive urothelial component of the tumor being selected and profiled. Four of these PTC cases had secondary NE variant histology in other regions of the tumor that were not sampled. An additional limitation was the retrospective nature of the study.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Bladder cancer" (Version 6.2020) does not mention microarray gene expression profiling as a management tool.
DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma
The DecisionDx DiffDx-Melanoma test (Castle Biosciences, Phoenix, AZ) is based on a neural network, artificial-intelligence configured algorithm providing a low rate of intermediate results. Test validation was performed in cutaneous melanocytic lesions to accurately differentiate between benign and malignant melanocytic lesions of unknown potential established on the expression of 35 genes.
Marchetti and colleagues (2022) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the performance of commercially available prognostic gene expression profile (GEP) tests in individuals with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I or stage II cutaneous melanoma. After applying exclusion criteria, seven studies ( 5 assessing DecisionDx-Melanoma (Castle Biosciences Inc) and 2 assessing MelaGenix (NeraCare GmbH) were included. Both tests attempt to improve on prognostic estimates by classifying individuals as being at high or low risk for recurrence or metastasis. A total of 1450 study participants comprised the 7 included studies. The primary outcomes and measures were the proportion of patients with or without melanoma recurrence correctly classified by the GEP test as being at high or low risk. For both tests, GEP test varied by AJCC stage. For patients tested with DecisionDx-Melanoma, 623 had stage I disease (6 true-positive [TP], 15 false-negative, 61 false-positive, and 541 true-negative [TN] results) and 212 had stage II disease (59 TP, 13 FN, 78 FP, and 62 TN results). For patients with recurrence, DecisionDx-Melanoma correctly classified 29% with stage I disease and 82% with stage II disease. For patients without recurrence, the test correctly classified 90% with stage I disease and 44% with stage II disease. For patients tested with MelaGenix, 88 had stage I disease (7 TP, 15 FN, 15 FP, and 51 TN results) and 245 had stage II disease (59 TP, 19 N, 95 FP, and 72 TN results). For patients with recurrence, MelaGenix correctly classified 32% with stage I disease and 76% with stage II disease. For patients without recurrence, the test correctly classified 77% with stage I disease and 43% with stage II disease. The investigators noted that the reported studies had moderate to high risk of bias due to poor design standards conduct, reporting, and analysis. It was concluded that the prognostic ability of GEP tests for patients with localized melanoma varied by AJCC and seemed to be poor at correctly identifying recurrence in patients with stage I disease, thereby, offering limited potential for clinical utility in these patients.
DecisionDx-Melanoma
The DecisionDx-Melanoma (Castle Biosciences, Phoenix, AZ) is a 31-gene expression profile (GEP) test that was developed to identify the risk of recurrence or metastasis including the likelihood of positive sentinel lymph node in individuals with stage I, II, or III melanoma and inform individual management decisions. Test validation was performed in predicting the risk of recurrence and metastasis and classifying individuals as Class 1A (lowest risk), 1B/2A (indreased risk), or 2B (highest risk).
Sidiropoulos, et al. (2014) noted that primary dermal melanoma (PDM) is a subtype of melanoma confined to the dermis that may be morphologically impossible to distinguish from cutaneous metastatic melanoma (CMM). These researchers sought to better characterize PDM by describing the clinical, histologic, and molecular features of 49 cases of PDM and examine if a gene expression-profiling (GEP) test could help distinguish PDM from CMM. They described 49 cases of PDM and examined if any clinical or histopathologic features had a statistically significant relationship with outcome. In addition, these investigators performed a melanoma GEP test on a subset of the PDM and CMM cases. Overall recurrence was infrequent and seen in 9 of 49 cases; 6 patients had loco-regional recurrences and 3 patients had distant metastasis. None of the clinical or histologic parameters showed a statistically significant relationship with recurrence. There was a statistically significant association of a class I signature by DecisionDx-Melanoma assay (Castle Biosciences Inc., Friendswood, TX) for PDM whereas CMM were more frequently class II (p = 0.023). The authors concluded that most conventional staging parameters used for prognosis in cutaneous melanoma have limited applicability to PDM. They stated that the melanoma prognostic assay may be a useful tool for distinguishing PDM from CMM.
Gerami, et al. (2015) reported on the DecisionDx predictive genetic signature for classifying tumors as class 1 (low risk) or class 2 (high risk) for metastasis. Using earlier studies, they compared differences in the levels of 28 genes, including some control genes, using RT-PCR. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate for the 164 sample training set was 91% for class 1 and 25% for class 2 (P< 0.0001), while the 5-year DFS rate for the 104 sample validation set (stage I–IV) was 97% for class 1 and 31% for class 2 (P< 0.0001). The signature was used to classify stage I and stage IIA tumors, accurately predicting 120 of 134 tumors without metastases as class 1 (90%) and 24 of 30 tumors with metastases as class 2 (80%).
Berger, et al. (2016) sought to ascertain clinical management changes determined by DecisionDx-Melanoma outcome, which classifies cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients being at low (Class 1) or high (Class 2) risk for recurrence. Medical charts were reviewed from 156 CM patients from six institutions (three dermatology and three surgical oncology practices) who were consecutively tested between May 2013 and December 2015. Clinical management data that were compiled and compared before and after receipt of the 31-gene expression test result included frequency of physical exams, frequency and modality of imaging, and referrals to surgical and medical oncologists. Forty-two percent of patients were Stage I, 47% were Stage II and 8% were Stage III. Overall, 95 patients (61%) were Class 1 and 61 (39%) were Class 2. Documented changes in management were observed in 82 (53%) patients, with the majority of Class 2 patients (77%) undergoing management changes compared to 37% of Class 1 patients (p < 0.0001 by Fisher's exact test). The majority (77/82, 94%) of these changes were concordant with the risk indicated by the test result (p < 0.0001 by Fisher's exact test), with increased management intensity for Class 2 patients and reduced management intensity for Class 1 patients. The authors concluded that molecular risk classification by gene expression profiling has clinical impact and influences physicians to direct clinical management of CM patients. The vast majority of the changes implemented after the receipt of test results were reflective of the low or high recurrence risk associated with the patient's molecular classification. Because follow-up data was not collected for this patient cohort, the study is limited for the assessment of the impact of gene expression profile based management changes on healthcare resource utilization and patient outcome.
Ferris, et al. (2017) noted that a significant proportion of patients with AJCC-defined early-stage cutaneous melanoma have disease recurrence and die. A 31-gene expression profile (GEP; DecisionDx-Melanoma) that accurately assesses metastatic risk associated with primary cutaneous melanomas has been described. These researchers compared accuracy of the GEP in combination with risk determined using the web-based AJCC Individualized Melanoma Patient Outcome Prediction Tool. GEP results from 205 stage I/II cutaneous melanomas with sufficient clinical data for prognostication using the AJCC tool were classified as low (class 1) or high (class 2) risk. Two 5-year overall survival (OS) cut-offs (AJCC 79 % and 68 %), reflecting survival for patients with stage IIA or IIB disease, respectively, were assigned for binary AJCC risk. Cox univariate analysis revealed significant risk classification of distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and OS (hazard ratio [HR] range of 3.2 to 9.4, p < 0.001) for both tools. In all, 43 (21 %) cases had discordant GEP and AJCC classification (using 79 % cut-off); 11 of 13 (85 %) deaths in that group were predicted as high-risk by GEP but low risk by AJCC. The authors concluded that GEP provided valuable prognostic information and improved identification of high-risk melanomas when used together with the AJCC online prediction tool. These investigators stated that combining GEP-based classification with AJCC staging may help identify the majority of patients who would benefit from increased clinical and imaging-based surveillance, to identify metastatic disease earlier and ultimately administer the most effective therapies developed to-date to improve patient outcomes. Moreover, the authors stated that the drawbacks of this study included specimens reflected tertiary care center referrals; more effective therapies have been approved for clinical use after accrual.
Farberg, et al. (2017) stated that current guidelines for cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) provide general recommendations regarding surveillance while indicating that management should be tailored to patients' individual probability of recurrence. A 31-gene expression profile (31-GEP) test to predict metastatic risk has been previously validated, and classified patients as either Class 1 (low risk) or Class 2 (high risk). These researchers determined the impact of the 31-GEP test's result on clinical decision-making. Dermatology residents who attended a national educational conference were presented with clinical validity evidence for the 31-GEP. Respondents were given 6 CMM patient vignettes with descriptions of clinical features and answered questions about their willingness to recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNBx) or imaging based on each scenario. Additionally, respondents were asked to provide the Breslow thickness (BT), ranging from 0.7 to 1.5mm in 0.1-mm increments, at which they would recommend SLNBx, imaging, or oncology referral. The number of respondents who would recommend each management modality based upon 3 outcomes (no result, Class 1, or Class 2) was quantified. Differences between response groups were assessed using Fisher's exact test. The majority of respondents (62 %, 57 %, and 55 %, respectively) indicated a 1.0-mm BT as the guiding modality, reflecting adherence to current guidelines. After inclusion of a Class 2 result, the BT used to guide SLNBx, oncology referral, and imaging was changed in 47 %, 50 % and 47 % of the responses, respectively, with 95 %, 84 % and 97 % of the cases, respectively, changed in a risk-appropriate direction (decreased BT). The authors concluded that based on a 31-GEP Class 1 or Class 2 result, risk appropriate recommendations were more likely to be made for each management modality tested in 5 of the 6 patient vignettes (p < 0.05). The authors concluded that the 31-GEP test had a significant and appropriate impact on management while remaining within the context of established guidelines.
Hsueh, et al. (2017) carried out a prospective evaluation of the GEP performance in patients enrolled in 2 clinical registries. A total of 222 cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients enrolled in the EXPAND (NCT02355587) and INTEGRATE (NCT02355574) registries met the criteria of age greater than or equal to 16 years, successful GEP result and greater than or equal to 1 follow-up visit for inclusion in this interim analysis. Primary end-points were recurrence-free survival (RFS), DMFS, and OS. Median follow-up was 1.5 years for event-free patients. Median age for subjects was 58 years (range of 18 to 87) and median Breslow thickness was 1.2 mm (range of 0.2 to 12.0); 88 % (282/322) of cases had stage I/II disease and 74 % (237/322) had a SLN biopsy; 77 % (248/322) had class 1 molecular profiles; 1.5-year RFS, DMFS, and OS rates were 97 versus 77 %, 99 versus 89 %, and 99 versus 92 % for class 1 versus class 2, respectively (p < 0.0001 for each). Multi-variate Cox regression showed Breslow thickness, mitotic rate, and GEP class to significantly predict recurrence (p < 0.01), while tumor thickness was the only significant predictor of distant metastasis and overall survival in this interim analysis. The authors concluded that interim analysis of patient outcomes from a combined prospective cohort supports the 31-gene GEP's ability to stratify early-stage CM patients into 2 groups with significantly different metastatic risk; RFS outcomes in this real-world cohort were consistent with previously published analyses with retrospective specimens. They stated that GEP testing complemented current clinic-pathologic features and increased identification of high-risk patients. Moreover, these investigators stated that "While direct evidence of a benefit from surveillance has not been published, considering the rapid time to event observed in this interim analysis, and the accuracy of risk prediction by the GEP test, increased surveillance with imaging for class 2 patients might be useful, especially in those patients who would not be offered surveillance options based on stage". It should be noted that this was an interim analysis.
Cook, et al. (2018) noted that the DecisionDx-Melanoma test provides prognostic information for patients with CM. Using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary tumor tissue, the RT-PCR-based test classifies patients into a low- (Class 1) or high-risk (Class 2) category for recurrence based on expression of 31 genes. The current study was designed to assess the analytical validity of this test. Inter-assay, inter-instrument, and inter-operator studies were performed to evaluate reliability of the 31-GEP test results, sample stability and reagent stability. From March 2013 through June 2016, the GEP test was performed on 8,244 CM tumors. De-identified data from pathology reports were used to assess technical success. Robust sample and reagent stability was observed. Inter-assay concordance on 168 specimens run on 2 consecutive days was 99 % and matched probability scores were significantly correlated (R2 = 0.96). Inter-instrument concordance was 9 5%, and probability scores had a correlation R2 of 0.99 (p < 0.001). From 8,244 CM specimens submitted since 2013, 85 % (7023) fulfilled pre-specified tumor content parameters. In these samples with sufficient tumor requirements, the technical success of the test was 98 %. The authors concluded that DecisionDx-Melanoma is a robust GEP test that demonstrated strong reproducibility between experiments and had high technical reliability on clinical samples.
Dillon et al. (2018) stated that a 31- GEP test that has been clinically validated identifies melanoma patients with low (Class 1) or high (Class 2) risk of metastasis based on primary tumor biology. These researchers prospectively evaluated the test impact on clinical management of melanoma patients. Physicians at 16 dermatology, surgical or medical oncology centers examined patients to assess clinical features of the primary melanoma. Recommendations for clinical follow-up and surveillance were collected. Following consent of the patient and performance of the GEP test, recommendations for management were again collected, and pre- and post-test recommendations were assessed to determine changes in management resulting from the addition of GEP testing to traditional clinic-pathologic risk factors. Post-test management plans changed for 49 % (122 of 247) of cases in the study when compared to pre-test plans; 36 % (66 of 181) of Class 1 cases had a management change, compared to 85 % (56 of 66) of Class 2 cases. GEP class was a significant factor for change in care during the study (p < 0.001), with Class 1 accounting for 91 % (39 of 43) of cases with decreased management intensity, and Class 2 accounting for 72 % (49 of 68) of cases with increases. The authors concluded that the reported study showed that the 31-gene GEP test improved net health outcomes in the management of cutaneous melanoma. Physicians used test results to guide risk-appropriate changes that match the biological risk of the tumor, including directing more frequent and intense surveillance to high-risk, Class 2 patients.
Zager, et al. (2018) stated that the heterogeneous behavior of patients with melanoma makes prognostication challenging. To address this, a GEP test to predict metastatic risk was previously developed. This study evaluated the GEP's prognostic accuracy in an independent cohort of cutaneous melanoma patients. This multi-center study analyzed primary melanoma tumors from 523 patients, using the GEP to classify patients as Class 1 (low risk) and Class 2 (high risk). Molecular classification was correlated to clinical outcome and assessed along with AJCC v7 staging criteria. Primary end-points were RFS and DMFS. The 5-year RFS rates for Class 1 and Class 2 were 88 % and 52 %, respectively, and DMFS rates were 93 % versus 60 %, respectively (P < 0.001). The GEP was a significant predictor of RFS and DMFS in univariate analysis (HR = 5.4 and 6.6, respectively, p < 0.001 for each), along with Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, and SLN status (p < 0.001 for each). GEP, tumor thickness and SLN status were significant predictors of RFS and DMFS in a multi-variate model that also included ulceration and mitotic rate (RFS HR = 2.1, 1.2, and 2.5, respectively, p < 0.001 for each; and DMFS HR = 2.7, 1.3 and 3.0, respectively, p < 0.01 for each). The authors concluded that the GEP test is an objective predictor of metastatic risk and provided additional independent prognostic information to traditional staging to help estimate an individual's risk for recurrence. The assay identified 70 % of stage I and II patients who ultimately developed distant metastasis. Moreover, they stated that its role in consideration of patients for adjuvant therapy should be examined prospectively.
The authors stated that one of the drawbacks of this study was the inclusion of samples in the cohort that were diagnosed prior to widespread standardization of reporting for pathological variables such as Breslow thickness, ulceration and mitosis and therefore some pathology reports did not specify all features. However, the Cox regression models assessing the association between GEP and those factors accounted for this limitation and only patients with all factors specified were included in this analysis. Another drawback was the retrospective nature of the study and thus did not take into account recent advances in management of patients with advanced melanoma in the adjuvant and metastatic settings. However, recently published results of an interim analysis of the GEP test in a prospective cohort showed consistency of results with this another retrospective cohorts.
Greenhaw, et al. (2018) stated that cutaneous melanomas (CMs) with similar clinical and histopathologic features can harbor differing capacities for metastasis. A validated gene expression profile (GEP) test offers prognostic information by classifying CMs as low-risk (Class 1A/1B) or high-risk (Class 2A/2B) for metastasis. These researchers performed an independent study of the predictive accuracy of the GEP test, to determine what clinical and histopathologic features predict high-risk classification, and to evaluate how intermediate classes (1B and 2A) performed clinically. Using their institution's prospectively collected melanoma registry, the authors identified patients who had been treated for CM within the last 5 years and undergone GEP testing. Clinical, histopathologic, and outcomes data were analyzed. A sub-cohort of patients with known metastatic disease were identified and tested. The GEP test accurately identified 77 % of metastatic CMs as high risk (Class 2). The GEP had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99 % for Class 1 CMs. Class 2 CMs were 22 times more likely to metastasize. The authors concluded that GEP test's performance in their independent cohort corresponded with previous industry-sponsored studies and proved to be a helpful clinical prognostic tool with the potential to direct patient care protocols.
Gastman, et al. (2019) examined risk prediction by the 31-GEP test within 3 low-risk (according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer) populations of patients with CM: those who are SLN-negative, those with stage I to IIA tumors, and those with thin (less than or equal to 1 mm [T1]) tumors. A total of 3 previous validation studies provided a non-overlapping cohort of 690 patients with 31-GEP results, staging information, and survival outcomes. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis were performed. The results included the identification of 70 % of SLN-negative patients who experienced metastasis as Class 2, the discovery of reduced recurrence-free survival for patients with thin tumors and Class 2B biology compared with that of those with Class 1A biology (p < 0.0001); and determination of the 31-GEP test as an independent predictor of risk compared with traditional staging factors in patients with stage I to IIA tumors. The authors concluded that the findings of this study confirmed that the 31-GEP test is an independent prognostic factor, and the strongest prognostic indicator, compared to current staging factors. Managing these patients according to their individual risk (e.g., by more frequent clinical follow-up and increased surveillance/imaging for early identification of metastatic disease) is consistent with current national guidelines. Furthermore, it is likely that there will be interest in evaluating contemporary adjuvant therapies in stage II patients. To do this, identifying patient groups with high rates of metastatic events will be necessary for any clinical trial that includes this population.
The authors stated that this study was limited by incomplete pathologic staging data owing to variation in contemporaneous reporting standards between 1998 and 2014 and the lack of centralized pathology review. However, the study cohort reflected the current clinical situation wherein histopathologic assessment of CM may be prone to subjectivity, thus supporting a need for additional methods of risk assessment that are not subject to inter-observer variability. As Cox regression analyses were performed by using only those cases in which all variables were identified, the number of cases included in each of the analyses, as indicated in each table, was less than the total number of cases. To address this limitation, Cox regression analysis was also performed including only the co-variates of SLNB and 31-GEP subclass. Both SLN positivity and 31-GEP Class 2B remained independent predictors of recurrence in patients with T1 tumors (p ≤ 0.005 for both [data not shown]). A second limitation was the retrospective nature of the sample collection. Another possible caveat was the proportion of stage III cases within the cohort. Although the overall cohort exhibited a higher rate of SLN positivity than that typically observed in clinical practice, the MSS outcomes for each stage aligned with the AJCC 8th Edition staging outcomes, which indicated that from the stand-point of stage, the population was representative of contemporary patients with melanoma.
Commenting on the study Gastman, et al. (2019), Marchetti et al. (2019) stated that "Before a prognostic test for cutaneous melanoma is embraced, the test must be demonstrated to be valid and clinically useful in prospective studies with predetermined end points. Several studies over the past few years have portrayed the 31-GEP test as having analytic and clinical validity, but the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of the test remain unproved, especially in patients at low risk of metastasis or death. In our opinion, the data provided by Gastman et al. and Greenhaw et al. provide compelling evidence against routine clinical use of the 31-GEP test for T1 melanomas. Its indiscriminate use in the United States has the potential to incorrectly risk-stratify more than 8000 individuals/y with no demonstrable benefit".
Vetto, et al. (2019) determined if GEP could be used to identify patients with T1-T2 melanoma at low-risk for SLN positivity? Bioinformatics modeling determined a population in which a 31-GEP test predicted less than 5 % SLN positivity. Multi-center, prospectively-tested (n = 1,421) and retrospective (n = 690) cohorts were used for validation and outcomes, respectively. Patients 55 to 64 years and greater than or equal to 65 years with a class 1A (low-risk) profile had SLN positivity rates of 4.9 % and 1.6 %. Class 2B (high-risk) patients had SLN positivity rates of 30.8 % and 11.9 %. Melanoma-specific survival was 99.3 % for patients greater than or equal to 55 years with class 1A, T1-T2 tumors and 55.0 % for class 2B, SLN-positive, T1-T2 tumors. The authors concluded that incorporation of molecular signatures to guide biopsy recommendations is now routine for patients with thyroid, prostate and lung cancers. These findings showed that a gene expression signature could be applied in melanoma to identify a patient population with less than 5 % predicted probability of a positive SLN with demonstrated high survival rates and therefore has potential utility in guiding SLNB decisions. Additional multi-center retrospective and prospective studies to confirm and expand these results are ongoing or planned. If used in this way, the 31-GEP test could potentially reduce a substantial proportion of SLNBs while still maintaining a robust survival rate in those patients with low-risk tumor biology. These patients could benefit from avoidance of risks associated with surgery and anesthesia; SLN guidance using the GEP test is not meant to deter patients from surgical consultation, as it is always important to discuss all risks/benefits in an individual clinical situation. Rather, this test may serve as an additional decision-making tool for adhering to national recommendations of personalized care.
The authors stated that drawbacks of this study included the fact that long-term follow-up was not available for patients in the prospective cohorts, however outcomes were modeled in the retrospective cohorts which have long-term outcomes. Another potential drawback was that the study did not include a significant number of T1b-T2 patients who might have been considered for SLNB, but who either decided not to undergo the procedure or the procedure was not performed due to medical contra-indications. As with all innovative approaches, replication in additional patient cohorts is recommended, to confirm the validity of this approach. Thus, a 2nd multi-center validation study is ongoing to evaluate patients with T1-T2 melanoma who were clinically tested with the 31-GEP test and their SLNB results. Additionally, prospective, multi-center studies to track and evaluate clinical outcomes of patients for whom the 31-GEP test is used to guide SLNB decisions under IRB-approved protocols are planned. Based on results of the MSLT-I trial it is expected that class 1A patients with T1-T2 tumors who forgo the SLNB procedure will not demonstrate a significant difference in melanoma-specific survival rates compared with those who are managed with SLNB.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)’s guidelines on "Care for the management of primary cutaneous melanoma" (Swetter et al., 2019) state that although ancillary diagnostic molecular techniques (e.g., CGH, FISH, GEP) may be used for equivocal melanocytic neoplasms [Strength of evidence = C; level of evidence = III], routine molecular testing, including GEP, for prognostication is discouraged until better use criteria are defined. The application of molecular information for clinical management (e.g., sentinel lymph node eligibility, follow-up, and/or therapeutic choice) is not recommended outside of a clinical study or trial" [Strength of evidence = C, level of evidence = III]. The guidelines explain: "Diagnostic molecular techniques are still largely investigative and may be appropriate as ancillary tests in equivocal melanocytic neoplasms, but they are not recommended for routine diagnostic use in CM. These include comparative genomic hybridization, fluorescence in-situ hybridization, gene expression profiling (GEP), and (potentially) next-generation sequencing. These tests may help to differentiate benign nevi from CM, including atypical Spitz tumors. In the opinion of the WG, there is also insufficient evidence of benefit to recommend routine use of currently available prognostic molecular tests, including GEP, to provide more accurate prognosis beyond currently known clinicopathologic factors".
Marks and associates (2019) stated that treatment plans for cutaneous melanoma are based upon individual risk of recurrence. Decisions made post-diagnosis include recommendation for a SLNBx, followed by management decisions such as surveillance, frequency of follow-up, and inter-disciplinary consultations including possible adjuvant therapy use. These have traditionally been guided by clinicopathologic factors, but discordance exists, as a substantial number of melanoma deaths occur in patients diagnosed with disease considered to be early stage by such factors, including a negative SLNBx. Molecular testing can be used to apply an objective approach that optimizes individualized patient care. The 31-gene expression profile (31-GEP) test has been validated in nearly 1,600 patients as an independent predictor of risk of recurrence, distant metastasis and death in Stage I to III melanoma and can guide SLNBx decisions in patient subgroups, as demonstrated in 1,421 patients. While clinical use of the 31-GEP test has been adopted into routine practice, an evidence-based analysis of a decision point for use in thin, T1 tumors would be clinically useful. To help define an appropriate population for 31-GEP testing, these investigators evaluated changes in patient management, cumulative differential risk across Breslow thicknesses based on a large data-set, and 31-GEP subclass distribution in a clinically tested cohort. The authors concluded that these findings suggested a Breslow thickness threshold of 0.3 mm for using the 31-GEP test for guiding management decisions dependent on individual risk of recurrence.
Dubin and colleagues (2019) reviewed the current literature and establish the level of evidence for a cutaneous melanoma 31-GEP test. These researchers carried out a review of 7 development and validation studies for the 31-GEP test. The respective strengths and weaknesses of each study were applied to the level of evidence criteria from major organizations that publish guidelines for melanoma management: AJCC, NCCN, and AAD. Evaluating each study led to classifying the 31-GEP test as level I/II, I-IIIB, and IIA according to AJCC, NCCN, and AAD criteria, respectively. This stands in contrast to the official unrated status conferred by the AJCC and NCCN, and the II/IIIC rating designated by the AAD. The authors concluded that differences between the authors' findings and official published ratings may be attributed to chronological issues, as many of the studies were not yet published when the afore-mentioned organizations conducted their reviews. There was also difficulty in applying the NCCN criteria to this prognostic test, as their guidelines were intended for evaluation of predictive markers. Nevertheless, based upon the most current data available, integration of the 31-GEP test into clinical practice may be warranted in certain clinical situations. These researchers found the 31-GEP test to be particularly useful for patients with invasive melanoma or older patients with T1/T2 melanomas. For patients with invasive melanoma, the results of the molecular test may help guide the frequency of skin examinations and utilization of SLNBx or imaging following diagnosis. Patients aged older than 65 years diagnosed with T1/T2 melanomas may also benefit from molecular testing, especially in the evaluation of the risks and benefits of a SLNBx.
Furthermore, NCCN’s clinical practice guideline on "Cutaneous melanoma" (Version 2.2019) states that "Commercially available GEP tests are marketed as being able to classify cutaneous melanoma into separate categories based on risk of metastasis. However, it remains unclear whether these tests provide clinically actionable prognostic information when used in addition to or in comparison with known clinicopathologic factors or multi-variable nomograms that incorporate patient sex, age, tumor location and thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, lympho-vascular invasion, microsatellites, and SLNB status. Furthermore, the impact of these tests on treatment outcomes or follow-up schedules has not been established.
Keller, et al. (2019) stated that gene expression profiling (GEP) has been integrated into cancer treatment decision-making in multiple neoplasms. These researchers prospectively evaluated the prognostic utility of the 31-GEP test (DecisionDx-Melanoma) in cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients undergoing sentinel node biopsy (SNB). A total of 159 patients (aged 26 to 88 years) diagnosed with melanoma between 01/2013 and 8/2015 underwent SNB and concurrent GEP testing. GEP results were reported as low-risk Class 1 (subclasses 1A and 1B) or high-risk Class 2 (subclasses 2A and 2B). Statistical analyses were performed with Chi-square analysis, t-tests, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard models. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Median follow-up was 44.9 months for event-free cases. Median Breslow thickness was 1.4 mm (0.2 to 15.0 mm). There were 117 Class 1 and 42 Class 2 patients. Gender, age, Breslow thickness, ulceration, SNB positivity, and AJCC stage were significantly associated with GEP classification (p < 0.05 for all). Recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 5 % and 1 % for Class 1 patients compared with 55 % and 36 % for Class 2 patients. Sensitivities of Class 2 and SNB for recurrence were 79 % and 34 %, respectively. Of 10 SNB-positive/Class 2 patients, 9 recurred. By multi-variate analysis, only SNB result and GEP class were statistically associated with both RFS (p = 0.008 and 0.0001) and DMFS (p = 0.019 and 0.001). The authors concluded that GEP Class 2 result and SNB positivity were independently associated with recurrence and distant metastasis in primary CM patients. These researchers stated that GEP testing may have additive prognostic utility in initial staging work-up of these patients. They stated that GEP testing can identify melanoma patients at high risk for recurrence, however clinical trials are needed for these high‐risk patients to determine the optimal treatment strategy, in particular for adjuvant therapy decision-making.
Greenhaw and colleagues (2020) stated that multiple studies have reported on the accuracy of the prognostic 31-GEP test for cutaneous melanoma. Consistency of the test results across studies has not been systematically evaluated. In a meta-analysis, these researchers examined the robustness of the prognostic value of the 31-GEP test. Raw data were obtained from studies identified from systematic review. These investigators determined the overall effect of the 31-GEP test. Clinical outcome metrics for the 31-GEP test were compared to AJCC staging. A total of 3 studies met inclusion criteria; data from a novel cohort of 211 patients were included (n = 1,479); 5-year recurrence-free and DMFS rates were 91.4 % and 94.1 % for Class 1A patients and 43.6 % and 55.5 % for Class 2B patients (p < 0.0001). Meta-analysis results showed that Class 2 was significantly associated with recurrence (HR: 2.90; p < 0.0001) and distant metastasis (HR: 2.75; p < 0.0001). The 31-GEP test identified AJCC stage I to III patient subsets with high likelihood for recurrence and distant metastasis. Sensitivity was 76 % [95 % CI: 71 to 80 %] and 76 % [95 % CI: 70 to 82 %] for each end-point, respectively. When the 31-GEP test and SLNBx results were considered together, sensitivity and NPV for DMFS were both improved. The authors concluded that the 31-GEP test consistently and accurately identified melanoma patients at increased risk of metastasis, was independent of other clinicopathologic covariates, and augmented current risk stratification by re-classifying patients previously designated as low-risk, for heightened surveillance. Moreover, these researchers stated that further studies are needed to evaluate appropriate methods and intervals for follow-up of patients identified as high risk by the 31-GEP test, and on therapeutic management, based on risk determined by the 31-GEP test together with other clinicopathologic co-variates.
The authors stated that a drawback of this meta-analysis was that studies identified through systematic review were published, so there was the risk that unpublished negative data were not considered. In addition, the included studies had different study designs, which may have impacted the overall magnitude of the effect of the GEP test because of evolving treatment, management, surveillance, and population differences across the time frame that the samples were collected. Although 2 cohorts consisted of archived cases and the other 2 consisted of patients tested clinically with the 31-GEP, tests of heterogeneity across studies were not significant. Furthermore, follow-up time varied among these studies, which should be considered in interpreting the pooled survival estimates. However, the median follow-up interval for recurrence-free cases was longer than the median time to recurrence. Finally, while the prospective studies analyzed as part of the meta-analysis had no inclusion/exclusion biases, the study from Greenhaw et al (2018) did not include patients who underwent SLNBx as part of their management protocol.
In a commentary on the study by Greenhaw, et al. (2020), Marchetti et al. (2020) stated that these investigators carried out a meta-analysis of the prognostic effect size of the 31-GEP test; and concluded that it had a level 1A evidence ranking under the SORT and Oxford Systems. However, methodologic shortcomings and the small sample size of studies suggested that the estimated 31-GEP effect size was unlikely to be an accurate measure of the true effect size. Marchetti et al. (2020) stated that the study by Greenhaw et al had several drawbacks including the lack of a pre-specified protocol, the multi-variate analyses did not include important clinicopathologic prognostic factors, such as sex, anatomic site, and mitotic index, incomplete risk of bias assessment, publication bias, and the majority of the study authors reported a financial conflict of interest for this work and were the authors of many (or all) of the included studies.
Guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (version 3.2020) stated: "Prognostic gene expression profiling (GEP) to differentiate melanomas at low versus high risk of metastases may provide information on individual risk of recurrence, as an adjunct to standard AJCC Staging. However, the currently available prognostic molecular techniques should not replace pathologic staging procedures, and the use of GEP testing according to specific melanoma stage (before or after SLNB) requires further prospective investigation in large, contemporary data sets of unselected patients".
The Melanoma Prevention Working Group (MPWG) (Grossman et al, 2020) concluded that "More evidence is needed to support using GEP testing to inform recommendations regarding SLNB, intensity of follow-up or imaging surveillance, and postoperative adjuvant therapy. The MPWG recommends further research to assess the validity and clinical applicability of existing and emerging GEP tests. Decisions on performing GEP testing and patient management based on these results should only be made in the context of discussion of testing limitations with the patient or within a multidisciplinary group".
Hseuh, et al. (2021) stated that current guidelines for post-operative management of patients with stage I to IIA CM do not recommend routine cross-sectional imaging; however, many of these patients develop metastases. Methods that complement American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging are needed to improve identification and treatment of these patients. A 31-GEP test predicts metastatic risk as low (class 1) or high (class 2). Prospective analysis of CM outcomes was carried out to test the hypotheses that the 31-GEP would provide prognostic value for patients with stage I to III CM, and that patients with stage I to IIA melanoma and class 2 31-GEP results have metastatic risk similar to patients for whom surveillance is recommended. Two multi-center registry studies, INTEGRATE and EXPAND, were initiated under IRB approval, and 323 patients with stage I to III CM and median follow-up time of 3.2 years met inclusion criteria. Primary endpoints were 3-year RFS, DMFS, and OS. The 31-GEP was significant for RFS, DMFS, and OS in a univariate analysis and was a significant, independent predictor of RFS, DMFS, and OS in a multi-variable analysis. GEP class 2 results were significantly associated with lower 3-year RFS, DMFS, and OS in all patients and those with stage I to IIA disease. Patients with stage I to IIA CM and a class 2 result had recurrence, distant metastasis, and death rates similar to patients with stage IIB to III CM. Combining 31-GEP results and AJCC staging enhanced sensitivity over each approach alone. The authors concluded that the findings of this study provided a rationale for using the 31-GEP along with AJCC staging; and suggested that patients with stage I to IIA CM and a class 2 31-GEP signature may be candidates for more intense follow-up.
The authors stated that this study’s outcomes were based on a median follow-up time of 3.2 years for those without an event, which should have captured most events. However, future additional events may have a small effect on recurrence rates and survival estimates, as previously reported from archival cohorts with longer follow-up. Furthermore, the number of DMFS and OS events was limited relative to the number of significant variables in the univariate analysis; therefore, Breslow thickness, ulceration, and SLN status were condensed into stage, and inclusion criteria in the multi-variable model were stringent (p < 0.01). Additionally, OS was evaluated in place of disease-specific survival (DSS) because the cause of death was not documented in some cases. Lastly, many of the patients in this study underwent SLNBx. Although it is unlikely SLNBx changed the course of the patients’ disease, risk stratification by 31-GEP class in this study was consistent with outcomes in a study in which the majority of patients did not undergo SLNBx.
Whitman, et al. (2021) stated that national guidelines recommend SLNB be offered to patients with greater than 10 % likelihood of SLN positivity. On the other hand, guidelines do not recommend SLNB for patients with T1a tumors without high-risk features who have less than 5 % likelihood of a positive SLN. However, the decision to perform SLNB is less certain for patients with higher-risk T1 melanomas in which a positive node is expected 5 % to 10 % of the time. In a retrospective study, these researchers hypothesized that integrating clinicopathologic features with the 31-GEP score using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques would provide more precise SLN risk prediction. An integrated 31-GEP (i31-GEP) neural network algorithm incorporating clinicopathologic features with the continuous 31-GEP score was developed using a previously reported patient cohort (n = 1,398) and validated using an independent cohort (n = 1,674). Compared with other co-variates in the i31-GEP, the continuous 31-GEP score had the largest likelihood ratio (G2 = 91.3, p < 0.001) for predicting SLN positivity. The i31-GEP showed high concordance between predicted and observed SLN positivity rates (linear regression slope = 0.999). The i31-GEP increased the percentage of patients with T1 to T4 tumors predicted to have less than 5 % SLN-positive likelihood from 8.5 % to 27.7 % with a NPV of 98 %. More importantly, for patients with T1 tumors originally classified with a likelihood of SLN positivity of 5 % to 10 %, the i31-GEP re-classified 63 % of cases as having less than 5 % or greater than 10 % likelihood of positive SLN, for a more precise, personalized, and clinically actionable SLN-positive likelihood estimate. The authors concluded that these data suggested the i31-GEP could reduce the number of SLNBs performed by identifying patients with likelihood under the 5 % threshold for performance of SLNB and improve the yield of positive SLNBs by identifying patients more likely to have a positive SLNB.
The authors stated that although the i31-GEP developed in this report was independently validated to refine risk assessment within the context of clinical, histologic, and molecular features, there were several drawbacks. First, the training and validation cohorts were mostly treated at surgical oncology centers, with nearly 80 % undergoing SLNB; thus, patients not referred from a dermatology clinic may not have been included. Second, some T1a patients were evaluated clinically but did not have SLNB performed; thus, these investigators could not rule out the potential for occult nodal metastases in these patients. Third, in any retrospective study from various centers, standardization of SLNB, SLN assessment, and event detection bias may influence the results.
Brownstone, et al. (2022) noted that CM is a life-threatening neoplasm where early detection along with appropriately timed intervention could significantly improve outcomes; however, practice gaps still exist for the diagnosis and treatment of CM given the challenges in defining high-risk subsets of lower-risk patients who may die from this cancer. In addition, decisions to biopsy suspicious lesions are heavily dependent upon subjective visual examinations. Integrating the non-invasive 31-GEP and 2-GEP tests into clinical practice for evaluating CM diagnosis and prognosis has been shown to enhance accuracy. For these reasons, GEP technology is becoming an important adjunct in clinical practice to the SOC for the management of patients with CM.
Zakria, et al. (2022) stated that national guidelines for CM suggest avoiding SLNB if the risk of SLN positivity is less than 5 % (T1a with no high-risk features), considering SLNB if the risk is 5 % to 10 % (T1a with additional high-risk features (T1aHR) and T1b), and offering SLNB if the risk is greater than 10 % (T2 to T4). Because most patients (88 %) who undergo an SLNB have a negative result, novel tools to identify patients who can safely forgo SLNB are important. The i31-GEP for SLNB test for CM combines tumor molecular biology with clinicopathologic features to provide a precise risk of SLN positivity. The Melanoma Institute of Australia (MIA) developed a nomogram that uses only clinicopathologic features to predict SLN positivity. In a retrospective study, these investigators compared the i31-GEP for SLNB to the MIA nomogram in patients with T1 to T2 tumors with complete data (n = 582). The precision of each tool to identify patients with less than 5 % SLN positivity risk was analyzed using 95 % CIs. To be considered low-risk, the predicted risk must be less than 5 % and the upper 95 % CI must be 10 % or less, and to be considered high-risk, the predicted risk must be greater than 10 % and the lower 95 % CI of 5% or higher. The i31-GEP for SLNB identified 28.5 % (166/582) of patients as having a less than 5 % risk of SLN positivity while also having an upper 95 % CI of 10 % or less compared with 0.9 % (5/582, p < 0.001) using the MIA nomogram. In patients with a pre-test likelihood of SLN positivity of 5 % to 10 % (T1aHR-T1b), the i31-GEP re-classified risk in 60.2 % (171/284) of patients as being less than 5 % or greater than 10% compared to 13.7 % (39/284, p < 0.001) using the MIA nomogram. In patients with a known SLN status (n = 466), the i31-GEP for SLNB identified 22.1 % (103/466) of patients as having less than 5 % risk, with a 3.9 % (4/103) SLN positivity rate compared to 0.6% (3/466, p < 0.001) identified by the MIA as having a less than 5 % risk with a 33.3 % (1/3) SLN positivity rate. The authors concluded that this study showed that the i31-GEP for SLNB outperformed the MIA nomogram for selecting patients for SLNB, given the more precise result provided, and using the i31-GEP for SLNB could lead to a more accurate assignment of the patient into the appropriate NCCN SLN risk grouping. These researchers stated that the findings of this study suggested that integrating the 31-GEP with clinicopathologic features could improve patient care via better risk-aligned management decisions for SLNBs and reduce the number of unnecessary SLNBs.
The authors stated that drawbacks of this study included its retrospective nature and that this selected population from primarily surgical centers may not represent the general population. Furthermore, comparison to the MIA nomogram limited patient inclusion, primarily due to missing subtypes, in more than 50 % of cases.
Jarell, et al. (2022) noted that many patients with low-stage CM will experience tumor recurrence, metastasis, or death, and many higher staged patients will not. In a retrospective study, these researchers developed an algorithm by integrating the 31-GEP test with clinicopathologic data for an optimized, personalized risk of recurrence (integrated 31 risk of recurrence [i31-ROR]) or death and use i31-ROR in conjunction with a previously validated algorithm for precise sentinel lymph node positivity risk estimates (i31-SLNB) for optimized treatment plan decisions. Cox regression models for ROR were developed (n = 1,581) and independently validated (n = 523) on a cohort with stage I to III CM. Using NCCN cut-points, i31-ROR performance was examined using the mid-point survival rates between patients with stage IIA and stage IIB disease as a risk threshold. Patients with a low-risk i31-ROR result had significantly higher 5-year RFS (91 % versus 45 %, p < 0.001), DMFS (95 % versus 53 %, p < 0 .001), and melanoma-specific survival (98 % versus 73 %, p < 0.001) than patients with a high-risk i31-ROR result. A combined i31-SLNB/ROR analysis identified 44 % of patients who could forego SLNBx while maintaining high survival rates (greater than 98 %) or were re-stratified as being at a higher or lower risk of recurrence or death. The authors concluded that integrating clinicopathologic features with the 31-GEP optimized patient risk stratification compared to clinicopathologic features alone.
The authors stated that a drawback of this trial was that due to the lack of reporting of some clinicopathologic variables proposed to impact survival, they were not included in this algorithm. A 2nd drawback was its retrospective design. Furthermore, it was unknown which patients received adjuvant therapies, as differences in diagnosis dates may have affected access to these options. Moreover, these researchers stated that now that they have developed this novel tool, it will be insightful to examine the effect of the i31-ROR on patient management decisions, outcomes, as well as health economics, especially for patients with stage 1 CM, which make up the largest proportion of the newly diagnosed melanomas and a group with a high melanoma-specific survival rate.
Williams, et al. (2022) stated that early detection of CM is instrumental as the 5-year survival decreases from 93.3 % to less than 50 % when metastases are present. Distinguishing which patients require closer follow-up can be difficult for CM patients. Developments by Castle Biosciences' DecisionDx-Melanoma (DDx-M) use 31 melanoma associated genes to stratify melanomas into 4 classes with 1A having lowest risk of morbidity and mortality and 2B the highest. In a retrospective study, these investigators examined the benefit of providing additional 18FDG-PET-CT and brain MRI to genetically high-risk patients who may have otherwise been over-looked. A total of 297 patients at the authors’ center had biopsies sent for DDx-M between 2014 and 2021. Patients found to have Class 2 CM received additional screening with yearly 18FDG-PET-CT scans and brain MRIs. Patients with Class 2 DDx-M scores and negative SLNB were included in the study; and a total of 66 met inclusion criteria and received imaging. Within 3 years of follow-up, 8/66 (12.1 %) patients had metastases detected by 18FDG-PET-CT scans. No patients with stage IA or IB went on to develop metastases. The authors concluded that 18FDG-PET-CT scans detected metastases in less than 3 % of the time when all stage I and II patients were scanned; however, by using DDx-M in their screening protocols, these investigators achieved a detection rate of 12.1 %. These patients went on to receive treatment and would have otherwise progressed undetected, leading to higher morbidity and mortality. The authors suggested all patients with initial stage II or above CM receive a DDx-M score and those with class 2 receive yearly 18FDG-PET-CT/brain MRI imaging.
The authors stated that drawbacks of this study included those inherent to retrospective chart review, most importantly, the potential for missing data, especially in a rural area. These researchers stated that longer follow-up may continue to reveal recurrences past their screening interval with increased imaging. These investigators do, however, continue to follow these patients with physical examinations and review of systems yearly. Lastly, this was a descriptive review of the authors’ institutional experience with increased screening. They stated that a larger, multi-center study is needed to examine the use of increased imaging.
Yamamoto, et al. (2023) noted that the 31-GEP test (Class 1A: low-risk; 1B/2A: intermediate-risk; 2B: high-risk) is validated to identify patients with cutaneous melanoma who can safely forego SLNBx. In a prospective, multi-center study, these investigators quantified SLNB reduction by clinicians using the 31-GEP test. Patients with T1-T2 tumors eligible for SLNBx were seen by surgical oncologists (89.1 %), dermatologists (7.8 %), and medical oncologists (3.1 %). After receiving 31-GEP results but before SLNBx, clinicians were asked which clinical and pathological features influenced SLNBx decisions (n = 191). The Exact binomial test was used to compare SLNBx rates to a contemporary study (78 % SLNBx baseline rate). Logistic regression modeling (OR, 95 % CI) was used to identify features associated with SLNBx rates. A total of 100 clinical decisions (52.4 %) were influenced by the 31-GEP test to forego SLNBx and 70 % (70/100) were not performed. Of the 30 performed, 0 % (0/30) were positive. The 31-GEP test influenced 63 clinical decisions (33.0 %) to perform SLNBx, and 92.1 % (58/63) were performed. There was a clinically meaningful 29.4 % reduction of SLNBx performed in patients with a Class 1A result relative to the baseline rate of 78.0 % (p < 0.01). In patients 55 years of age or older, or 65 years of age or older, SLNBx reduction was 32.3 % (p < 0.01), 28.3 % (p < 0.01), respectively. Overall, 85.3 % of decisions relating to SLNBx were influenced by 31-GEP results. The authors concluded that in this prospective, multi-center study, clinicians showed clinically meaningful use of the 31-GEP test to forego or pursue SLNBx in patients with T1-T2 tumors resulting in a significant, risk appropriate decrease in SLNBx.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, tumor location was not included as a question about influencing SLNBx performance rates. Studies have shown that tumors on the head and neck have lower SLNBx rates and may be a confounding factor in the analysis. However, in this study 19.7 % of melanomas were on the head and neck compared to 21.0 % in the contemporary baseline cohort. Second, this analysis only examined aim 1 of the DECIDE Trial regarding the influence of 31-GEP testing on SLNBx performance rates, and outcomes data are still accruing. However, multiple previous studies have shown that the 31-GEP independently stratified the risk of recurrence, metastasis, and death regardless of SLN. Third, systematic collection of different clinical and pathological factors likely varied by site and may contribute bias to these findings.
Zakria, et al. (2023) stated that cutaneous SCC (cSCC) is a growing health concern with a rapidly increasing incidence. Disease-specific mortality is typically preceded by a metastasis; however, current staging systems have significant limitations in predicting this event. The 40-GEP test is a validated method of further stratifying patients based on the risk of regional or distant metastasis, but limited guidelines exist for incorporating this test into clinical practice. These investigators reviewed the available evidence on the use of GEP testing to evaluate prognosis in cSCC and create consensus statements to guide dermatology clinicians on its use. They carried out a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for English-language original studies on the use of GEP testing to evaluate cSCC prognosis. A panel of 8 dermatologists with significant expertise in diagnosing and managing cSCC gathered to review the studies and create consensus statements. A modified Delphi process was employed to approve each statement and a strength of recommendation was assigned using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) criteria. The literature search produced 157 studies that met the search criteria. A thorough screening of the studies for relevance to the research question resulted in 21 studies that were distributed to the panelists for review before the roundtable discussion. The panel unanimously voted to adopt 7 consensus statements and recommendations, 6 of which were given a strength of "A" and 1 of which was given a strength of "C". The authors concluded that the 40-GEP test provided accurate and independent prognostic information beyond standard staging systems that only incorporate pathologic data. Incorporation of GEP testing into national guidelines can help further stratify patients based on risk of metastasis and thus may improve morbidity and mortality.
Bailey et al. (2023) investigated the impact of the DecisionDx-Melanoma 31-gene expression profile (31-GEP) test on survival outcomes in patients with cutaneous melanoma (CM). The 31-GEP test classifies CM patients' risk of recurrence, metastasis, or death into low (class 1A), intermediate (class 1B/2A), or high (class 2B) categories. The study aimed to confirm the prognostic ability of the 31-GEP test at the population level using data from the SEER registries, which included 4,687 patients with stage I-III CM who had clinical 31-GEP results between 2016 and 2018. Patients with a class 1A result had higher 3-year melanoma-specific survival (MSS) and overall survival (OS) compared to those with class 1B/2A or class 2B results. Specifically, the 3-year MSS rates were 99.7% for class 1A, 97.1% for class 1B/2A, and 89.6% for class 2B. Similarly, the 3-year OS rates were 96.6% for class 1A, 90.2% for class 1B/2A, and 79.4% for class 2B. A class 2B result was an independent predictor of MSS (HR, 7.00; 95% CI, 2.70 to 18.00) and OS (HR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.54 to 3.70). The 31-GEP testing was associated with a 29% lower MSS mortality (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.94) and a 17% lower overall mortality (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.99) compared to untested patients. The study stratified patients by their risk of dying from melanoma using the 31-GEP test. It was found that patients with a class 2 31-GEP result had significantly lower 3-year MSS and OS compared to those with a class 1 result. Limitations of the study included that fact that it excluded patients with stage IV disease and those with a diagnosis or 31-GEP testing date earlier than 2016 to ensure a contemporary population with access to effective FDA-approved therapies. Other study limitations include: (i) The analysis was limited to patients who received the 31-GEP test within one year of diagnosis, potentially excluding late testers; (ii) The study relied on probabilistic matching methods for data linkage, which may introduce some degree of uncertainty; (iii) The SEER data set lacks information on treatment, surveillance, and other management actions, making it difficult to determine the exact mechanism of improved survival; (iv) The analysis was restricted to patients diagnosed and tested between 2016-2018, limiting the follow-up time to 3 years; although most melanoma recurrences occur within this period, longer follow-up could provide more comprehensive data; (v) Limited comorbidity data in the SEER registry prevented competing risk analyses, which could influence the decision to undergo 31-GEP testing; and (vi) The study could not control for the effects of specific treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies, as these are not captured by SEER. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the mechanisms by which 31-GEP testing improves survival outcomes. Additionally, there is a need to investigate the potential benefits of integrating 31-GEP testing with other emerging prognostic biomarkers and treatment strategies to enhance patient outcomes further. Ongoing collaboration with NCI/SEER and additional patient linkage will allow for extended follow-up and increased cohort size, which could provide more robust data.
Bartlett, et al. (2025) note that “One recent study using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database found that 31-GEP testing was associated with an improvement in MSS and overall survival. This was a retrospective study without defined selection criteria as to which patients underwent GEP testing, and recurrence data were not available. While a propensity-matched analysis was performed between GEP tested and non-tested patients, various factors (such as socioeconomic status, receipt of adjuvant therapies, BRAF status, receipt of treatments at recurrence) were not adjusted for in the analysis.”
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Melanoma: Cutaneous” (Version 1.2024) states that “Despite commercially available GEP tests being marketed to risk stratify cutaneous melanomas, current GEP platforms do not provide clinically actionable prognostic information when combined or compared with known clinicopathologic (CP) factors (e.g., sex, age, primary tumor location, thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, lympho-vascular invasion, microsatellites, and/or SLNB status) or multivariable nomograms/risk calculators. Furthermore, the clinical utility of these tests to inform treatment recommendations, and predict patient outcomes and improve health outcomes by prompting an intervention, has not been established”.
Dhillon, et al. (2023) investigated the utility of routine imaging guided by a 31-gene expression profile (31-GEP) assay in detecting melanoma recurrence earlier and with lower tumor burden compared to patients without surveillance imaging. The study retrospectively analyzed melanoma patients with negative sentinel lymph node biopsies, comparing those with high-risk 31-GEP scores who underwent routine imaging (experimental group) to those without GEP testing and no routine imaging (control group). Results showed that melanoma recurrence was detected earlier in the experimental group (25.50 months vs. 35.35 months) with a significantly lower tumor burden (27.60 mm vs. 73.10 mm). Additionally, a higher percentage of experimental patients started immunotherapy, leading to better clinical outcomes and improved overall survival (76.3% vs. 50.0%). The study noted limitations such as its retrospective nature, small sample size, non-uniform imaging protocols, and varying follow-up durations. The authors suggest that further research is needed to explore the benefits of early detection and routine imaging in high-risk melanoma patients, particularly in the context of novel targeted and immunotherapy treatments. The study also emphasizes the importance of individualized patient care and the need for ongoing research to refine prognostic tools and improve patient outcomes.
A comment by Wayne, et al (2023) noted limitations to the trial by Dhillon, et al., including its retrospective nature, as well as the small numbers of evaluable patients in both the experimental and control groups. In addition, there was a difference in average follow-up times between the control and experimental groups, with an average follow-up of 63.32 months and 45.63 months, respectively. Given that the follow-up time was longer in the control group, this may have led to more deaths being reported.
Commenting on Dhillon, et al., a Society for Surgical Oncology consensus statement (Bartlett, et al., 2025) commented: “It is unclear if there was selection bias for which patients underwent GEP testing compared with those who did not. For instance, there were many more stage I patients in the ‘control’, non-imaged group who recurred compared with the GEP-tested stage I group who were classified as class II. What proportion of those ‘control’ patients would have appropriately been classified as class II had they been tested is unclear. Most recurrences occurred in patients with T3b or higher tumors in the experimental group. These patients would routinely be getting surveillance imaging absent any GEP testing, based on AJCC staging and NCCN guidelines alone.”
DecisionDx-SCC
DecisionDx-SCC (Castle Biosciences, Phoenix, AZ) is a 40-gene expression profile (GEP) test that was developed to identify the risk of metastasis in individuals with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with one or more risk factors based on the biologic makeup of the genes within their tumor tissue.
DecisionDx-UM
The DecisionDx-UM (Castle Biosciences, Inc.) is a gene expression profile that determines the molecular signature of a patient's melanoma. The results of the test provide knowledge regarding the risk of near term metastasis (5 years). Tumors with a Class 1 signature are associated with a good prognosis and a low potential to spread (or metastasize), while tumors with a Class 2 signature have a high potential to spread.
Aaberg et al. (2014) conducted a chart review and cross-sectional survey of ophthalmologists who treat uveal melanoma to assess current clinical practices for uveal melanoma (UM) and the impact of molecular prognostic testing on treatment decisions. This study involved a chart review of all Medicare beneficiaries tested by UM gene expression profile in 2012, conducted under an institutional review board-approved protocol. In addition, 109 ophthalmologists specializing in the treatment of UM were invited to participate in 24-question survey in 2012; 72 were invited to participate in a 23-question survey in 2014. The review of Medicare medical records included 191 evaluable patients, 88 (46%) with documented medical treatment actions or institutional policies related to surveillance plans. Of these 88, all gene expression profiling (GEP) Class 1 UM patients were treated with low-intensity surveillance. All GEP Class 2 UM patients were treated with high-intensity surveillance (P<0.0001 versus Class 1). There were 36 (19%) with information concerning referrals after initial diagnosis. Of these 36, all 23 Class 2 patients were referred to medical oncology; however, none of the 13 Class 1 patients were referred (P<0.0001 versus Class 1). Only Class 2 patients were recommended for adjunctive treatment regimens. 2012 survey: 50 respondents with an annual median of 35 new UM patients. The majority of respondents (82%) performed molecular analysis of UM tumors after fine needle biopsy (FNAB); median: 15 FNAB per year; 2014 survey: 35 respondents with an annual median of 30 new UM patients. The majority offered molecular analyses of UM tumor samples to most patients. Patients with lowmetastatic risk (disomy 3 or GEP Class 1) were generally assigned to less frequent (every 6 or 12 months) and less intensive clinical visits. Patients with high metastatic risk (monosomy 3 or GEP Class 2) were assigned to more frequent surveillance with hepatic imaging and liver function testing every 3-6 months. High-risk patients were considered more suitable for adjuvant treatment protocols.
Chappell et al. (2012) reported on a retrospective case series of uveal melanoma patients gene expression profiles to characterize the clinical spectrum of class 1 and class 2 uveal melanomas and their relationship with intraocular proton radiation response. A total of 197 uveal melanoma patients from a single institution were analyzed for pathology, clinical characteristics, and response to radiation therapy. A total of 126 patients (64%) had class 1 tumors and 71 (36%) had class 2 tumors. Patients with class 2 tumors had more advanced age (mean: 64 years vs 57 years; P = .001), had thicker initial mean ultrasound measurements (7.4 mm vs 5.9 mm; P = .0007), and were more likely to have epithelioid or mixed cells on cytopathology (66% vs 38%; P = .0004). Although mean pretreatment and posttreatment ultrasound thicknesses were significantly different between class 1 and class 2 tumors, there was no difference in the mean change in thickness 24 months after radiation therapy (mean difference: class 1 = -1.64 mm, class 2 = -1.47; P = .47) or in the overall rate of thickness change (slope: P = .64). Class 2 tumors were more likely to metastasize and cause death than class 1 tumors (disease-specific surviva [DSS]: P < .0001).
Worley et al. (2007) compared a gene expression-based classifier versus the standard genetic prognostic marker, monosomy 3, for predicting metastasis in uveal melanoma. Gene expression profiling, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) were done on 67 primary uveal melanomas. Clinical and pathologic prognostic factors were also assessed. The investigators found that the gene expression-based molecular classifier assigned 27 tumors to class 1 (low risk) and 25 tumors to class 2 (high risk). By Cox univariate proportional hazards, class 2 signature (P = 0.0001), advanced patient age (P =0.01), and scleral invasion (P = 0.007) were the only variables significantly associated with metastasis. Only the class 2 signature was needed to optimize predictive accuracy in a Cox multivariate model. A less significant association with metastasis was observed for monosomy 3 detected by aCGH (P = 0.076) and FISH (P = 0.127). The sensitivity and specificity for the molecular classifier (84.6% and 92.9%, respectively) were superior to monosomy 3 detected by aCGH (58.3% and 85.7%, respectively) and FISH (50.0% and 72.7%, respectively). Positive and negative predictive values (91.7% and 86.7%, respectively) and positive and negative likelihood ratios (11.9 and 0.2, respectively) for the molecular classifier were also superior to those for monosomy 3.
In a prospective case series study, Corrêa and Augsburger (2016) sought to determine whether any conventional clinical prognostic factors for metastasis from uveal melanoma retain prognostic significance in multivariate models incorporating gene expression profile (GEP) class of the tumor cells. The investigators conducted a single-institution study of GEP testing and other conventional prognostic factors for metastasis and metastatic death in 299 patients with posterior uveal melanoma evaluated by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) at the time of or shortly prior to initial treatment. Univariate prognostic significance of all evaluated potential prognostic variables (patient age, largest linear basal diameter of tumor [LBD], tumor thickness, intraocular location of tumor, melanoma cytomorphologic subtype, and GEP class) was performed by comparison of Kaplan-Meier event rate curves and univariate Cox proportional hazards modeling. Multivariate prognostic significance of combinations of significant prognostic factors identified by univariate analysis was performed using step-up and step-down Cox proportional hazards modeling. GEP class was the strongest prognostic factor for metastatic death in this series. However, tumor LBD, tumor thickness, and intraocular tumor location also proved to be significant individual prognostic factors in this study. On multivariate analysis, a 2-term model that incorporated GEP class and largest basal diameter was associated with strong independent significance of each of the factors.
Correa and Augsburger (2014) sought to determine the relative sufficiency of paired aspirates of posterior uveal melanomas obtained by FNAB for cytopathology and GEP, and their prognostic significance for predicting death from metastasis The investigators conducted a prospective non-randomized single-center study of 159 patients with posterior uveal melanoma sampled by FNAB in at least two tumor sites between September 2007 and December 2010. Cases were analyzed with regard to sufficiency of the obtained aspirates for cytopathologic classification and GEP classification. Statistical strength of associations between variables and GEP class was computed using Chi-square test. Cumulative actuarial survival curves of subgroups of these patients based on their cytopathologic versus GEP-assigned categories were computed by the Kaplan-Meier method. The endpoint for this survival analysis was death from metastatic uveal melanoma. FNAB aspirates were insufficient for cytopathologic classification in 34 of 159 cases (21.9 %). In contrast, FNAB aspirates were insufficient for GEP classification in only one of 159 cases (0.6 %). This difference is statistically significant (P < 0.001). Six of 34 tumors (17.6 %) that yielded an insufficient aspirate for cytopathologic diagnosis were categorized as GEP class 2, while 43 of 125 tumors (34.7 %) that yielded a sufficient aspirate for cytopathologic diagnosis were categorized as GEP class 2. To date, 14 of the 49 patients with a GEP class 2 tumor (28.6 %) but only five of the 109 patients with a GEP class 1 tumor (5.6 %) have developed metastasis. Fifteen of 125 patients (12 %) whose tumors yielded sufficient aspirates for cytopathologic classification but only four of 34 patients (11.8 %) whose tumors yielded insufficient aspirates for cytopathologic classification developed metastasis. The median post-biopsy follow-up time for surviving patients in this series was 32.5 months. Cumulative actuarial 5-year probability of death from metastasis 14.1 % for those with an insufficient aspirate for cytopathologic classification versus 22.4 % for those with a sufficient aspirate for cytopathologic classification (log rank P = 0.68). In contrast, the cumulative actuarial 5-year probability of metastatic death was 8.0 % for those with an insufficient/unsatisfactory aspirate for GEP classification or GEP class 1 tumor, versus 45.0 % for those with a GEP class 2 tumor (log rank P = 0.005).
In a prospective study, Oniken et al. (2012) evaluated the prognostic performance of the DecisionDx 15 gene expression profiling (GEP) assay that assigns primary posterior uveal melanomas to prognostic subgroups: class 1 (low metastatic risk) and class 2 (high metastatic risk). A total of 459 patients with posterior uveal melanoma were enrolled from 12 independent centers. Tumors were classified by GEP as class 1 or class 2. The first 260 samples were also analyzed for chromosome 3 status using a single nucleotide polymorphism assay. Net reclassification improvement analysis was performed to compare the prognostic accuracy of GEP with the 7th edition clinical Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) classification and chromosome 3 status. The investigators found that the GEP assay successfully classified 446 of 459 cases (97.2%). The GEP was class 1 in 276 cases (61.9%) and class 2 in 170 cases (38.1%). Median follow-up was 17.4 months (mean, 18.0 months). Metastasis was detected in 3 class 1 cases (1.1%) and 44 class 2 cases (25.9%) (log-rank test, P<10(-14)). Although there was an association between GEP class 2 and monosomy 3 (Fisher exact test, P<0.0001), 54 of 260 tumors (20.8%) were discordant for GEP and chromosome 3 status, among which GEP demonstrated superior prognostic accuracy (log-rank test, P = 0.0001). By using multivariate Cox modeling, GEP class had a stronger independent association with metastasis than any other prognostic factor (P<0.0001). Chromosome 3 status did not contribute additional prognostic information that was independent of GEP (P = 0.2). At 3 years follow-up, the net reclassification improvement of GEP over TNM classification was 0.43 (P = 0.001) and 0.38 (P = 0.004) over chromosome 3 status.
Klufas et al. (2015) reported their experience with uveal melanoma (UM)-specific GEP testing on a series of choroidal metastatic tumors confirmed by cytopathology so that clinicians may be aware that receiving a class 1 or class 2 test result in non-melanoma is possible. These investigators performed a retrospective review of all cytopathology and DecisionDx-UM GEP reports between January 2012 to December 2014 from intra-operative FNA biopsy of choroidal tumors undergoing brachytherapy. A total of 4 patients were identified to have cytopathology consistent with a non-melanoma primary. All 4 patients presented with a unilateral, single choroidal tumor, which was treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy and underwent intra-operative FNA biopsy for cytopathology and UM-specific GEP testing for molecular prognostication. Gene expression profile testing of the choroidal tumor in each patient revealed class 1A in 3 patients and class 2 in 1 patient. The authors concluded that DecisionDx-UM GEP may be a helpful test for molecular prognostication in patients with UM; however, class 1 and class 2 test results are indeed possible in the setting of a non-melanoma malignancy. They recommended that cytopathology and/or other melanoma-specific testing be performed in all cases of suspected choroidal melanoma because GEP with this assay is unable to rule out the diagnosis of a choroidal melanoma.
Plasseuard et al. (2016) sought to evaluate the clinical validity and utility of DecisionDx-UM. Beginning March 2010, 70 patients were enrolled in a prospective,multicenter, IRB-approved study to document patient management differences and clinical outcomes associated with low-risk Class 1 and high-risk Class 2 results indicated by DecisionDx-UM testing. Thirty-seven patients in the prospective study were Class 1 and 33 were Class 2. Class 1 patients had 100% 3-year metastasis-free survival compared to 63% for Class 2 (log rank test 𝑝 = 0.003) with 27.3 median follow-up months in this interim analysis. Class 2 patients received significantly higher-intensity monitoring and more oncology/clinical trial referrals compared to Class 1 patients (Fisher’s exact test 𝑝 = 2.1 × 10 −13 and 𝑝 = 0.04, respectively.). The investigators concluded that the results of this study provide additional, prospective evidence in an independent cohort of patients that Class 1 and Class 2 patients are managed according to the differential metastatic risk indicated by DecisionDx-UM.
In a review of the management of ocular melanoma, Blum et al. (2016) commented on the potential use of DecisionDx, noting that, although there is no clear survival benefit from earlier detection of metastatic disease, patients could benefit from clinical trial eligibility and palliative therapy with earlier detection.
The United Kingdom’s national guidelines on "Uveal melanoma" (2015) recommended these molecular diagnostic tests be performed as part of a research protocol.
DefineMBC
The Epic Sciences circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) metastatic breast cancer panel, also known as DefineMBC, is a blood-based liquid biopsy that incorporates both cell-based and cell-free analysis to provide tumor histology and comprehensive molecular profiling of biomarkers when tissue biopsy is not available.
DefineMBC is designed for use in patients with breast cancer when metastatic disease is suspected or has previously been confirmed. The test work by analyzing all nucleated cells and ctDNA from a whole blood sample, which is then incorporated into a comprehensive clinical report that includes the following:
- Detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). DefineMBC combines immunofluorescence (IF) imaging, proprietary machine learning algorithms, and individual cell retrieval to identify CTCs.
- Assessment of protein expression (HER2, ER) on CTCs
- Determination of ERBB2 copy number alterations (CNA) within individual CTCs
- ctDNA analysis for identification of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), indels, fusions, and CNAs from a targeted 56-gene next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel
- The calculation of microsatellite instability (MSI) and blood tumor mutational burden (bTMB).
The clinical use of ctDNA in metastatic breast cancer is not yet included in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for breast cancer for disease assessment and monitoring. Further, NCCN Biomarkers Compendium does not provide a recommendation for evaluating 56 or more genes in patients with invasive breast cancer (NCCN, 2024).
DetermaRx
According to Oncocyte Corporation, DetermaRx is a 14-gene molecular stratification test used to identify which patients with stage I and IIA non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a high risk of recurrence and may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Patient eligibility for DetermaRx requires individuals with stage IA, IB, or IIA non-squamous NSCLC with a tumor size less than 5 cm and no lymph node involvement, who underwent surgical resection and are currently under consideration for chemotherapy as a part of their care. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) preserved tissue with a tumor area greater than 25% of the block’s total tissue area from the surgical resection of the tumor undergoes assay testing for 14 genes. The test results are then used to categorize patients into low, intermediate, or high-risk of disease recurrence. Currently, there is an inadequate clinical method for segregating non-squamous NSCLC patients into risk categories for disease recurrence and those who would benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy (Oncocyte, 2021).
Kratz and colleagues (2019) evaluated the integration of a clinically validated molecular prognostic classifier into the eight edition of the TNM staging system for patients who underwent resection of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The novel TNMB (with the B denoting biology) staging system, integrated a 14-gene expression assay (i.e., 11 cancer-related genes [BAG1, BRCA1, CDC6, CDK2AP1, ERBB3, FUT3, IL11, LCK, RND3, SH3BGR, WNT3A] and three reference genes [ESD, TBP, YAP1]) utilizing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was ran on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples was developed using data from 321 patients with non-squamous NSCLC resected at the University of California, San Francisco. The TNMB staging system then underwent validation in an independent, multicenter cohort of 1373 patients and its implementation was compared with adoption of the seventh and eight edition staging systems utilizing metrics of reclassification. The results were as follows: compared to staging using the eighth edition of the TNM system, the TNMB staging system strengthened the classification of high-risk patients, with a net reclassification improvement of 0.33 (95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.24-0.41). The TNMB better predicted differences in survival, with a relative integrated discrimination improvement of 22.1% (95% CI; 8.8%-35.3%), and it improved agreement between observed and predicted survival, with a decrease in the reclassification calibration statistic from 39 to 21. The study concluded the TNMB staging system significantly improved classification of high-risk patients and survival predictions versus conventional staging which may lead to improved survival of early-stage disease when more effective adjuvant therapy is employed.
Woodward and colleagues (2018) evaluated an internationally validated, prognostic, 14-gene quantitative polymerase chain reaction expression assay to classify risk prospectively in 100 consecutive patients with stage IA, IB, and IIA non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and application of this molecular-based management strategy in the identification of high-risk patients for adjuvant intervention. Forty-eight patients (48%) were stratified as high-risk according to molecular testing and 36 (36%) met NCCN high-risk criteria. Risk designations diverged in 34 (34%) of all patients. The estimated 5-yar disease-free survival (DFS) was 48.9% for molecular high-risk patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, 93.8% among untreated molecular low-risk patients, and 91.7% in molecular high-risk patients who did receive chemotherapy (p=0.004). DFS was 75.2% in untreated NCCN low-risk patients, and 61.9% in untreated NCCN high-risk patients (p=0.183). This prospective, nonrandomized study provided preliminary support that high-risk classification according to the 14-gene prognostic assay predicts benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy for very early stage NSCLC and supported the superiority of molecular stratification compared to NCCN criteria in identification of high-risk patients.
DiviTum TKa Test
DiviTum TKa (Biovica Inc.) is a blood-based biomarker test that monitors and predicts treatment response in hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The test measures thymidine kinase activity (TKa) which reflects cell proliferation. The test includes an algorithmic analysis that generates an activity score to help monitor changes in tumor cell proliferation in response to therapy.
Bergqvist and colleagues (2023) state that serum thymidine kinase activity (TKa) levels, an indicator of cell-proliferation, is a potential biomarker for monitoring endocrine therapy (ET) and predicting metastatic breast cancer (MBC) outcome. The authors examined data on progression within 30/60 days post sampling, with a new, FDA approved version of DiviTum TKa highlighting differences versus a Research Use Only version. The evaluation included 1,546 serum samples from 454 patients, collected at baseline and at 4 subsequent timepoints during treatment. A predefined cut-off tested the ability to predict disease progression. A new measuring unit, DuA (DiviTum® unit of Activity) was adopted. The authors found that a DiviTum TKa score less than 250 DuA provides a much lower risk of progression within 30/60 days after blood draw, the negative predictive value (NPV) was 96.7% and 93.5%, respectively. Patients less than 250 DuA experienced significantly longer progression-free survival and overall survival, demonstrated at baseline and for all time intervals. The authors concluded that DiviTum TKa provides clinically meaningful information for patients with HR+ MBC, and that low TKa levels provide such a high NPV for rapid progression that such patients might forego additional therapy added to single agent ET.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines on “Breast cancer” (version 2.2024) does not discuss the utility of serum thymidine kinase activity for management of MBC.
EarlyCDT-Lung
The EarlyCDT-Lung (Oncimmune, De Soto, KS) test measures antibodies to 6 tumor-associated antigens: p53, NY-ESO-1, CAGE, GBU4-5, Annexin 1, and SOX2. Elevation of any one of the panel of immuno-biomarkers above a predetermined cut-off value suggests that a tumor might be present. The test is designed to be used in conjunction with diagnostic imaging. High-risk individuals with a positive EarlyCDT-Lung would have additional testing such as a CT scan or the test would be used as a follow-up test for indeterminate lung nodules identified by CT.
Boyle, et al. (2011) reported the sensitivity and specificity of an autoantibody panel of 6 tumor-related antigens (p53, NY-ESO-1, CAGE, GBU4-5, Annexin 1 and SOX2) in patients with lung cancer. Three cohorts of patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer were identified: group 1 (n = 145), group 2 (n = 241) and group 3 (n = 269). Patients were individually matched by gender, age and smoking history to a control individual with no history of malignant disease. Serum samples were obtained after diagnosis but before any anticancer treatment. Autoantibody levels were measured against the panel of 6 tumor-related antigens (p53, NY-ESO-1, CAGE, GBU4-5, Annexin 1 and SOX2). Assay sensitivity was tested in relation to demographic variables and cancer type/stage. The autoantibody panel demonstrated a sensitivity/specificity of 36 %/91 %, 39 %/89 % and 37 %/90 % in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, with good reproducibility. There was no significant difference between different lung cancer stages, indicating that the antigens included covered the different types of lung cancer well. The authors concluded that the assay confirms the value of an autoantibody panel as a diagnostic tool and offers a potential system for monitoring patients at high-risk of lung cancer.
There is insufficient evidence of the effectiveness of the EarlyCDT-Lung as a screening test for the early detection of lung cancer. Systematic screening for lung cancer is not unequivocally recommended by any major professional organization. The USPSTF (2004) concluded that current evidence was insufficient to recommend for, or against, screening for lung cancer. Whether earlier detection of lung cancer will translate to a mortality benefit remains unclear.
Chapman, et al. (2012) assessed the EarlyCDT-Lung test, which measures tumor-associated autoantibodies (AAbs) for the early detection of lung cancer in high-risk populations. The study aimed to improve the test's clinical utility by adding two new autoantibody assays (MAGE A4 and HuD) and removing one (Annexin I), resulting in a new seven-AAb panel. The study involved 235 patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer and matched controls. The performance of the original six-AAb panel was compared with the new seven-AAb panel in two prospective series of 776 and 836 individuals at increased risk of developing lung cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of the tests were evaluated, with the six-AAb panel showing a sensitivity of 39% and specificity of 89%, while the seven-AAb panel showed a sensitivity of 41% and specificity of 91%, which adjusted for occult cancers resulted in a specificity of 93%. The seven-AAb panel demonstrated a significant increase in specificity from 82% to 90% with no significant change in sensitivity. The positive predictive value (PPV) improved from 1 in 11 to 1 in 8, and the overall accuracy of the test increased to 92%. The investigators stated that the test was effective in detecting both early-stage and later-stage lung cancers, including both NSCLC and SCLC. The study acknowledged the challenge of obtaining a truly disease-free control group, as some high-risk individuals might harbor undiagnosed asymptomatic lung cancer. The number of lung cancer cases in the clinical audit was relatively small, which might affect the robustness of the sensitivity and specificity comparisons. The study noted a difference in gender proportions between the two clinical groups, although it was not expected to affect autoantibody levels. The authors highlighted the need for further research to confirm the utility of the seven-AAb panel in larger and more diverse populations. They suggested that the EarlyCDT-Lung test could be used in conjunction with CT imaging to improve early detection of lung cancer, particularly in early-stage disease which is potentially curable. The study emphasized the importance of continued validation and optimization of the test to ensure its effectiveness and reliability in clinical settings. The investigators concluded that, overall, the study demonstrated that the new seven-AAb EarlyCDT-Lung panel improves the specificity and overall accuracy of lung cancer detection, offering significant benefits for early diagnosis and management of high-risk individuals. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the test's application in broader clinical contexts.
Healey, et al. (2017) aimed to optimize the EarlyCDT-Lung test for distinguishing malignant from benign pulmonary nodules. EarlyCDT-Lung measures serum autoantibodies to tumor-associated antigens and has been used for early lung cancer detection in high-risk patients. The study sought to improve its performance for evaluating indeterminate pulmonary nodules by constructing a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve using a Monte-Carlo search method on a case-control cohort. Patients or their nodules were classified into three risk groups: low (0%-10%), intermediate (10%-65%), and high (>65%) risk of malignancy. The study evaluated the impact of high and low specificity versions of EarlyCDT-Lung on these risk groups. The ROC curve, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.743, allowed for the prediction of test performance at different specificities. The high specificity (98%), low specificity (49%), and current commercial (91% specificity) versions of EarlyCDT-Lung re-classified 27%, 23%, and 26% of intermediate nodules, respectively, to either a higher or lower risk group. The study concluded that the ROC curve enabled risk re-classification of intermediate risk nodules, potentially facilitating more appropriate interventions. The EarlyCDT-Lung test was shown to add value to the interpretation of pulmonary nodules and aid in patient management. The optimization cohort used for constructing the ROC curve was previously used for validation of EarlyCDT-Lung, and the nodule cohort was derived from commercial operations, which may introduce biases. Additionally, the study relied on statistical assumptions of independence between nodule size and marker test results, which may not hold true in all clinical scenarios. The authors noted the need for further research to validate these findings in larger, prospective studies and to explore the clinical utility of EarlyCDT-Lung in different patient populations and settings. Further research is also needed to refine the test's performance and to better understand the mechanisms underlying tumor-associated autoantibody production.
EarlyDx
EarlyDx (EarlyDiagnostics Laboratory, Inc.) is a next-generation sequencing (NGS) cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation pattern assay used to detect 6626 epigenetic alterations in the plasma. An algorithm is used to report if a cancer signal is detected or not detected.
Cell-free DNA methylome sequencing (cfMethyl-seq) technology has been developed to achieve cost-effective profiling of genome-wide methylation of cfDNA. Stackpole and colleagues (2022) state that early cancer detection by cfDNA faces multiple challenges, such as low fraction of tumor cell-free DNA, molecular heterogeneity of cancer, and sample sizes that are not sufficient to reflect diverse patient populations. Thus, the authors developed a cancer detection approach to address these challenges. It consists of an assay, cell-free DNA methylome sequencing (cfMethyl-Seq), for cost-effective sequencing of the cfDNA methylome (with > 12-fold enrichment over whole genome bisulfite sequencing in CpG islands, genomic regions that contain a high frequency of cytosine and guanine nucleotides, connected with a phosphodiester bond), and a computational method to extract methylation information and diagnose patients. Applying their approach to 408 colon, liver, lung, and stomach cancer patients and controls, at 97.9% specificity the authors report they achieve 80.7% and 74.5% sensitivity in detecting all-stage and early-stage cancer, and 89.1% and 85.0% accuracy for locating tissue-of-origin of all-stage and early-stage cancer, respectively. The authors conclude that their approach cost-effectively retains methylome profiles of cancer abnormalities, allowing them to learn new features and expand to other cancer types as training cohorts grow.
Today, there are three basic approaches to the detection of cancer by analyses of cfDNA. These approaches include testing for (i) somatic mutations, (ii) methylation profiles, or (iii) whole-genome fragmentation profiles (Medina et al, 2023).
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines do not provide a recommendation for the use of cfDNA methylation (or methylome) profile testing as a diagnostic or management tool in colon cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, or gastric cancers (NCCN, 2025).
EarlyTect Bladder Cancer Detection (EarlyTect BCD)
EarlyTect Bladder Cancer Detection (EarlyTect BCD; Promis Diagnostics, Inc.) is a non-invasive urine test that uses methylated PENK DNA detection by linear target enrichment-quantitative methylation-specific real-time PCR (LTE-qMSP) to check the likelihood of bladder cancer.
Bang et al (2024) evaluated the validity of EarlyTect BCD, a streamlined PENK methylation test in urine DNA, for detecting bladder cancer in patients with hematuria. This study was comprised of two clinical studies: a retrospective case-control study as the training set (n = 105) and a prospective study as the validation set (n = 238), which was composed of patients who were scheduled for cystoscopy between April 2020 and December 2023 in the Republic of Korea and the United States. All patients had hematuria before enrolling in the study. Voided urine samples were collected before cystoscopy. In the US cohort, 41 patients were additionally enrolled to collect bladder wash samples during cystoscopy regardless of urine samples. The test integrates two steps, linear target enrichment and quantitative methylation-specific PCR within a single closed tube. The detection limitation of the test was approximately two genome copies of methylated PENK per milliliter of urine. In the retrospective training set (n = 105), an optimal cutoff value was determined to distinguish BC from non-BC, resulting in a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 95.2%. In the prospective validation set (n = 210, 122 Korean and 88 American patients), the overall sensitivity for detecting all stages of BC was 81.0%, with a specificity of 91.5% and an area under the curve value of 0.889. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The test achieved a sensitivity of 100% in detecting high-grade Ta and higher stages of BC. The negative predictive value of the test was 97.7%, and the positive predictive value was 51.5%. The authors concluded that their findings demonstrate that EarlyTect BCD is a highly effective noninvasive diagnostic tool for identifying BC among patients with hematuria. The authors acknowledged study limitations. The study included a limited number of patients in the US group and incomplete information regarding the stage and grade of patients with BC. Despite these constraints, the study holds substantial value in highlighting the noninvasive diagnostic potential of the EarlyTect BCD, aiding in early BC detection in patients presenting with hematuria, which warrants a well-designed large-scale multicenter prospective study to use the test in practice. The authors state that the study's findings underline the substantial capability of the EarlyTect BCD in accurately identifying bladder cancer in patients with hematuria, potentially lowering the requirement of excessive diagnostic cystoscopy in cases with a negative test result.
Endeavor Comprehensive Genomic Profiling
Endeavor Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (PathGroup) uses the elio tissue complete next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay (Personal Genome Diagnostics) to analyze 505 genes for all therapeutically actionable, solid tumor companion diagnostic biomarkers for relevant variants such as single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions and deletions, select translocations, select amplifications, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI).
There is insufficient evidence in peer-reviewed published literature to support the sensitivity or specificity of the Endeavor Comprehensive Genomic Profiling test. For information on the elio tissue complete NGS assay, see "PGDx elio Tissue Complete for Tumor Mutation Profiling".
EndoPredict
EndoPredict is a multi-gene assay that predicts the likelihood of women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer developing metastases within 10 years of the initial diagnosis (NICE, 2015). The test combines measurements of gene expression (the EndoPredict [EP] score) with nodal status and tumor size to generate a comprehensive risk score (the EPclin score) which is used to identify tumor types that will not benefit from chemotherapy.
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology state that, "[i]f a patient has ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-negative) breast cancer, the clinician may use the 12-gene risk score (EndoPredict; Sividon Diagnostics, K¨oln, Germany) to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic chemotherapy." This is amoderate strength recommendation based upon intermediate-quality evidence. The guidelines recommend against the use of the 12-gene scoreto guide decisions onadjuvant systemic chemotherapy in ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-positive breast cancer. The guidelines also recommend against the use of Endopredict in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer or TN breast cancer. The guidelines recommended against the use of EndoPredict to guide decisions on extended endocrine therapy for patients with ER/PgR-positive, HER-2 negative (node-negative) breast cancer who have had 5 years of endocrine therapy without evidence of recurrence.
An assessment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2015) found that the published clinical evidence comes from 3 analytical validation and 5 clinical validation studies in which the test was generally shown to be reproducible and to have prognostic power. In 1 impact evaluation study, EndoPredict results were reported to change treatment decisions. A cost-effectiveness analysis found that using EndoPredict in combination with non-UK clinical guidelines was less costly and more effective than clinical guideline risk stratification alone.
Cancer Care Ontario Guidelines (Chang, et al., 2016) state: "Although no assay represents a gold standard, Oncotype DX is supported by the widest range of evidence for prognosis and prediction of chemotherapy benefit, while both Prosigna and EndoPredict have evidence-based validity in providing some of the same or similar clinical information."
Envisia Genomic Classifier
Raghu et al (2019) stated that in the appropriate clinical setting, the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) requires a pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia to be present on high-resolution chest CT (HRCT) or surgical lung biopsy. A molecular usual interstitial pneumonia signature can be identified by a machine learning algorithm in less-invasive transbronchial lung biopsy samples. These investigators reported prospective findings for the clinical validity and utility of this molecular test. They prospectively recruited 237 patients for this study from those enrolled in the Bronchial Sample Collection for a Novel Genomic Test (BRAVE) study in 29 U.S. and European sites. Patients were undergoing evaluation for interstitial lung disease and had had samples obtained by clinically indicated surgical or transbronchial biopsy or cryobiopsy for pathology. Histopathological diagnoses were made by experienced pathologists. Available HRCT scans were reviewed centrally; 3 to 5 transbronchial lung biopsy samples were collected from all patients specifically for this study, pooled by patient, and extracted for transcriptomic sequencing. After exclusions, diagnostic histopathology and RNA sequence data from 90 patients were used to train a machine learning algorithm (Envisia Genomic Classifier, Veracyte, San Francisco, CA) to identify a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern. The primary study end-point was validation of the classifier in 49 patients by comparison with diagnostic histopathology. To assess clinical utility, these researchers compared the agreement and confidence level of diagnosis made by central multi-disciplinary teams based on anonymized clinical information and radiology results plus either molecular classifier or histopathology results. The classifier identified usual interstitial pneumonia in transbronchial lung biopsy samples from 49 patients with 88 % specificity (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 70 to 98) and 70 % sensitivity (47 to 87). Among 42 of these patients who had possible or inconsistent usual interstitial pneumonia on HRCT, the classifier showed 81 % positive predictive value (PPV; 95 % CI: 54 to 96) for underlying biopsy-proven usual interstitial pneumonia. In the clinical utility analysis, these investigators found 86 % agreement (95 % CI: 78 to 92) between clinical diagnoses using classifier results and those using histopathology data. Diagnostic confidence was improved by the molecular classifier results compared with histopathology results in 18 with IPF diagnoses (proportion of diagnoses that were confident or provisional with high confidence 89 % versus 56 %, p = 0·0339) and in all 48 patients with non-diagnostic pathology or non-classifiable fibrosis histopathology (63 % versus 42 %, p = 0·0412). The authors concluded that the molecular test provided an objective method to aid clinicians and multi-disciplinary teams in ascertaining a diagnosis of IPF, particularly for patients without a clear radiological diagnosis, in samples that can be obtained by a less invasive method. Moreover, these researchers stated that further prospective clinical validation and utility studies are planned.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis" (King, 2019) states that "Future Directions -- An investigational technology has been developed that analyzes RNA sequence data of 190 genes from transbronchial biopsy samples to classify patients as having a molecular pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or not. In a validation cohort of 49 patients with new onset interstitial lung disease, 3 to 5 transbronchial biopsies were obtained from each participant for RNA molecular analysis. The analysis demonstrated 88 % sensitivity (95 % CI 70-98) and 70 % specificity (95 % CI 47-87) for differentiating UIP from non UIP. Among patients with possible or inconsistent UIP on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), the RNA molecular test showed a positive predictive value of 81 % (95 % CI 54-96) for biopsy-proven UIP. Further study is needed to clarify whether the test can reduce the need for surgical biopsies in patients without a pattern of UIP on HRCT or aid in diagnosis when histopathology is not definitive. It is important to remember that UIP can be found in multiple settings (e.g., hypersensitivity pneumonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, drug-induced lung toxicity), and this test does not distinguish among causes of UIP".
Epignostix CNS Tumor Methylation Classifier
Epignostix CNS Tumor Methylation Classifier (Heidelberg Epignostix GmbH) is a platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI)-based software tools to diagnose brain tumors by analyzing 30,000 DNA methylation loci in tumor tissue from the central nervous system (CNS) using a methylation array to detect specific patterns of DNA methylation. The purpose is to compare these patterns against reference tumor subclasses to aid in diagnosing the specific type of CNS tumor. Results are reported as the probability of the sample matching a known reference tumor subclass, facilitating targeted therapeutic strategies.
Karimi and colleagues (2019) state that DNA methylation-based CNS tumor classification is being recognized as having the potential to aid in cases of difficult histopathological diagnoses. Thus, the authors present their institutional clinical experience in integrating a DNA-methylation-based classifier into clinical practice and report its impact on CNS tumor diagnosis and treatment. The investigators performed a prospective case review over a 3-year period of 55 tumors with a diagnosis of uncertainty and had methylation profiling. Tumor classification, calibrated scores, and copy number variant (CNV) plots were obtained for all 55 cases. These results were integrated with histopathological findings to reach a final diagnosis. They retrospectively reviewed each patient's clinical course to determine final neuro-pathology diagnoses and the impact of methylation profiling on their clinical management, with a focus on changes that were made to treatment decisions. Following methylation profiling, 46 of the 55 (84%) challenging cases received a clinically relevant diagnostic alteration, with two-thirds having a change in the histopathological diagnosis and the other one-third obtaining clinically important molecular diagnostic or subtyping alterations. World Health Organization (WHO) grading changed by 27% with two-thirds receiving a higher grade. Patient care was directly changed in 15% of all cases with major changes in clinical decision-making being made for these patients to avoid unnecessary or insufficient treatment. The authors concluded that the integration of methylation-based CNS tumor classification into diagnostics has a substantial clinical benefit for patients with challenging CNS tumors while also avoiding unnecessary health care costs. The clinical impact shown here may prompt the expanded use of DNA methylation profiling for CNS tumor diagnostics within prominent neuro-oncology centers globally. However, the authors do acknowledge that a limitation of the methylation classifier is that it has an error rate of 1% and it is limited in distinguishing many grades II–III lesions, underlying the importance of the integrated diagnosis workflow that considers all pathological data.
Park et al (2023) state that the brain tumor classification by methylation profile can be used to perform classification on tumor samples with diagnostic difficulties due to ambiguous histology or mismatch between histopathology and molecular signatures, i.e., not otherwise specified (NOS) cases or not elsewhere classified (NEC) cases, aiding in pathological decision-making. The authors report that this classifier method is a powerful tool to enhance patient care by precise pathological diagnosis and enabling personalized therapeutic approaches. However, methylation classifiers are predominantly research-based. Moreover, the reference data (the methylation profiles of each brain tumor) is not fully accessible to researchers or external hospitals, which poses a significant obstacle to the utilization of methylation classifiers. Additionally, there are reports of technical limitations, such as biases, batch effects, and sensitivity to DNA quality and quantity. Such technical limitations can introduce potential confounders and may impact the accuracy and robustness of methylation-based classification models.
Episeek Malignant Pleural Effusion (Episeek-MPE) Detection Test
Episeek-MPE (Precision Epigenomics, Inc.) is a type of liquid biopsy test that examines pleural fluid to aid in the detection of malignant pleural effusion. This test uses quantitative PCR methods to analyze 13 differentially methylated regions (CCDC181, HOXA7, LRRC8A, MARCHF11, MIR129-2, NCOR2, PANTR1, PRKCB, SLC9A3, TBR1_2, TRAP1, VWC2, ZNF781) and uses a proprietary algorithm to report a qualitative result.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for "Non-small cell lung cancer" (Version 3.2025) does not provide a recommendation for evaluating biomarkers from a liquid biopsy obtained from pleural fluid specimens. Moreover, NCCN guidelines for "Small cell lung cancer" (Version 4.2025) does not provide a recommendation for PCR testing on pleural fluid.
The NCCN Biomarkers Compendium (2025) does not provide a recommendation for testing CCDC181, HOXA7, LRRC8A, MARCHF11, MIR129-2, NCOR2, PANTR1, PRKCB, TBR1_2, TRAP1, VWC2, or ZNF781 for any indication.
EXaCT-1
EXaCT-1 (Weill Cornell Medicine Clinical Genomics Laboratory) is a clinical genomic test that examines genomic mutation of all genes in each patient's cancer cells. The test involves HaloPlex (Agilent) PCR target enrichment and next-generation sequencing to identify point mutations, copy-number alterations, and indels (insertion and deletion mutations). In addition to mutations associated with specific treatments, the test identifies “potentially relevant” mutations. The EXaCT-1 test is intended to help select appropriate targeted therapies.
Rennert and colleagues (2016) described the Exome Cancer Test v1.0 (EXaCT-1) whole-exome sequencing (WES)-based test for precision cancer care, which uses HaloPlex (Agilent) target enrichment followed by next-generation sequencing (Illumina) of tumor and matched constitutional control DNA. The authors presented a detailed clinical development and validation pipeline suitable for simultaneous detection of somatic point/indel mutations and copy-number alterations (CNAs). A computational framework for data analysis, reporting and sign-out was also presented. For the validation, the authors tested EXaCT-1 on 57 tumors covering 5 distinct clinically relevant mutations. Results demonstrated elevated and uniform coverage compatible with clinical testing as well as complete concordance in variant quality metrics between formalin-fixed paraffin embedded and fresh-frozen tumors. Extensive sensitivity studies identified limits of detection threshold for point/indel mutations and CNAs. Prospective analysis of 337 cancer cases revealed mutations in clinically relevant genes in 82% of tumors, demonstrating that EXaCT-1 is an accurate and sensitive method for identifying actionable mutations, with reasonable costs and time, greatly expanding its utility for advanced cancer care. However, the authors acknowledged some limitations. "Focused sequencing for most of the targeted NGS panels achieves coverage at 500–1,000×, whereas total coverage for WES assays is only 100× or less. The technology also does not cover each and every exon. A small number of exons, such as those buried in stretches of repeats out towards the chromosome tips, or in duplicated regions are not covered. In our hands, ~1% of the HaloPlex exome is poorly covered with <10 reads per target base, likely due to low mapability.16 Furthermore, approximately one-fifth (~23% on average) of the captured regions in clinically relevant genes did not achieve the required minimum depth of coverage for accurate negative-mutation calls. This means that it is in some cases difficult to completely exclude the presence of low abundance, near-detection threshold mutations in our assay. This limitation is most acute for tumour suppressor genes, where deleterious mutations could potentially occur anywhere along the entire length of the coding region. In other words, it may be difficult to accurately report such genes as not mutated even when no mutated reads are found." Moreover, the authors note that 0.41% of the exons in their analysis had no coverage at all, stating that this is possibly owing to coverage gap affected by the location of restriction enzyme sites used for fragmentation and differences in the designed and actual library insert size. "Finally, despite the increased demand and proven utility of WES, routine whole exome is still associated with many challenges including the data generation and interpretation, and manipulation and storage of the data, increasing the costs of the testing and requiring highly trained health-care professionals as well as special solutions for data management such as cloud storage facilities."
ExoDx Prostate (IntelliScore)
ExoDx Prostate (IntelliScore) is a non-invasive urine-based liquid biopsy for PCa. It is used to identify high-grade prostate cancer (HGPCA) both at the time of biopsy and at surgery. ExoDx Prostate is an exosomal RNA (exoRNA)-based assay that can be used prior to initial biopsy as well as for sequential monitoring of disease progression in patients enrolled in active surveillance.
McKiernan et al (2016) stated that over-diagnosis and over-treatment of indolent PCa is a serious health issue in most developed countries. There is an unmet clinical need for non-invasive, easy to administer, diagnostic assays to help examine if a prostate biopsy is needed. These investigators examined the performance of a novel urine exosome gene expression assay (the ExoDx Prostate IntelliScore urine exosome assay) plus SOC (i.e., PSA level, age, race, and family history) versus SOC alone for discriminating between GS7 and GS6 and benign disease on initial biopsy. In training, using reverse-transcriptase PCR, these researchers compared the urine exosome gene expression assay with biopsy outcomes in 499 patients with PSA levels of 2 to 20 ng/ml. The derived prognostic score was then validated in 1,064 patients from 22 community practice and academic urology clinic sites in the U.S. Eligible participants included PCA-free men, 50 years or older, scheduled for an initial or repeated prostate needle biopsy due to suspicious DRE findings and/or PSA levels (limit range of 2.0 to 20.0 ng/ml). These investigators evaluated the assay using the AUC in discrimination of GS7 or greater from GS6 and benign disease on initial biopsy. In 255 men in the training target population (median age of 62 years and median PSA level 5.0 ng/ml, and initial biopsy), the urine exosome gene expression assay plus SOC was associated with improved discrimination between GS7 or greater and GS6 and benign disease: AUC 0.77 (95 % CI: 0.71 to 0.83) versus SOC AUC 0.66 (95 % CI: 0.58 to 0.72) (p < 0.001). Independent validation in 519 patients' urine exosome gene expression assay plus SOC AUC 0.73 (95 % CI: 0.68 to 0.77) was superior to SOC AUC 0.63 (95 % CI: 0.58 to 0.68) (p < .001). Using a pre-defined cut-point, 138 of 519 (27 %) biopsies would have been avoided, missing only 5 % of patients with dominant pattern 4 high-risk GS7 disease. The authors concluded that this urine exosome gene expression assay is a non-invasive, urinary 3-gene expression assay that discriminates high-grade (GS7 or higher) from low-grade (GS6) cancer and benign disease. In this study, the urine exosome gene expression assay was associated with improved identification of patients with higher-grade PCa among men with elevated PSA levels and had the potential in reducing the total number of unnecessary biopsies.
The authors stated that this trial had several drawbacks, including the inability to include the DRE and free PSA as part of the SOC variables. The limited accuracy of the DRE and the observed AUC’s for blood-based assays that incorporate free PSA suggested that the absence of these variables should not have a detrimental impact on overall performance of the exosome assay. Another drawback was that these researchers did not use a central pathology review; however, their objective was to evaluate the assay in a broad academic and community practice setting where individual pathology networks were the acceptable standard. These investigators stated that future efforts will compare the exosome test with some of the currently available blood-based assays (when feasible), examine the impact of advanced imaging studies, which include MRI targeted biopsy assessment, and evaluate performance with respect to the pathologic abnormalities in the prostatectomy specimen. Furthermore, these investigators will also examine the role of the ExoDx Prostate IntelliScore in men enrolled in active surveillance protocols.
Di Meo and associates (2017) noted that there is a growing trend towards exploring the use of a minimally invasive "liquid biopsy" to identify biomarkers in a number of cancers, including urologic malignancies. Multiple aspects can be assessed in circulating cell-free DNA, including cell-free DNA levels, integrity, methylation and mutations. Other prospective liquid biopsy markers include circulating tumor cells, circulating RNAs (microRNA [miRNA], long non-coding RNAs [lncRNAs] and messenger RNA [mRNA]), cell-free proteins, peptides and exosomes have also emerged as non-invasive cancer biomarkers. These circulating molecules can be detected in various biological fluids, including blood, urine, saliva and seminal plasma. Liquid biopsies hold great promise for personalized medicine due to their ability to provide multiple non-invasive global snapshots of the primary and metastatic tumors. The authors noted that although a promising source of cancer biomarkers, few exosomal biomarkers have been implemented into clinical practice. This is partly due to the lack of accurate isolation and detection methods. They speculate that the development of sensitive capture platforms is likely to trigger the introduction of novel exosomal biomarkers into the clinic in the near future.
Panigrahi and Deep (2017) noted that African American men in the US have higher incidence and mortality rates due to PCa compared to other races. In 2016 alone, nearly 30,000 cases of PCa in African American men were diagnosed and 4,450 men died from PCa. The underlying reasons for this health disparity in PCa are complex and include social, economic, and biologic determinants. To reduce or eliminate this health disparity, one must better understand the biology of the disease in African Americans and then develop novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers useful for timely and effective treatment decisions. Recently, there has been remarkable progress in understanding the role of exosomes (vesicles of 30 to 150 nm diameter) in cancer development and progression. Exosomes are loaded with unique cargo, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites, that could predict the cells of their origin. Thus, circulating exosomes in cancer patients are being used as a type of biopsy to identify novel biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics. The authors discussed the promising use of exosomes to identify race-related unique biological features of PCa, and discover novel biomarkers for better diagnosis and prognosis of PCa, with the goal of reducing cancer health disparities.
Foj and colleagues (2017) stated that miRNAs are non-coding small RNAs, involved in post-transcriptional regulation of many target genes. In this study, 5 miRNAs that have been consistently found deregulated in PCa (miR-21, miR-141, miR-214, miR-375, and let-7c) were analyzed in urinary pellets from 60 PCa patients and 10 healthy subjects by qRT-PCR. Besides, urinary exosomes were isolated by differential centrifugation and analyzed for those miRNAs. Significant up-regulation of miR-21, miR-141, and miR-375 was found comparing PCa patients with healthy subjects in urinary pellets, while miR-214 was found significantly down-regulated. Regarding urinary exosomes, miR-21 and miR-375 were also significantly up-regulated in PCa but no differences were found for miR-141. Significant differences were found for let-7c in PCa in urinary exosomes while no differences were observed in urinary pellets. A panel combining miR-21 and miR-375 is suggested as the best combination to distinguish PCa patients and healthy subjects, with an AUC of 0.872. Furthermore, the association of miRNAs with clinicopathological characteristics was investigated. MiR-141 resulted significantly correlated with Gleason score in urinary pellets and let-7c with clinical stage in urinary exosomes. Additionally, miR-21, miR-141, and miR-214 were found significantly deregulated in intermediate/high-risk PCa versus low-risk/healthy subjects in urinary pellets. Significant differences between both groups were found in urinary exosomes for miR-21, miR-375, and let-7c. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that the analysis of miRNAs-especially miRNA-21 and miR-375- in urine could be useful as biomarkers in PCa.
Yang and co-workers (2017) stated that exosomes are membrane-bound extracellular vesicles involved in intercellular communication and tumor cell metastasis. In this study, flow field-flow fractionation (FlFFF) was utilized to separate urinary exosomes by size, demonstrating a significant difference in exosome sizes between healthy controls and patients with PCa. Exosome fractions of different sizes were collected for microscopic analysis during an FlFFF run and evaluated with exosome marker proteins using Western blot analysis. The results indicated that exosomes of different sizes originated from different types of cells. Collected exosome fractions were further examined using nanoflow ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (nUPLC-ESI-MS/MS) for lipidomic analysis. A total of 162 lipids (from 286 identified) were quantified using a selected reaction monitoring (SRM) method. The overall amount of lipids increased by 1.5- to 2-fold in patients with PCa and degree of increase was more significant in the smaller fractions (diameter less than 150 nm) than in the larger ones (diameter greater than 150 nm) some classes of lipids. In addition, neutral lipids like diacylglycerol (DAG) and triacylglycerol (TAG) decreased in all exosomes without size dependency. Moreover, a dramatic increase in 22:6/22:6-phosphatidylglycerol (PG) was observed and significant decrease in (16:0, 16:0)- and (16:1, 18:1)-DAG species (nearly 5-fold) and high abundant TAG species (greater than 2.5-fold) was observed in patients with PCa. The authors concluded that the findings of this study indicated that FlFFF can be employed for the high-speed screening of urinary exosome sizes in patients with PCa and lipidomic analysis of the fractionated exosomes has potential for developing and distinguishing biomarkers of PCa.
Pan and colleagues (2017) stated that exosomes are small vesicular bodies released by a variety of cells. Exosomes contain miRNAs, mRNAs and proteins with the potential to regulate signaling pathways in recipient cells. Exosomes deliver nucleic acids and proteins to mediate the communication between cancer cells and stroma cells. These investigators summarized recent progress in the understanding of the role of exosomes in PCa. The tumorigenesis, metastasis and drug resistance of PCa are associated with the cargos of exosomes such as miRNA, lncRNAs and proteins. In addition, PCa cells modulate surrounding stromal cells via the exosomes. Affected stromal cells employ the exosomes to modulate microenvironment and promote tumor growth and metastasis. Exosomes derived from PCa cells contribute to cancer chemo-resistance. The lipid bilayer membrane of the exosomes makes them promising carriers of drugs and other therapeutic molecules targeting PCa. Furthermore, exosomes can be detected and isolated from various body fluids for the diagnosis of PCa. The authors concluded that accumulating evidences confirm that exosomes are implicated in the progression and metastasis of PCa. Many biological molecules are encapsulated in the exosomes from PCa such as miRNAs, lncRNAs and proteins, and their expression levels differ from those of normal prostate cells. The easy isolation of exosomes from body fluid enables them as potential biomarkers of PCa. Furthermore, the lipid bilayer membrane of exosomes makes them promising carriers of drugs and other therapeutic molecules to target PCa. In the near future, it is expected that the power of this nano-sized vesicles would be realized to promote the clinical application of exosomes in PCa diagnosis and therapy.
Tutrone et al (2020) noted that the ExoDx Prostate (IntelliScore) (EPI) test is a non-invasive risk assessment tool for detection of high-grade prostate cancer (HGPC) that informs whether to proceed with prostate biopsy. These researchers examined the impact of EPI on the decision to biopsy in a real-world clinical setting. They conducted a prospective, randomized, blinded, 2-armed clinical utility study that enrolled 1,094 patients with 72 urologists from 24 urology practices. Patients were considered for prostate biopsy at enrollment based on standard clinical criteria. All patients had an EPI test; however, patients were randomized into EPI versus control arms where only the EPI arm received results for their biopsy decision. In the EPI arm (n = 458), 93 patients received negative EPI scores of which 63 % were recommended to defer biopsy by the urologist and 74 % ultimately deferred. In contrast, 87 % of patients with positive EPI scores were recommended to undergo biopsy with a 72 % compliance rate to the urologist's recommendation. This resulted in detection of 30 % more HGPC compared to the control arm, and these investigators estimated that 49 % fewer HGPC were missed due to deferrals compared to standard of care (SOC). Overall, 68 % of urologists reported that the EPI test influenced their biopsy decision. The primary reason not to comply with EPI results was rising PSA. The authors concluded that to their knowledge, this was the 1st report on a PC biomarker utility study with a blinded control arm. The study demonstrated that the EPI test influenced the overall decision to defer or proceed with a biopsy and improved patient stratification.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. There was a 5.7 % assay failure rate in the EPI arm (30 assay failures of 520 EPI patients). If these researchers included the patients that were randomized to not receive the EPI test, the failure rate was 7.1 %. The failed assay controls was representative of the assay quality control procedures and reflected variations in urine exosome concentration. Although follow-up is ongoing, these researchers currently lack data evaluating long-term outcomes among patients who deferred biopsy after using EPI or any health economics data. They anticipate both aspects will be addressed in the next year. Furthermore, despite the innovative study design, the large number of sites and urologists required stream-lined questionnaires, thereby limiting comprehensive feedback assessment. The authors had a small number of patients (less than 5 %) who underwent pre-biopsy MRI. A pre-biopsy MRI has the potential to help refine biopsy accuracy and provide additional information regarding EPI test performance. These researchers also did not use MRI-targeted biopsies in this study as they were not available for them in this real-world clinical setting. They stated that future studies could include a larger percentage of patients with MRI data available. (Conflict of interest PT, VT, MN and JS are employees of Bio-Techne. TM and MJD are consultants for Bio-Techne).
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Prostate cancer early detection” (Version 1.2023) states that tests that biomarkers that improve the specificity of detection are not, as yet, mandated as 1st-line screening tests in conjunction with serum PSA. However, there may be some patients who meet PSA standards for consideration of prostate biopsy, but for whom the patient and/or the physician wish to further define risk. Lower percent-free PSA and/or higher PSA density are associated with a greater risk of high-grade prostate cancer. The probability of high-grade cancer (Gleason score ≥ 3+4, Grade Group 2 or higher) may be further defined utilizing the Prostate Health Index (PHI), SelectMDx, 4Kscore, ExoDx Prostate Test, MyProstateScore (MPS), and IsoPSA. Extent of validation of these tests across diverse populations is variable. It is not yet known how such tests could be applied in optimal combination with MRI. Results of biomarker assays can be complex and should be interpreted with caution. Moreover, the NCCN panel believes that ExoDx Prostate (IntelliScore), also called EPI, can be considered as an option for individuals contemplating initial or repeat biopsy.
FoundationACT
Chung and co-workers (2017) stated that genomic changes that occur in breast cancer during the course of disease have been informed by sequencing of primary and metastatic tumor tissue. For patients with relapsed and metastatic disease, evolution of the breast cancer genome highlights the importance of using a recent sample for genomic profiling to guide clinical decision-making. Obtaining a metastatic tissue biopsy can be challenging, and analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from blood may provide a minimally invasive alternative. In this study, hybrid capture-based genomic profiling was carried out on ctDNA from 254 female patients with ER+ breast cancer. Peripheral blood samples were submitted by clinicians in the course of routine clinical care between May 2016 and March 2017. Sequencing of 62 genes was carried out to a median unique coverage depth of 7503×. Genomic alterations (GAs) in ctDNA were evaluated and compared with matched tissue samples and genomic datasets of tissue from breast cancer. At least 1 GA was reported in 78 % of samples. Frequently altered genes were TP53 (38 %), ESR1 (31 %) and PIK3CA (31 %). Temporally matched ctDNA and tissue samples were available for 14 patients; 89 % of mutations detected in tissue were also detected in ctDNA. Diverse ESR1 GAs including mutation, re-arrangement and amplification, were observed. Multiple concurrent ESR1 GAs were observed in 40 % of ESR1-altered cases, suggesting polyclonal origin; ESR1 compound mutations were also observed in 2 cases. ESR1-altered cases harbored co-occurring GAs in PIK3CA (35 %), FGFR1 (16 %), ERBB2 (8 %), BRCA1/2 (5 %), and AKT1 (4 %). The authors concluded that GAs relevant to relapsed/metastatic breast cancer management were identified, including diverse ESR1 GAs. Genomic profiling of ctDNA demonstrated sensitive detection of mutations found in tissue. Detection of amplifications was associated with ctDNA fraction. These researchers stated that genomic profiling of ctDNA may provide a complementary and possibly alternative approach to tissue-based genomic testing for patients with ER+ metastatic breast cancer.
In a retrospective study, Zhou et al (2018) examined if the plasma ctDNA level and tumor biological features in patients with advanced solid tumors affected the detection of GAs by a plasma ctDNA assay. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from frozen plasma (n = 35) or fresh whole blood (n = 90) samples were subjected to a 62-gene hybrid capture-based NGS assay FoundationACT. Concordance was analyzed for 51 matched FoundationACT and FoundationOne (tissue) cases. The maximum somatic allele frequency (MSAF) was used to estimate the amount of tumor fraction of cfDNA in each sample. The detection of GAs was correlated with the amount of cfDNA, MSAF, total tumor anatomic burden (dimensional sum), and total tumor metabolic burden (SUVmax sum) of the largest 10 tumor lesions on PET/CT scans. FoundationACT detected GAs in 69 of 81 (85 %) cases with MSAF greater than 0; 42 of 51 (82 %) cases had greater than or equal to 1 concordance GAs matched with FoundationOne, and 22 (52 %) matched to the NCCN-recommended molecular targets. FoundationACT also detected 8 unique molecular targets, which changed the therapy in 7 (88 %) patients who did not have tumor re-biopsy or sufficient tumor DNA for genomic profiling assay. In all samples (n = 81), GAs were detected in plasma cfDNA from cancer patients with high MSAF quantity (p = 0.0006) or high tumor metabolic burden (p = 0.0006) regardless of cfDNA quantity (p = 0.2362). The authors concluded that the findings of this study supported the utility of using plasma-based genomic assays in cancer patients with high plasma MSAF level or high tumor metabolic burden. Moreover, these researchers stated that further studies are needed to optimize the clinical application of plasma ctDNA NGS assays in cancer types other than NSCLC.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, these investigators included cancer patients with multiple cancer types at initial diagnosis and tumor progression who subsequently underwent different treatment regimens. The majority (73 % ) of cases in this study was NSCLC. Further study should consider the impact of different molecular subtypes and cancer types on tumor metabolic activity that might affect the production of plasma ctDNA. Second, current clinical reports only use SUVmax as the PET biomarker and do not routinely measure SUVmax for all metabolically active tumor lesions, especially in patients with extensive metastatic disease, which can significantly alter the value of the metabolic tumor sum. Conversely, the quantification of tumor metabolic burden was labor-intensive and subjected to observer variations. Further investigation should examine automated imaging tools to allow fast and objective quantification of the SUVmax sum and define the detection threshold in each cancer type for each assay for broad clinical application. Third, FDG PET could not distinguish increased metabolism caused by tumor cells from that caused by infectious or non-infectious inflammation such as pneumonitis. Development of tumor-specific molecular imaging might improve the distinction of these clinical entities.
Clark and colleagues (2018) stated that genomic profiling of circulating tumor DNA derived from cfDNA in blood can provide a non-invasive method for detecting genomic biomarkers to guide clinical decision-making for cancer patients. These researchers developed a hybrid capture-based NGS assay for genomic profiling of circulating tumor DNA from blood (FoundationACT). High-sequencing coverage and molecular barcode-based error detection enabled accurate detection of GAs, including short variants (base substitutions, short insertions/deletions) and genomic re-arrangements at low allele frequencies (AFs), and copy number amplifications. Analytical validation was performed on 2,666 reference alterations. The assay achieved greater than 99 % overall sensitivity (95 % CI: 99.1 % to 99.4 %) for short variants at AF greater than 0.5 %, greater than 95 % sensitivity (95 % CI: 94.2 % to 95.7 %) for AF 0.25 % to 0.5 %, and 70 % sensitivity (95 % CI: 68.2 % to 71.5 %) for AF 0.125 % to 0.25 %. No false positives were detected in 62 samples from healthy volunteers. Genomic alterations detected by FoundationACT demonstrated high concordance with orthogonal assays run on the same clinical cfDNA samples. In 860 routine clinical FoundationACT cases, genomic alterations were detected in cfDNA at comparable frequencies to tissue; for the subset of cases with temporally matched tissue and blood samples, 75 % of genomic alterations and 83 % of short variant mutations detected in tissue were also detected in cfDNA. The authors concluded that on the basis of analytical validation results, FoundationACT has been approved for use in their Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified/College of American Pathologists-accredited/New York State-approved laboratory. These researchers stated that the development of this blood-based ctDNA assay may provide an alternative or complementary approach to tissue-based genomic testing for patients with cancer.
The authors stated that this clinical series included a broad range of cancer types. Further tumor type-specific studies are needed to understand the performance of genomic profiling of ctDNA in the context of each cancer type. For example, a recent study demonstrated robust performance of the FoundationACT assay for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (Chung et al, 2017); blood-based genomic profiling may be challenging for disease types, such as glioma, that often do not release sufficient ctDNA into the blood. Additional studies of clinical validity and clinical utility are needed for ctDNA assays, and the comparison of ctDNA assays to approved tissue-based predictive biomarker tests will inform the relative roles of ctDNA versus tissue-based genomic profiling in the management of patients with cancer.
Schrock and associates (2018) noted that genomic profiling of tumor biopsies from advanced GI and anal cancers is increasingly used to inform treatment. In some cases, tissue biopsy can be prohibitive, and these investigators examined if analysis of blood-derived ctDNA may provide a minimally invasive alternative. Hybrid capture-based genomic profiling of 62 genes was performed on blood-based ctDNA from 417 patients with GI carcinomas to examine the presence of GA and compare with matched tissue samples. Evidence of ctDNA was detected in 344 of 417 samples (82 %), and of these, greater than or equal to 1 reportable GA was detected in 89 % (306/344) of samples. Frequently altered genes were TP53 (72 %), KRAS (35 %), PIK3CA (14 %), BRAF (8 %), and EGFR (7 %). In temporally matched ctDNA and tissue samples available from 25 patients, 86 % of alterations detected in tissue were also detected in ctDNA, including 95 % of short variants, but only 50 % of amplifications. Conversely, 63 % of alterations detected in ctDNA were also detected in matched tissue. The authors noted that the limited accessibility of tumor tissue in advanced cancer patients represents a significant clinical challenge. Blood-derived ctDNA may provide an alternative approach for genomic profiling in cases where tissue biopsy is prohibitive, and ctDNA testing may have the additional advantage of identifying heterogenous alterations not present in a single tumor site; however, the clinical implications of detection of such alterations requires further investigation. ctDNA testing is currently limited relative to tissue testing in the detection of gene amplification, and currently available ctDNA assays are typically less comprehensive than available tissue-based assays. They concluded that genomic profiling of ctDNA detected potentially clinically relevant GAs in a significant subset of patients with GI carcinomas. In these tumor types, most alterations detected in matched tissue were also detected in ctDNA, and with the exception of amplifications, ctDNA sequencing routinely detected additional alterations not found in matched tissue, consistent with tumor heterogeneity. These researchers stated that these findings suggested feasibility and utility of ctDNA testing in advanced GI cancers as a complementary approach to tissue testing, and further investigation is needed.
Schrock and colleagues (2019) noted that genomic profiling informs selection of matched targeted therapies as part of routine clinical care in NSCLC. Tissue biopsy is the criterion standard; however, genomic profiling of blood-derived ctDNA has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative. These researchers evaluated hybrid capture-based genomic profiling of 62 genes on blood-based ctDNA from 1,552 patients with NSCLC. Evidence of ctDNA was detected in 80 % of samples, and in 86 % of these cases, at least 1 reportable GA was detected. Frequently altered genes were tumor protein p53 gene (TP53) (59 %), EGFR (25 %), and KRAS (17 %). Comparative analysis with a tissue genomic database (n = 21,500) showed similar frequencies of GAs per gene, although KRAS mutation and EGFR T790M were more frequent in tissue and ctDNA, respectively (both p < 0.0001), likely reflecting the use of liquid versus tissue biopsy after relapse during targeted therapy. In temporally matched ctDNA and tissue samples from 33 patients with evidence of ctDNA in their blood, 64 % of GAs detected in tissue were also detected in ctDNA, including 78 % of short variants (58 of 74) and 100 % of re-arrangements (4 of 4), but only 16 % of amplifications (4 of 25). The authors concluded that genomic profiling of ctDNA detected clinically relevant GAs in a significant subset of NSCLC cases. Most alterations detected in matched tissue were also detected in ctDNA. These results suggested the utility of ctDNA testing in advanced NSCLC as a complementary approach to tissue testing. These researchers stated that blood-based ctDNA testing may be especially useful at the time of progression during targeted therapy.
Commenting on the afore-mentioned study by Schrock et al (2019), Lissa and Robles (2019) stated that a growing number of NGS-based liquid biopsy panels indicated to guide personalized therapies are entering the market, and they are rapidly gaining clinical adoption. Assay sensitivity can be variable in the detection of certain genomic alterations, and the potential for biased assessment and support for different therapy decisions based on the ctDNA platform used is worrisome. Therefore, robust analytical standards will need to be established and independent comparison of NGS panels will be necessary to clarify the accuracy of this approach to inform patient treatment decisions. The increased sensitivity of NGS-based liquid biopsy panels also comes with a potential drawback. Unexpected GAs have been found at low allele frequencies in ctDNA that are not likely derived from the tumor but instead related to clonal hematopoiesis, an aging related gain of somatic mutations in blood cells that can cause false-positive results if not carefully screened. The authors concluded that comprehensive genomic profiling of ctDNA has the potential to improve the clinical management of patients with advanced NSCLC. However, detailed and carefully conducted retrospective analyses of tissues for which the genomic profiling has proven clinical utility, or prospective clinical trials, will be needed to evaluate whether a test actually improves patient outcomes.
FoundationOne CDx Assa
Kato et al (2018) stated that patients with rare tumors may lack approved treatments and clinical trial access. Although each rare tumor is uncommon, cumulatively they account for approximately 25 % of cancers. These researchers recently initiated a Rare Tumor Clinic that emphasized a precision medicine strategy. They examined the first 40 patients presenting at the Rare Tumor Clinic. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of tissue and plasma-derived, circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA), and protein markers were assessed. Median age was 58 years (range of 31 to 78 years); 70 % (28/40) were women; median number of previous systemic therapies was 2 (range of 0 to 7). The most common diagnoses were sarcoma (n = 7) for solid tumors and Erdheim-Chester disease (n = 5) for hematologic malignancies; 20 distinct diagnoses were seen. Examples of ultra-rare tumors included ameloblastoma, yolk sac liver tumor, ampullary cancer, and Castleman's disease. Altogether, 32 of 33 patients (97 %) with tissue NGS and 15 of 33 (45 %) with ctDNA sequencing harbored greater than or equal to 1 alteration. Overall, 92.5 % of patients (37/40) had greater than or equal to 1 actionable target based on either genomic (n = 32) or protein (n = 27) markers. In total, 52.5 % (21/40) received matched therapy; 52.4 % (11/21) achieved stable disease (SD) of greater than or equal to 6 months (n = 3), partial remission (PR; n = 6), or complete remission (CR; n = 2). Matched therapy resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) compared with last prior unmatched therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.26, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.10 to 0.71, p = 0.008). The authors concluded that identifying genomic and protein markers in patients with rare/ultra-rare tumors was feasible. When therapies were matched, greater than 50 % of patients attained SD of greater than or equal to 6 months, PR, or CR. Moreover, they stated that further precision medicine clinical investigations focusing on rare and ultra-rare tumors are urgently needed. (This study did not mention FoundationOne)
Pishvaian et al (2018) noted that to broaden access to and implementation of precision medicine in the care of patients with pancreatic cancer, the Know Your Tumor (KYT) program was initiated using a turn-key precision medicine system. Patients undergo commercially available multi-omic profiling to determine molecularly rationalized clinical trials and off-label therapies. Tumor samples were obtained for 640 patients from 287 academic and community practices covering 44 states. College of American Pathologists/Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-accredited laboratories were used for genomic, proteomic, and phosphoprotein-based molecular profiling. Tumor samples were adequate for NGS in 96 % and IHC in 91 % of patients. A tumor board reviewed the results for every patient and found actionable genomic alterations in 50 % of patients (with 27 % highly actionable) and actionable proteomic alterations (excluding chemo-predictive markers) in 5 %. Actionable alterations commonly found were in DNA repair genes (BRCA1/2 or ATM mutations, 8.4 %) and cell-cycle genes (CCND1/2/3 or CDK4/6 alterations, 8.1 %). A subset of samples was assessed for actionable phosphoprotein markers. Among patients with highly actionable biomarkers, those who received matched therapy (n = 17) had a significantly longer median progression-free survival (PFS) than those who received unmatched therapy [n = 18; PFS = 4.1 versus 1.9 months; HR, 0.47; 95 % CI: 0.24 to 0.94; p (adj) = 0.03]. The authors concluded that a comprehensive precision medicine system can be implemented in community and academic settings, with highly actionable findings observed in over 25 % of pancreatic cancers. Patients whose tumors have highly actionable alterations and receive matched therapy demonstrated significantly increased PFS. These investigators stated that these findings support further prospective evaluation of precision oncology in pancreatic cancer. The authors noted that this study was non-randomized with heterogeneously treated patients and clinical history, which may introduce bias, particularly due to selection of patients with an interest in clinical research and the potential for patients with poor performance status being ineligible for trials of targeted therapies. These investigators stated that as a real-world evidence type study, they believed that programs such as theirs play a critical and important role in precision medicine as a "signal finding" effort that could high-light important therapeutic targets-drug combinations that warrant further exploration in more rigorous prospective studies.
An assessment of FoundationOne CDx by the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment (Wild and Grössmann, 2019) concluded: "Currently, there is no scientific evidence that diagnostics with multi-gene panels for the development of therapy recommendations lead to better clinical outcomes. Few biomarkers are validated and recommended by the EMA, as well as by the FDA. Many more are at a research stage, although many expectations and hopes are being raised for multi-gene panels. It can be predicted that multi-gene panels will have the potential to stimulate a broad off-label use of drugs without having to test them for clinical relevance in clinical trials. These consequences should be given attention, as many approved oncology medications only have a marginal benefit (0-2 according to ESMO Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale) and may represent a potential therapeutic option, but have little actual clinical relevance."
Gene Expression Profiling for Cancer of Unknown Primary
Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) is a biopsy-proven metastatic solid tumor with no primary tumor identified and represents approximately 2% to 4% of all cancer cases. The diagnosis of CUP is made following inconclusive results from standard tests (e.g., biopsy, immunochemistry and other blood work, chest x-rays, and occult blood stool test). The absence of a known primary tumor presents challenges to the selection of appropriate treatment strategies. As a result, patients have a poor prognosis, and fewer than 25% survive 1 year from the time of diagnosis. A variety of tissue-biopsy testing techniques currently are used to determine the origin of the CUP, including immunochemistry; histological examination of specimens stained with eosin and hematoxylin, and electron microscopy. These techniques definitively identify the type of carcinoma in less than 20% to 30% of CUP.
Gene expression profiling is a technique used to identify the genetic makeup of a tissue sample by characterizing the patterns of mRNA transcribed, or "expressed", by its DNA. Specific patterns of gene expression, reflected in unique configurations of mRNA, are associated with different tumor types. By comparing the gene expression profile (GEP) of an unknown tumor to the profiles of known primary cancers ("referent" profiles), it may be possible to determine the type of tumor from which the CUP originated.
In July 2008, the FDA cleared for marketing the Pathwork Tissue of Origin test (Pathwork Diagnostics, Sunnyvale, CA), a gene expression profiling test that uses microarray processing to determine the type of cancer cells present in a tumor of unknown origin. The test uses the PathChip (Affymetrix Inc., Santa Clara, C), a custom-designed gene expression array, to measure the expression from 1,668 probe sets to quantify the similarity of tumor specimens to 15 common malignant tumor types, including: bladder, breast, colorectal, gastric, germ cell, hepatocellular, kidney, non-small cell lung, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, melanoma, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, soft tissue sarcoma, and thyroid. The degree of correspondence between the tissue sample's GEP and a referent profile is quantified and expressed as a probability-based score.
A multi-center, clinical validation study reported on comparisons of diagnoses based on GEP from 477 banked tissue samples of undifferentiated and poorly differentiated metastases versus standard of care pathology based diagnoses. Comparison of the GEP based diagnoses versus pathology based diagnoses yielded an 89 % agreement and the concurrence was greater than 92 % for 8 out of 15 types of primary tumors. The overall accuracy of the test was approximately 95 % and 98 % for positive and negative determinations, respectively (Monzon et al, 2007).
Gene expression profiling is a promising technology in the management of CUP; however, there is insufficient evidence of its clinical utility compared to that achieved by expert pathologists using current standards of practice. A draft clinical guideline on metastatic malignant disease of unknown origin by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2010) recommends against using gene expression profiling (e.g., Pathwork TOT, CupPrint, Theros CancerTypeID, miRview Mets) to identify primary tumors in patients with CUP. The guideline explained that currently there is no evidence that gene-expression based profiling improves the management or changes the outcomes for patients with CUP. Guidelines on occult primary from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, 2010) state that, while gene expression profiling looks promising, "prospective clinical trials are necessary to confirm whether this approach can be used in choosing treatment options which would improve the prognosis of patients with occult primary cancers."
An assessment by the Andalusian Agency for Health Technology Assessment (AETSA, 2012) of microRNAs as a diagnostic tool for lung cancer found only two studies assessing the analytical validity of miRview in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The sensitivity of the miRNA for the detection of carcinoma was between 96% and 100% and the specificity was between 90% and 100%. The area under the ROC curve was close to unity and the positive and negative probability ratios showed a high diagnostic accuracy (9.6 and 0.04, respectively). The assessment stated that, although the quality of the studies was moderate to high, the sensitivity of the diagnostic test may be overestimated as it is a case-control design.
A technology assessment prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Meleth et al, 2013) found that the clinical accuracy of the PathworkDx, miRview, and CancerTypeID are similar, ranging from 85 percent to 88 percent, and that the evidence that the tests contribute to identifying a tumor of unknown origin was moderate. The assessment concluded that we do not have sufficient evidence to assess the effect of the tests on treatment decisions and outcomes. The assessment noted that most studies of these tests were funded wholly or partially by the manufacturers of these tests, and that the most urgent need in the literature is to have the clinical utility of the tests evaluated by research groups that have no evidence conflict of interest.
Monzon et al (2009) stated that malignancies found in unexpected locations or with poorly differentiated morphologies can pose a significant challenge for tissue of origin determination. Current histologic and imaging techniques fail to yield definitive identification of the tissue of origin in a significant number of cases. The aim of this study was to validate a predefined 1,550-gene expression profile for this purpose. Four institutions processed 547 frozen specimens representing 15 tissues of origin using oligonucleotide microarrays were used in this study. Half of the specimens were metastatic tumors, with the remainder being poorly differentiated and undifferentiated primary cancers chosen to resemble those that present as a clinical challenge. In this blinded multi-center validation study the 1,550-gene expression profile was highly informative in tissue determination. The study found overall sensitivity (positive percent agreement with reference diagnosis) of 87.8 % (95 % CI: 84.7 % to 90.4 %) and overall specificity (negative percent agreement with reference diagnosis) of 99.4 % (95 % CI: 98.3 % to 99.9 %). Performance within the subgroup of metastatic tumors (n = 258) was found to be slightly lower than that of the poorly differentiated and undifferentiated primary tumor subgroup, 84.5 % and 90.7 %, respectively (p = 0.04). Differences between individual laboratories were not statistically significant. The authors concluded that this study represents the first adequately sized, multi-center validation of a gene-expression profile for tissue of origin determination restricted to poorly differentiated and undifferentiated primary cancers and metastatic tumors. These results indicate that this profile should be a valuable addition or alternative to currently available diagnostic methods for the evaluation of uncertain primary cancers.
Monzon and Koen (2010) stated that tumors of uncertain or unknown origin are estimated to constitute 3 % to 5 % of all metastatic cancer cases. Patients with these types of tumors show worse outcomes when compared to patients in which a primary tumor is identified. New molecular tests that identify molecular signatures of a tissue of origin have become available. The authors reviewed the literature on existing molecular approaches to the diagnosis of metastatic tumors of uncertain origin and discuss the current status and future developments in this area. Published peer-reviewed literature, available information from medical organizations (NCCN), and other publicly available information from tissue-of-origin test providers and/or manufacturers were used in this review. The authors concluded that molecular tests for tissue-of-origin determination in metastatic tumors are available and have the potential to significantly impact patient management. However, available validation data indicate that not all tests have shown adequate performance characteristics for clinical use. Pathologists and oncologists should carefully evaluate claims for accuracy and clinical utility for tissue-of-origin tests before using test results in patient management. The personalized medicine revolution includes the use of molecular tools for identification/confirmation of the site of origin for metastatic tumors, and in the future, this strategy might also be used to determine specific therapeutic approaches.
Anderson and Weiss (2010) noted that pathologists use various panels of IHC stains to identify the site of tissue of origin for metastatic tumors, particularly poorly or undifferentiated cancers of unknown or uncertain origin. Although clinicians believe that immunostains contribute greatly to determining the probable primary site among 3 or more possibilities, objective evidence has not been convincingly presented. This meta-analysis reviews the objective evidence supporting this practice and summarizes the performance reported in 5 studies published between 1993 and 2007. A literature search was conducted to identify IHC performance studies published since 1990 that were masked, included more than 3 tissues types, and used more than 50 specimens. The 5 studies found in this search were separated into 2 subgroups for analysis: those, which included only metastatic tumors (n = 368 specimens) and the blended studies, which combined primary tumors and metastases (n = 289 specimens). The meta-analysis found that IHCs provided the correct tissue identification for 82.3 % (95 % CI: 77.4 % to 86.3 %) of the blended primary and metastatic samples and 65.6 % (95 % CI: 60.1 % to 70.7 %) of metastatic cancers. This difference is both clinically and statistically significant. The authors concluded that this literature review confirms that there is still an unmet medical need in identification of the primary site of metastatic tumors. It establishes minimum performance requirements for any new diagnostic test intended to aid the pathologist and oncologist in tissue of origin determination.
GeneSearch BLN
The presence of breast tumor cells in axillary lymph nodes is a key prognostic indicator in breast cancer. During surgery to remove breast tumors, patients often undergo biopsy of the sentinel (i.e., first) node(s) that receive lymphatic fluid from the breast. Excised sentinel lymph nodes are currently evaluated post-operatively by formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) histology and IHC. GeneSearch™ Breast Lymph Node (BLN) assay (Veridex, LLC, Warren, NJ) is a novel method to examine the extracted sentinel lymph nodes for metastases and can provide information during surgery within 30 to 40 minutes from the time the sentinel node is removed, potentially avoiding a second operation for some patients. The GeneSearch BLN assay received FDA pre-market approval on July 16, 2007 as a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test for the rapid detection of metastases larger than 0.2 mm in nodal tissue removed from sentinel lymph node biopsies of breast cancer patients. GeneSearch BLN assay uses real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the gene expression markers, mammaglobin (MG) and cytokeratin 10 (CI19), which are abundant in breast tissue but scarce in lymph node cells. In the clinical trial conducted by Veridex, which was submitted to the FDA, the sensitivity of the GeneSearch BLN Assay was reported to be 87.6 % and the specificity was 94.2 % (Julian et al, 2008). According to the product labeling, "The GeneSearch™ Breast Lymph Node (BLN) assay may be used in conjunction with sentinel lymph node biopsy for a patient who has been counseled on use of this test and has been informed of its performance. False positive results may be associated with increased morbidity. False negative and inconclusive test results may be associated with delayed axillary node dissection. Clinical studies so far are inconclusive about a benefit from treatment based on findings of breast cancer micro-metastases in sentinel lymph nodes."
Blumencranz et al (2007) compared the GeneSearch BLN assay with results from conventional histologic evaluation from 416 patients at 11 clinical sites and reported that the GeneSearch BLN assay detected 98 % of metastases greater than 2 mm in size and 57 % of metastasis less than 0.2 mm. False positives were reported in 4 % of the cases. However, there were several limitations of this study, including the lack of a description of patient recruitment, inadequate descriptions of several analyses performed, substantial variations in test performance across sites, and ad hoc comparison of the assay to other intra-operative techniques.
Viale et al (2008) analyzed 293 lymph nodes from 293 patients utilizing the GeneSearch BLN assay. Using histopathology as the reference standard, the authors reported that the BLN assay correctly identified 51 of 52 macro-metastatic and 5 of 20 micro-metastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), with a sensitivity of 98.1 % to detect metastases larger than 2 mm, 94.7 % for metastases larger than 1 mm, and 77.8 % for metastases larger than 0.2 mm. The overall concordance with histopathology was 90.8 %, with a specificity of 95.0 %, a positive predictive value of 83.6 %, and a negative predictive value of 92.9 %. When the results were evaluated according to the occurrence of additional metastases to non-SLN in patients with histologically positive SLNs, the assay was positive in 33 (91.7 %) of the 36 patients with additional metastases and in 22 (66.6 %) of the 33 patients without further echelon involvement. The authors concluded that the sensitivity of the GeneSearch BLN assay is comparable to that of the histopathologic examination of the entire SLN by serial sectioning at 1.5 to 2 mm.
Although treatment for metastases larger than 2.0 mm is widely accepted as beneficial, clinical studies have not yet provided data for a consensus on benefit from treatment based on very small breast cancer metastases (between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm) in SLNs. False positive results may be associated with increased morbidity, usually due to effects of axillary node dissection surgery. Patients who undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) have significantly higher rates of increased swelling in the upper arm and forearm (lymphedema), pain, numbness, and motion restriction about the shoulder when compared with patients who undergo only sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND). False negative and inconclusive test results may be associated with delayed axillary node dissection. Clinical studies so far are inconclusive regarding a benefit from treatment based on findings of breast cancer micro-metastases in SLNs. Preliminary data suggest that the GeneSearch BLN assay has high specificity and moderate sensitivity when only macro-metastases are included in the analysis. The clinical significance of micro-metastases is still being debated in the literature, thus, the failure of the GeneSearch BLN assay to perform adequately in the detection of micro-metastases is of unknown significance.
A systematic evidence review by the BlueCross BlueShield Association Technology Evaluation Center (BCBSA, 2007) determined that the use of the GeneSearch BLN assay to detect sentinel node metastases in early stage breast cancer does not meet the TEC criteria. The assessment stated, "There are several operational issues that add difficulty to the use of the GeneSearch assay, including the need for fresh specimens (rather than putting them in formalin for permanent fixation), the learning curve involved in reducing both the percentage of invalid results (from about 15% initially to 4 - 8% for more experienced technicians) and the time to perform the test compared to alternative intra-operative techniques (which take less than 15 minutes)." Furthermore, the assessment stated "The GeneSearch assay also provides less information for staging than other intra-operative procedures, since it cannot distinguish between micro- and macro-metases. Nor can it indicate the location of the metastasis (inside or outside the node). Post-operative histology is therefore required in all cases. It is less crucial when frozen section histology is performed, since pathologists can judge the size of the metastasis and its location from this test, although distortion is possible. To summarize, the data available is inadequate to assess the clinical utility of the GeneSearch assay compared to either post-operative histology alone or to the alternative intra-operative tests such as imprint cytology and frozen section histology. In addition, the balance of benefits versus harms may require higher specificity to avoid unnecessary ALNDs and their sequelae, whereas the GeneSearch design emphasizes sensitivity."
A report by Adelaide Health Technology Assessment stated that, if the GeneSearch BLN Assay is to play a role in reducing the mortality of breast cancer patients, it will be through more accurate diagnosis of breast cancer metastasis during SNB (Ellery, et al., 2010). The report noted, however, that, as yet there are no data to indicate whether SNB itself lowers the mortality rate among breast cancer patients. Hence, it is unclear whether the GeneSearch BLN Assay would have any indirect effect on breast cancer mortality until further investigation into SNB concludes.
- determine the assay turn-around-time from the time of node removal to the report of the assay result to the surgeon and
- determine whether the assay result was or was not received in time to make an intra-operative decision and
- collect data in relation to other surgical procedures during the sentinel lymph node dissection/breast surgery to determine if the assay turn-around-time resulted in longer surgery time.
Grail Galleri Test
Grail (Menlo Park, CA), a biotechnology company, developed the Galleri Test which utilizes a single blood test to check for more than 100,000 DNA regions and over a million specific DNA sites to screen for a signal shared by cancers that may otherwise go unnoticed. Specifically, the Galleri test looks for cell-free DNA and identifies whether the source is from healthy or cancer cells (Grail, 2023).
Currently, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed literature to support the sensitivity or specificity of this test.
Guardant Reveal
Guardant Reveal is a blood-based liquid biopsy test that detects circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment in early-stage colorectal, breast, and lung cancers. In addition to detection of MRD, Guardant Reveal is marketed to monitor recurrence in previously diagnosed patients. This test uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of tumor methylation markers present in cell-free ctDNA, and an algorithm reported as quantitative measurement of methylation (presence or absence of ctDNA) to serve as a correlate of tumor fraction.
Hashimoto, et al. (2023) state that the presence of ctDNA in plasma after surgery may signify the presence of MRD in various cancers. Thus, the authors launched a study protocol for a multi-institutional prospective observational study of ctDNA for MRD detection in conjunction with a randomized, controlled phase III trial (JCOG1801) evaluating the efficacy of preoperative chemoradiotherapy (pre-CRT) compared with up-front surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Blood samples will be obtained according to a pre-established protocol schedule in JCOG1801, thus ensuring reliable results for clinical application. The analysis of plasma samples will be performed using Guardant Reveal. The authors state that this study has the potential to offer insights into the utility of ctDNA as a prognostic factor or to predict treatment response in LRRC patients. Limitations of this study include its observational design and lack of robust statistical power due to the relatively small sample size.
Slater, et al. (2023) state that ctDNA to detect MRD is emerging as a biomarker to predict recurrence in patients with curatively treated early stage colorectal cancer (CRC). ctDNA risk stratifies patients to guide adjuvant treatment decisions. Thus, the authors are conducting the UK’s first multicenter, prospective, randomized study to determine whether a de-escalation strategy using ctDNA to guide adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) decisions is non-inferior to standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy, as measured by 3-year disease free survival (DFS) in patients with resected CRC with no evidence of MRD (ctDNA negative post-operatively). In doing so the authors state that they may be able to spare patients unnecessary chemotherapy and associated toxicity and achieve significant cost savings for the National Health Service (NHS). The study opened with the Guardant Reveal plasma-only ctDNA assay in August 2022.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Biomarkers Compendium (NCCN, 2024) does not provide a recommendation for ctDNA for MRD testing in colorector, breast or lung cancer.
Guardant360
The Guardant360 panel analyzes cell-free circulating tumor DNA (liquid biopsy) for 73 genes associated with a wide variety of solid tumors.
Noting that data on the influence of hybrid capture (HC)-based NGS on treatment are limited, Rozenblum, et al. (2017) investigated its impact on treatment decisions and clinical outcomes in a series of patients at a cancer center. This retrospective study included patients with advanced lung cancer on whom HC-based NGS with broad gene panels was performed between November 2011 and October 2015. HC-based NGS was performed upon the recommendation of the treating physician, mostly on the basis of young age and smoking history. The results of standard molecular testing for EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements were negative before HC-based NGS in 80.2% (81 of 101) and 70.3% (71 of 101) of the patients, respectively. Upfront HC-based NGS was performed on 15 patients because of very little biopsy material. HC-based NGS was performed off-site on tumor samples with FoundationOne (Foundation Medicine, Inc., Cambridge, MA) (n = 82) or on blood samples using a liquid biopsy approach with Guardant360 if the tissue sample had been exhausted (n= 18). The study focused on gene analyses (GAs) with potential clinical relevance. Initial analysis (level 1) included GAs associated with U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved anticancer therapies (including off-label drugs) for all cancer types. A subsequent analysis (level 2) included GAs with appropriate evidence-based targeted agents with antidriver activity in lung cancer, as recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for NSCLC. GAs associated with investigational treatments were not included in the current analysis. Demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics, treatments, and outcome data were collected. A total of 101 patients were included (median age 63 years [53% females, 45% never-smokers, and 85% with adenocarcinoma]). HC-based NGS was performed upfront and after EGFR/ALK testing yielded negative or inconclusive results in 15% and 85% of patients, respectively. In 51.5% of patients, HC-based NGS was performed before first-line therapy, and in 48.5%, it was performed after treatment failure. HC-based NGS identified clinically actionable genomic alterations in 50% of patients, most frequently in EGFR (18%), Ret proto-oncogene (RET) (9%), ALK (8%), Mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) receptor tyrosine kinase gene (6%), and erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 gene (ERBB2) (5%). In 15 patients, it identified EGFR/ALK aberrations after negative results of prior standard testing. Treatment strategy was changed for 43 patients (42.6%). The overall response rate in these patients was 65% (complete response 14.7%, partial response 50%). Median survival was not reached. Immunotherapy was administered in 33 patients, mostly without an actionable driver, with a presenting disease control rate of 32%, and with an association with tumor mutation burden. The authors noted a number of limitations of this study, including its retrospective nature, its small sample size, and its being a single-center study. In addition, the high percentage of never-smokers, the preponderance of female patients, and the relatively young median age of the patient group represented a selection bias with a high pretest probability for the existence of driver mutation. The authors noted that the results of large prospective trials such as the UK National Lung Matrix Trial and the National Cancer Institute's Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice Program are thus eagerly anticipated.
Kim et al (2017) reported on an interim analysis of an open-label prospective, clinical trial of ctDNA in patients with metastatic NSCLC, gastric cancer (GC), and other cancers. The investigators reported that somatic alterations were detected in 59 patients with GC (78%), and 25 patients (33%) had targetable alterations (ERBB2, n = 11;MET, n = 5; FGFR2, n = 3; PIK3CA, n = 6). In NSCLC, 62 patients (85%) had somatic alterations, and 34 (47%) had targetable alterations (EGFR, n = 29; ALK, n = 2; RET, n = 1; ERBB2, n = 2). A subgroup of subjects (10 with GC and 17 with NSCLC) who had tissue for confirmation of ctDNA findings were treated with targeted therapy. The investigators reported that response rate and disease control rate were 67% and 100%, respectively, in GC and 87% and 100%, respectively, in NSCLC. The authors noted that this is the first prospective study to examine the clinical utility of comprehensive ctDNA genomic testing to guide matched therapy selection. The authors stated that, because this study was not randomized, its primary limitation is the potential for selection bias to enroll patients more likely to benefit. In addition, the cohort is heterogeneous, including patients at varying lines of therapy and with various concomitant treatments, which limits conclusions in this interim analysis. Not all patients with targetable alterations could receive matched therapy because of the various requirements of the multiple parallel matched therapy substudy protocols, performance status, or loss to follow-up. The authors stated that the final analysis will help to address the modest sample size of this interim analysis as well as report on progression-free survival. The authors stated that future studies should examine ctDNAguided matched therapy outcomes in more racially diverse cohorts.
Noting that there is a paucity of data on the concordance between plasma cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and tissue-based genomic testing, Villaflor, et al. (2016) reported on a descriptive study of subjects with NSCLC undergoing analysis of ctDNA using Guardant360 next-generation sequencing assay at a single institution. The authors stated that this study is the first clinic-based series of NSCLC patients assessing outcomes of targeted therapies using a commercially available ctDNA assay. Of the 90 patients submitted for ctDNA analysis as part of clinical care, 68 had provided informed consent for inclusion in this study. Thirty-eight samples from the 68 subjects were tested using the 54-gene ctDNA panel while the remaining 31 samples were analyzed on the 68-gene ctDNA panel. Of note, the 54-gene panel did not include ALK, RET or ROS1 fusions. Tissue-based testing was performed on 44 subjects using 9 different testing platforms. Demographic, clinicopathologic information and results from tissue and plasma-based genomic testing were reviewed for each subject. The majority of patients had a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (n = 55, 81%), with the remainder lung squamous cell carcinoma (n = 12, 17.7%) and other lung cancers (n = 1, 1.3%). Over 80% of patients had detectable ctDNA. Thirty-one patients had matched tissue and blood samples; the reason for lack of tissue results for the remaining 37 patients was not routinely documented. In cases with detectable ctDNA and completed tissue analysis, an EGFR activating was found in both tissue and blood in 5 paired samples, and in tissue only in 2 samples (71% concordance). The time between biopsy and blood draw ranged from 0 days to 7 years, with an average of 8.8 months and median of 1.4 years between biopsy and blood draw. The investigators found no correlation between concordance and timing of blood draw versus tissue biopsy. A total of 9 subjects with paired tissue and blood samples had an EGFR driver mutation identified in plasma and tissue (n = 5), plasma only (n = 1) or tissue only (n = 3). Eight of these individuals were treated with erlotinib or afatinib at first or second line. Two patients were still responding to therapy at the time of data analysis. Of the 6 remaining patients, the median progression-free survival was 11.5 months (range 7.5 months–29 months; 95% CI–5.7–28.7). The investigators stated that these data suggest that biopsy-free ctDNA analysis is a viable first choice when the diagnostic tissue biopsy is insufficient for genotyping or at the time of progression when a repeated invasive tissue biopsy is not possible/preferred. The authors noted however, that the numbers in this series are modest and further research in larger prospective cohorts is needed.
Thompson et al (2016) evaluated the feasibility of using cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) NGS as a complement or alternative to tissue NGS in a single-center observational study. A total of 112 plasma samples obtained from a consecutive study of 102 prospectively enrolled patients with advanced NSCLC were subjected to ultra-deep sequencing of 68 or 70 genes and matched with tissue samples, when possible. The investigators detected 275 alterations in 45 genes, and at least one alteration in the ctDNA for 86 of 102 patients (84%), with EGFR variants being most common. ctDNA NGS detected 50 driver and 12 resistance mutations, and mutations in 22 additional genes for which experimental therapies, including clinical trials, are available. Although ctDNA NGS was completed for 102 consecutive patients, tissue sequencing was only successful for 50 patients (49%). The overall concordance for all variants covered and detected by both platforms was 60%. When wild-type calls, that is, genes for which no variants were detected, are considered, the overall concordance was 97.5%. Actionable EGFR mutations were detected in 24 tissue and 19 ctDNA samples, yielding concordance of 79%, with a shorter time interval between tissue and blood collection associated with increased concordance (P = 0.038). ctDNA sequencing identified eight patients harboring a resistance mutation who developed progressive disease while on targeted therapy, and for whom tissue sequencing was not possible.
Schwaederle et al (2016) extracted plasma from 171 patients with a variety of cancers and analyzed the plasma for ctDNA (54 genes and copy number variants (CNVs) in three genes (EGFR, ERBB2 and MET)). The most represented cancers were lung (23%), breast (23%), and glioblastoma (19%). Ninety-nine patients (58%) had at least one detectable alteration, where actionability was defined as an alteration that was either the direct target or a pathway component that could be targeted by at least one FDA approved or investigational drug in a clinical trial. The most frequent alterations were TP53 (29.8%), followed by EGFR (17.5%), MET (10.5%), PIK3CA (7%), and NOTCH1 (5.8%). In contrast, of 222 healthy volunteers, only one had an aberration (TP53). Ninety patients with non-brain tumors had a discernible aberration (65% of 138 patients; in 70% of non-brain tumor patients with an alteration, the anomaly was potentially actionable). Nine of 33 patients (27%) with glioblastoma had an alteration (6/33 (18%) potentially actionable). Overall, sixty-nine patients had potentially actionable alterations (40% of total; 69.7% of patients (69/99) with alterations); 68 patients (40% of total; 69% of patients with alterations), by an FDA-approved drug. In summary, 65% of diverse cancers (as well as 27% of glioblastomas) had detectable ctDNA aberration(s), with the majority theoretically actionable by an approved agent. The authors noted a number of study limitations. First, this study included a limited number of patients in each histology. Second, clinical annotation was not available since the database was de-identified. Third, the definition of "actionable" and the level of evidence needed for such a determination is a matter of debate and in constant evolution. Fourth, the use of tissue-based next generation sequencing as a comparison to establish clinical utility was not accessible for this group of de-identified patients. Finally, whether or not the patients would have responded to these drugs could not be addressed in this study, and will require further investigation.
Liang et al (2016) performed a retrospective chart review of 100 patients with stage 4 or high-risk stage 3 breast cancer. Of the 100 patients included in this study, 29 had a tissue analysis done during the course of treatment. Only the specific genomic alterations tested in both the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and tissue DNA were included in this analysis. Of the 29 patients with tissue analysis, 6 had no evidence of disease at the time of cfDNA analysis and were excluded from the comparative analysis of genomic alterations found between cfDNA and tissue DNA. A total of 55 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and 4 copy number variants (CNVs) were evaluated for both cfDNA and tissue DNA from the 23 remaining patients. The degree of agreement between genomic alterations found in tumor DNA (tDNA) and cfDNA was determined by Cohen's Kappa. Clinical disease progression was compared to mutant allele frequency using a 2-sided Fisher's exact test. The presence of mutations and mutant allele frequency was correlated with PFS using a Cox proportional hazards model and a log-rank test. The most commonly found genomic alterations were mutations in TP53 and PIK3CA, and amplification of EGFR and ERBB2. PIK3CA mutation and ERBB2 amplification demonstrated robust agreement between tDNA and cfDNA (Cohen's kappa = 0.64 and 0.77, respectively). TP53 mutation and EGFR amplification demonstrated poor agreement between tDNA and cfDNA (Cohen's kappa = 0.18 and 0.33, respectively). The directional changes of TP53 and PIK3CA mutant allele frequency were closely associated with response to therapy (p = 0.002). The investigators stated that the presence of TP53 mutation (p = 0.0004) and PIK3CA mutant allele frequency [p = 0.01, HR 1.074 (95 % CI: 1.018 to 1.134)] was excellent predictors of PFS. The authors concluded that identification of selected cancer-specific genomic alterations from cfDNA may be a non-invasive way to monitor disease progression, predict PFS, and offer targeted therapy. They noted that this study was limited by its small sample size and the inherent nature of retrospective data collection of existing genomic information.
Aggarwal et al (2019) noted that the clinical implications of adding plasma-based circulating tumor DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) to tissue NGS for targetable mutation detection in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been formally assessed. In a prospective, cohort study, these researchers examined if plasma NGS testing was associated with improved mutation detection and enhanced delivery of personalized therapy in a real-world clinical setting. This trial enrolled 323 patients with metastatic NSCLC who had plasma testing ordered as part of routine clinical management. Plasma NGS was performed using a 73-gene commercial platform. Patients were enrolled at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from April 1, 2016, through January 2, 2018. The database was locked for follow-up and analyses on January 2, 2018, with a median follow-up of 7 months (range of 1 to 21 months). The number of patients with targetable alterations detected with plasma and tissue NGS; the association between the allele fractions (AFs) of mutations detected in tissue and plasma; and the association of response rate with the plasma AF of the targeted mutations. Among the 323 patients with NSCLC (60.1 % women; median age of 65 years [range of 33 to 93]), therapeutically targetable mutations were detected in EGFR, ALK, MET, BRCA1, ROS1, RET, ERBB2, or BRAF for 113 (35.0 %) overall; 94 patients (29.1 %) had plasma testing only at the discretion of the treating physician or patient preference. Among the 94 patients with plasma testing alone, 31 (33.0 %) had a therapeutically targetable mutation detected, thus obviating the need for an invasive biopsy. Among the remaining 229 patients who had concurrent plasma and tissue NGS or were unable to have tissue NGS, a therapeutically targetable mutation was detected in tissue alone for 47 patients (20.5 %), whereas the addition of plasma testing increased this number to 82 (35.8 %); 36 of 42 patients (85.7 %) who received a targeted therapy based on the plasma result achieved a complete response (CR) or a partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD). The plasma-based targeted mutation AF had no correlation with depth of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) response (r = -0.121; p = 0.45). The authors concluded that given the ease of obtaining plasma-based genotyping and the success observed with such a non-invasive approach, these findings argued for incorporation of plasma-based genotyping into routine clinical management of patients with NSCLC.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. This single-center study was conducted among physicians who were comfortable ordering and interpreting plasma NGS tests. This user bias probably enriched for patients who had plasma NGS only and were likely to have targetable mutations. A sizeable proportion of patients underwent testing after progression to detect resistance mutations, which likely increased the frequency of patients with EGFR T790M. Moreover, this study only considered plasma NGS testing at a single point. The clinical utility of longitudinal plasma NGS-based monitoring is an area of active study in this group.
In an editorial that accompanied the afore-mentioned study by Aggarwal et al (2019), Gyawali and West (2018) noted that "Putting aside the question of whether and when NGS is appropriate, what does the study by Aggarwal and colleagues demonstrate for the role of plasma vs tissue NGS? We cannot conclude from this work that plasma testing should obviate the need for tissue NGS in most patients, since 29 % of the patients with a therapeutically targetable mutation and who had undergone NGS testing from both plasma and tissue had the mutation detected in tissue only. But the study compellingly demonstrates that plasma NGS can obviate the need for tissue NGS in patients in whom plasma testing demonstrates a mutation, given the response and disease control rate among patients who had therapeutically targetable mutations identified from plasma. The relatively high rate of molecular marker detection from plasma also offers a strong option for patients for whom tissue is not available and challenging to obtain. These results, combined with the patient satisfaction with the relative ease of providing blood rather than a solid tissue sample, suggest a clinical strategy of pursuing plasma NGS first, then tissue NGS if plasma NGS cannot detect relevant mutations. Another driver of plasma NGS is the cost-effectiveness of liquid biopsy over tissue biopsy, as suggested in the Statement Paper by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer5; however, data to support this claim are still lacking. In the context of initial workup of advanced non-squamous NSCLC, for which many therapeutically targetable mutations are potentially present, broader clinical use of NGS from one source or another seems reasonable, based on cost and time and tissue efficiency. However, this may not hold true in other contexts in which the relevant targets are very limited, such asT790Min acquired resistance on an earlier-generation EGFR TKI, or are extremely infrequent and/or are not clinically relevant, as in squamous NSCLC, acquired resistance to various other driver mutations, and many other cancer settings. In summary, mounting data now support a role for plasma NGS as a helpful tool to supplement or even obviate the need for often scarce and difficult-to-obtain tissue for NGS testing, but this should not circumvent the central question of whether NGS testing will improve clinical outcomes and thus whether it should be performed at all. Next-generation sequencing should not be presumed to be the right tool for every job … A shotgun approach may be appropriate if there is a sufficient chance of hitting a target suspected to be there, but we do not know exactly where; however, there are more accurate and precise weapons if we have a better idea where the true target is. If not, and if there is little reason to expect the existence of a real target, merely having a readily available shotgun should not lead us to shoot blindly in the dark without acknowledging that we may do unexpected damage".
Odegaard et al (2018) stated that liquid biopsies are powerful tools that enable non-invasive genotyping of advanced solid tumors; however, comprehensive, structured validation studies employing validated orthogonal comparator methods are lacking. These researchers analytically and clinically validated a circulating cell-free tumor DNA sequencing test for comprehensive tumor genotyping and demonstrated its clinical feasibility. Analytical validation was conducted according to established principles and guidelines. Blood-to-blood clinical validation comprised blinded external comparison to clinical digital droplet PCR across 222 consecutive biomarker-positive clinical samples. Blood-to-tissue clinical validation comprised comparison of Digital Sequencing calls to those documented in the medical record of 543 consecutive lung cancer patients. Clinical experience was reported from 10,593 consecutive clinical samples. Digital sequencing technology enabled variant detection down to 0.02 % to 0.04 % allelic fraction/2.12 copies with less than or equal to 0.3 %/2.24 to 2.76 copies 95 % limits of detection while maintaining high specificity (prevalence-adjusted positive predictive value (PPV) greater than 98 %). Clinical validation using orthogonal plasma- and tissue-based clinical genotyping across more than 750 patients demonstrated high accuracy and specificity (positive percent agreement (PPAs) and negative percent agreement (NPAs) greater than 99 % and PPVs 92 to 100 %). Clinical use in 10,593 advanced adult solid tumor patients demonstrated high feasibility (greater than 99.6 % technical success rate) and clinical sensitivity (85.9 %), with high potential actionability (16.7 % with FDA-approved on-label treatment options; 72.0 % with treatment or trial recommendations), particularly in non-small cell lung cancer where 34.5 % of patient samples comprised a directly targetable standard-of-care biomarker. The authors concluded that high concordance with orthogonal clinical plasma- and tissue-based genotyping methods supported the clinical accuracy of digital sequencing across all 4 types of targetable genomic alterations. Digital sequencing’s clinical applicability is further supported by high rates of technical success and biomarker target discovery.
McCoach et al (2018) stated that patients with advanced NSCLC whose tumors harbor anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusions benefit from treatment with ALK inhibitors (ALKi). Analysis of cell-free circulating tumor DNA (cfDNA) may provide a non-invasive way to identify ALK fusions and actionable resistance mechanisms without an invasive biopsy. The Guardant360 (G360; Guardant Health) de-identified database of NSCLC cases was queried to identify 88 consecutive patients with 96 plasma-detected ALK fusions. G360 is a clinical cfDNA NGS test that detects point mutations, select copy number gains, fusions, insertions, and deletions in plasma. Identified fusion partners included EML4 (85.4 %), STRN (6 %), and KCNQ, KLC1, KIF5B, PPM1B, and TGF (totaling 8.3 %); 42 ALK-positive patients had no history of targeted therapy (cohort 1), with tissue ALK molecular testing attempted in 21 (5 negative, 5 positive, and 11 tissue insufficient). Follow-up of 3 of the 5 tissue-negative patients showed responses to ALKi; 31 patients were tested at known or presumed ALKi progression (cohort 2); 16 samples (53% ) contained 1 to 3 ALK resistance mutations. In 13 patients, clinical status was unknown (cohort 3), and no resistance mutations or bypass pathways were identified. In 6 patients with known EGFR-activating mutations, an ALK fusion was identified on progression (cohort 4; 4 STRN, 1 EML4; 1 both STRN and EML4); 5 harbored EGFR T790M. The authors concluded that in this cohort of cfDNA-detected ALK fusions, these researchers demonstrated that comprehensive cfDNA NGS provided a non-invasive means of detecting targetable alterations and characterizing resistance mechanisms on progression.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, this was a retrospective analysis reliant on clinical information provided on sample submission. Thus, complete treatment history and clinical follow-up was not available (and cannot be verified) for all patients. This included patient demographic information, type and length of prior therapies, local tissue testing modality, and prior molecular testing results both at diagnosis and progression re-biopsy. Further, there were limitations to the cfDNA platform including the identification of multiple sub-clonal populations, which may not be clinically relevant to resistance. Additionally, given G360 is a clinical cfDNA assay, only ALK fusion events that occurred with partners with known biologic significance were reported. Finally, in this study these researchers identified 6 patients in cohort 2 whose ALK fusion were not identified by cfDNA, instead they were identified by the presence of the ALK resistance mutation. This reflected the complexity of fusion proteins and the fact that ALK has numerous fusion variants that may hinder identification by small fragment cfDNA analyses. Additionally, these investigators were unable to estimate the true false negative rate of cfDNA in detecting ALK fusions given the database search parameters.
Laufer-Geva et al (2018) stated that NGS of cfDNA enables non-invasive genomic analysis of NSCLC patients. Although plasma-detected genomic alterations (GAs) have been shown to predict targeted therapy response, evidence of durability of response is lacking or limited to small cohorts as is the impact of cfDNA NGS results on clinical decisions. This retrospective study of stage IIIB/IV NSCLC patients between the years 2014 and 2017 in Israel used cfDNA NGS (Guardant360) to identify targetable GAs. These researchers consecutively tested 116 NSCLC patients, 41.4 % before 1st-line therapy (group A), 34.5 % upon progression on chemotherapy or immunotherapy (group B1), and 24.1 % upon progression on EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (group B2). Targetable GAs were found in 31 % of group A (15 of 48 patients), 32.5 % in group B1 (13 of 40 patients) and 71 % in group B2 (20 of 28 patients). Treatment decision was changed to targeted therapy in 23 % (11 of 48 patients), 25 % (10 of 40 patients) and 32 % (9 of 28 patients), respectively (total cohort 26 %; 30/116). Objective response rate (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST]) was 43 % (12 of 28 patients) including 1 CR, PR in 39 % (11 of 28 patients), SD in 32 % (9 of 28 patients), and progressive disease in 25 % (7 of 28 patients). Disease control rate was 75 % for 5 months median treatment duration. The authors concluded that comprehensive cfDNA testing impacted clinical decisions in 1/4 to 1/3 of initial and subsequent lines of treatment in advanced NSCLC patients. This retrospective study extended previous reports by showing that responses based on cfDNA were durable and change treatment decisions at initial presentation and at progression.
The authors stated that limitations of this study included its retrospective nature, although the response and disease control rate (DCR) were consistent with 2 previous prospective studies. Also, more than 50 % of the at-progression patients were in the 3rd-line of treatment or higher, where response rates would be expected to be lower than published studies of 2nd-line targeted therapies. Response rate, survival, and duration of treatment in this study population, which was enriched for plasma-positive patients with limited or failed tumor tissue genotyping, may introduce theoretical selection bias as cfDNA may be more likely to be positive in patients with aggressively growing metastases whereas single lesion biopsy-based genotyping is indifferent to whether disease is indolent or aggressive. If true, however, then the plasma-based treatment results become more, rather than less, compelling. Nonetheless, the clinical outcomes reported in this study reflected the real-life impact. Because patients were not randomized, and cfDNA testing ordered on those with a higher pre-test probability of mutation (female, non-smoking, etc.) the prevalence of GAs here may be higher than a cohort enrolled by randomization.
Lam and associates (2019) stated that major guidelines do not recommend routine molecular profiling of lung squamous-cell carcinoma (LUSC) because the prevalence of actionable alterations is thought to be low. Increased utilization of next-generation sequencing (NGS), particularly with cfDNA, facilitates re-evaluation of this premise. These investigators retrospectively evaluated the prevalence of actionable alterations in 2 distinct LUSC cohorts totaling 492 patients. A total of 410 consecutive patients with stage 3B or 4 LUSC were tested with a targeted cfDNA NGS assay, and 82 patients with LUSC of any stage were tested with a tissue NGS cancer panel. In the overall cohort, 467 patients (94.9 %) had a diagnosis of LUSC, and 25 patients (5.1 %) had mixed histology with a squamous component. A total of 10.5 % of the LUSC subgroup had somatic alterations with therapeutic relevance, including in EGFR (2.8 %), ALK/ROS1 (1.3 %), BRAF (1.5 %), and MET amplification or exon 14 skipping (5.1 %); 16 % of patients with mixed histology had an actionable alteration. In the LUSC subgroup, 3 evaluable patients were treated with targeted therapy for an actionable alteration; all of them experienced partial response. The authors concluded that in this large, real-world LUSC cohort, they observed a clinically significant prevalence of actionable alterations. These researchers stated that further evaluation of the genomic landscape in this setting is needed to potentially identify under-appreciated treatment options.
Leighl and colleagues (2019) stated that complete and timely tissue genotyping is challenging, leading to significant numbers of patients with newly diagnosed metastatic NSCLC (mNSCLC) being under-genotyped for all 8 genomic biomarkers recommended by professional guidelines. These researchers attempted to demonstrate non-inferiority of comprehensive cfDNA relative to physician discretion SOC tissue genotyping to identify guideline-recommended biomarkers in patients with mNSCLC. Prospectively enrolled patients with previously untreated mNSCLC undergoing physician discretion SOC tissue genotyping submitted a pre-treatment blood sample for comprehensive cfDNA analysis (Guardant360). Among 282 patients, physician discretion SOC tissue genotyping identified a guideline-recommended biomarker in 60 patients versus 77 cfDNA identified patients (21.3 % versus 27.3 %; p < 0.0001 for non-inferiority). In tissue-positive patients, the biomarker was identified alone (12/60) or concordant with cfDNA (48/60), an 80 % cfDNA clinical sensitivity for any guideline-recommended biomarker. For FDA-approved targets (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF) concordance was greater than 98.2 % with 100 % PPV for cfDNA versus tissue (34/34 EGFR, ALK, or BRAF positive patients). Utilizing cfDNA in addition to tissue increased detection by 48 %, from 60 to 89 patients, including those with negative, not assessed, or insufficient tissue results. cfDNA median turnaround time was significantly faster than tissue (9 versus 15 days; p < 0.0001). Guideline-complete genotyping was significantly more likely (268 versus 51; p < 0.0001). The authors concluded that a comprehensive, sensitive, and specific cfDNA test used in patients with newly diagnosed mNSCLC successfully identified guideline recommended biomarkers at a rate at least as high as SOC tissue testing and returned these results significantly faster and for a significantly higher proportion of the population. Moreover, cfDNA-detected guideline recommended biomarkers were invariably present in tissue, when tissue was successfully tested, reinforcing that cfDNA genotyping results may be used in clinical management in the same way tissue genotyping results are currently used. Lastly, when modeled together, these results suggested that initial biomarker assessment using cfDNA rather than tissue ("blood first"), reserving tissue for PD-L1 IHC and reflex testing when cfDNA is negative for any known oncogenic driver mutations, improved biomarker discovery rate, turn-around time, and increased the number of patients with newly diagnosed mNSCLC who receive guideline complete biomarker testing.
The authors stated that 1 main drawback of this study was that, while cfDNA testing utilized a single platform, tissue genomic assessment was not standardized but was instead left to physician’s discretion SOC, which included a variety of methodologies, including PCR, FISH, IHC, and/or NGS. As only 18 % of patients successfully underwent comprehensive tissue genomic profiling, many alterations that were identified in cfDNA alone were in fact a result of incomplete tissue genotyping due to methodology choice and/or tissue testing failure as opposed to analytical discordance between the tests. As part of the study design, providers were specifically instructed to not make any changes to their SOC tissue genotyping practices, however, these investigators could not rule out the possibility that the receipt of a cfDNA clinical result may have influenced the decision to pursue further tissue genotyping in instances of sequential testing. Moreover, these findings may not apply to other cfDNA tests that are less sensitive or less comprehensive. They stated that while this limited certain comparisons, this design was critical to the fundamental question addressed by this study, whether a well-validated cfDNA test can match or even improve upon SOC tissue methods.
An accompanying commentary (Meador and Oxnard, 2019) noted that the sensitivity of cfDNA genotyping can be low in patients with lower metastatic burden, likely due to reduced shed of tumor DNA into the plasma. The commentators stated that this insensitivity of cfDNA sequencing must be acknowledged as a significant barrier to its application. "Ultimately, negative cfDNA sequencing may be better thanno genotyping at all, but it is not sufficient to rule out the presence of targetable driver mutations given the impaired sensitivity of these assays and unknown rate of tumor shed in any given patient."
Willis et al (2019) sought to analytically validate microsatellite instability (MSI) testing using Guardant360 according to established guidelines and clinically validate it using 1,145 cfDNA samples for which tissue MSI status based on standard-of-care tissue testing was available. The landscape of cfDNA-based MSI across solid tumor types was investigated in a cohort of 28,459 clinical plasma samples. Clinical outcomes for 16 patients with cfDNA MSI-H gastric cancer treated with immunotherapy were evaluated. In evaluable patients, cfDNA testing accurately detected 87% (71/82) of tissue MSI-H and 99.5% of tissue microsatellite stable (863/867) for an overall accuracy of 98.4% (934/949) and a positive predictive value of 95% (71/75). Concordance of cfDNA MSI with tissue PCR and next-generation sequencing was significantly higher than IHC. Prevalence of cfDNA MSI for major cancer types was consistent with those reported for tissue. Finally, robust clinical activity of immunotherapy treatment was seen in patients with advanced gastric cancer positive for MSI by cfDNA, with 63% (10/16) of patients achieving complete or partial remission with sustained clinical benefit. Limitations included the small number of subjects for which clinical outcomes were evaluated.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Non-small cell lung cancer" (Version 3.2019) states that "The panel feels that cell-free/circulating tumor DNA testing should not be used in lieu of tissue diagnosis. Standard and guidelines for cell-free DNA (cfDNA)/circulating tumor DNA testing for genetic alterations have not been established, there is up to a 30 % false-negative rate, and alterations can be detected that are not related to the tumor (e.g., clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential [CHIP] … However, cfDNA testing can be used in specific circumstances if the patient is not medically fit for invasive tissue sampling, or there is insufficient tissue for molecular analysis and follow-up tissue-based analysis will be done if an oncogenic driver is not identified. Given the previous caveats, careful consideration is required to determine whether cfDNA findings reflect a true driver mutation or an unrelated finding". Since the Guardant360 includes a panel of 68 genes, and only about 5 of which are actionable. The clinical value of the of the entire gene panel of Guardant360 has not been established.
Turner and colleagues (2020) stated that ctDNA testing might provide a current assessment of the genomic profile of advanced cancer, without the need to repeat tumor biopsy. In an open-label, multi-center, multi-cohort, phase-IIa platform trial, these researchers examined the accuracy of ctDNA testing in advanced breast cancer and the ability of ctDNA testing to select patients for mutation-directed therapy. This study was carried out in 18 United Kingdom hospitals. Participants were women (aged greater than or equal to 18 years) with histologically confirmed advanced breast cancer and an ECOG performance status of 0 to 2. Patients had completed at least 1 previous line of treatment for advanced breast cancer or relapsed within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were recruited into 4 parallel treatment cohorts matched to mutations identified in ctDNA: cohort A comprised patients with ESR1 mutations (treated with IM extended-dose fulvestrant 500 mg); cohort B comprised patients with HER2 mutations (treated with oral neratinib 240 mg, and if estrogen receptor-positive with IM standard-dose fulvestrant); cohort C comprised patients with AKT1 mutations and estrogen receptor-positive cancer (treated with oral capivasertib 400 mg plus IM standard-dose fulvestrant); and cohort D comprised patients with AKT1 mutations and estrogen receptor-negative cancer or PTEN mutation (treated with oral capivasertib 480 mg). Each cohort had a primary endpoint of confirmed ORR. For cohort A, 13 or more responses among 78 evaluable patients were needed to infer activity and 3 or more among 16 were needed for cohorts B, C, and D. Recruitment to all cohorts was complete and long-term follow-up is ongoing. Between December 21, 2016, and April 26, 2019, a total of 1,051 patients registered for the study, with ctDNA results available for 1,034 patients. Agreement between ctDNA digital PCR and targeted sequencing was 96% to 99 % (n = 800, kappa 0.89 to 0.93). Sensitivity of digital PCR ctDNA testing for mutations identified in tissue sequencing was 93 % (95 % CI: 83 to 98) overall and 98 % (87 to 100) with contemporaneous biopsies. In all cohorts, combined median follow-up was 14.4 months (IQR 7.0 to 23.7). Cohorts B and C met or exceeded the target number of responses, with 5 (25 % [95 % CI: 9 to 49]) of 20 patients in cohort B and 4 (22 % [6 to 48]) of 18 patients in cohort C having a response. Cohorts A and D did not reach the target number of responses, with 6 (8 % [95 % CI: 3 to 17]) of 74 in cohort A and 2 (11 % [1 to 33]) of 19 patients in cohort D having a response. The most common grade 3 to 4 AEs were raised gamma-glutamyltransferase (13 [16 %] of 80 patients; cohort A); diarrhea (4 [25 %] of 20; cohort B); fatigue (4 [22 %] of 18; cohort C); and rash (5 [26 %] of 19; cohort D); 17 serious adverse reactions occurred in 11 patients, and there was 1 treatment-related death caused by grade 4 dyspnea (in cohort C). The authors concluded that ctDNA testing offered accurate, rapid genotyping that enabled the selection of mutation-directed therapies for patients with breast cancer, with sufficient clinical validity for adoption into routine clinical practice. These researchers stated that these findings demonstrated clinically relevant activity of targeted therapies against rare HER2 and AKT1 mutations, confirming these mutations could be targetable for breast cancer treatment.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. Inclusion of relatively heavily pre-treated patients might reduce activity of the targeted drugs, especially in cohort A, and future ctDNA selection trials might benefit from more restrictive entry criteria. The study was designed to examine the activity of therapies against specific genomic events; however, it did not target PIK3CA mutations, and as a result relatively few of the patients registered to the trial had a response to therapy (17 [1.6 %] of 1,051 patients). However, mutation-directed therapy with alpelisib is now approved to target PIK3CA mutations, and this study showed the clinical validity of using ctDNA to direct therapy. Cohort D was designed as a basket cohort from the outset, to examine the activity of capivasertib against different AKT pathway activating mutations. Only cohort D allowed entry of patients with previous tissue sequencing results, as it was anticipated that ctDNA testing alone might not recruit sufficient patients. Although these researchers identified low activity of capivasertib in PTEN-mutant cancers when used as a single agent, AKT inhibition in combination with paclitaxel chemotherapy might be effective in PTEN mutant cancers. Capivasertib plus fulvestrant might be effective in endocrine-resistant estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer without mutation selection, as shown in the FAKTION trial. It was not possible to robustly compare plasma MATCH with FAKTION, as patients enrolled in plasma MATCH had more previous lines of treatment, and AKT1 mutations were not assessed and would be few in number in FAKTION.
In a retrospective, single-center study, Alvarez et al (2020) reported their experience of cfDNA testing at the time of diagnosis and how this intervention could help avoid further invasive interventions, how it could be used to determine initiation of therapy, and how variation allele frequency of the somatic alteration affects response to subsequent treatment. This trial included patients with advanced NSCLC who had cfDNA from plasma tested using the Guardant360 panel, which identifies somatic genomic alterations by massive parallel sequencing of target genes. An institutional Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments tissue panel using FISH (for MET, RET, ROS1, and ALK) and NGS for selected genes was employed for tissue analysis. Actionable mutations are those with FDA-approved targeted therapies (EGFR, ALK, ROS, BRAF, NTRK fusions) or therapies soon to be approved (RET fusions and MET amplifications; or MET exon 14 skipping mutation). A total of 163 blood samples from 143 patients were evaluated, 82 at diagnosis and 81 at disease progression. A total of 94 cases had tissue and cfDNA testing performed within 12 weeks of each other; 76 (81 %) of 94 cases were concordant, of which 22 cases were concordantly positive and 54 concordantly negative; 18 (19 %) of 94 cases were discordant, of which 11 had negative blood and positive tissue results, and 7 had positive blood and negative tissue results. cfDNA testing had a sensitivity of 67 % (95 % CI: 51 % to 83 %), specificity of 89 % (95 % CI: 81 % to 97 %), NPV of 83 % (95 % CI: 74 % to 92 %), and PPV of 76 % (95 % CI: 60 % to 91 %); 19 (21 %) of 82 cfDNA samples analyzed at diagnosis had actionable mutations identified (4 EGFR exon 19 deletion, 2 EGFR exon 21 L858R, 2 EGFR L861Q, 1 L861R, 4 EML4-ALK fusion, 2 CD74-ROS1 fusion, 2 MET exon 14 skipping mutation, 2 KIF5B-RET fusion). Of the 82 patients with cfDNA testing performed at the time of diagnosis, 8 patients (10 %) initiated targeted therapy on the basis of cfDNA results only, with 6 patients experiencing PR, 1 patient CR, and 1 patient SD. The response rate for patients who initiated targeted therapies on the basis of cfDNA only at diagnosis was 88 %. Variant allele frequency had no impact on response. The authors concluded that initiation of targeted therapy for advanced NSCLC was feasible based only on identification of actionable mutations by cfDNA testing in 9 % of the cases for which tissue diagnosis could not be obtained. Actionable targets were identified by cfDNA in 20 % of the samples sent at diagnosis. A substantial number of patients benefited from cfDNA testing at initial diagnosis because it identified actionable mutations that led to appropriate targeted treatments. These researchers stated that cfDNA testing results are being incorporated and accepted in many clinical trials for patient enrollment, which also represents an opportunity to expand patient access to innovative treatments when obtaining further tissue for expanded molecular testing is challenging. Progressive disease remains a challenge, and cfDNA testing results can provide some insight into the mechanism of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors that in some instances tissue re-biopsy molecular testing might not reflect. It should also be noted that cfDNA variation allele frequency does not predict depth of response to targeted therapies.
In a retrospective data review, Dvir et al (2021) presented their real-world data on the use of liquid biopsies in the routine management of NCSLC patients. These investigators carried out a review of 279 consecutive patients with NSCLC in the community setting, who had liquid biopsies performed between 2014 and 2019 as part of routine clinical management. Over a period of 5 years, a total of 337 liquid biopsy samples, taken from 279 patients were sent for plasma NGS testing. The median age at diagnosis was 73 years (range of 36to 93, SD 10.4), 141 (51 %) were men and 138 (49 %) were women. The majority were White or Caucasian (80 % versus 8 % Black or African American versus 12 % multi-racial or unknown race) and had a history of smoking (79 %). Excluding synonymous mutations and variants of unknown significance, 254 AAs were detected in 106 patients. Commonly detected AAs were EGFR (n = 127, 50%), KRAS (n = 61, 24%), BRAF (n = 24, 9.5%), and MET (n = 23, 9%). Tissue NGS detected actionable aberrations in 45 patients, with EGFR (n = 28, 57 %) and KRAS (n = 10, 20 %) being the most common actionable aberrations. Concordance agreement between plasma and tissue NGS modalities was detected in 39 of 45 (86.7 %) patients and was demonstrated most commonly in EGFR (n = 25) and KRAS (n = 11). In 44 of 106 (41.5 %) of patients, for whom tissue NGS was not carried out, additional precision treatment was guided by the actionable aberrations detected through liquid biopsy. The authors concluded that integration of liquid biopsy into the routine management of patients with NSCLC demonstrated actionable aberrations detection in 44 additional patients, which comprised a 42 % increase in actionable aberrations detection rate, when tissue NGS was not performed. Moreover, these researchers stated that more powered studies are needed to examine if incremental benefit exists between tissue NGS and liquid biopsy; these findings cautiously showed a role for the use of liquid biopsy as part of routine clinical management.
The authors stated that this study was limited by its retrospective nature. The information regarding tissue NGS and mortality was captured via review of the electronic medical records, which may be incomplete. The liquid biopsy information was obtained from the Guardant360 database. Detection bias may be introduced if providers chose to order liquid biopsies in selected cases depending on specific characteristics (e.g., insurance coverage and non-smoking status). Evaluating whether clinicians had access to the genomic NGS data and offered patients informed therapy was not routinely documented, limiting the understanding of clinician decision-making with broad-based genomic-sequencing results.
In a prospective study, Palmero et al (2021) examined comprehensive NGS of cfDNA compared with SOC tissue-based testing to identify guideline-recommended alterations in advanced NSCLC (aNSCLC). Patients with treatment-naive aNSCLC were tested using a well-validated NGS cfDNA panel, and results were compared with SOC tissue testing. The primary objective was non-inferiority of cfDNA versus tissue analysis for the detection of 2 guideline-recommended biomarkers (EGFR and ALK) and an additional 6 actionable biomarkers. Secondary analyses included tissue versus cfDNA biomarker discovery, ORR, PFS to targeted therapy, and PPV of cfDNA. The primary objective was met with cfDNA identifying actionable mutations in 46 patients versus 48 by tissue (p < 0.05). In total, 0/186 patients were genotyped for all 8 biomarkers with tissue, compared with 90.8% using cfDNA. Targetable alterations or KRAS were identified in 80.7 % when cfDNA was used first versus 57.1 % when tissue was used first; PPV for cfDNA-detected EGFR was 100.0 % (25/25); ORR and PFS in patients receiving targeted therapy based on tissue or cfDNA were similar to those previously reported. The authors concluded that this study confirmed a previous report that comprehensive cfDNA testing was non-inferior to SOC tissue testing in detecting aNSCLC-recommended biomarkers. Furthermore, cfDNA-based 1st-line therapy produced outcomes similar to tissue-based testing, demonstrating the clinical utility of comprehensive cfDNA genotyping as the initial genotyping modality in patients with treatment-naive aNSCLC when tissue was insufficient or when all actionable biomarkers could not be rapidly assessed.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, the lack of a standardized tissue-based testing algorithm precluded direct comparison of comprehensive cfDNA versus tissue testing performance. Physicians used the tissue assays available to them as per their institutional SOC, as this study was designed to specifically address the critical question of what impact the addition of comprehensive cfDNA-based testing might have on real-world patient care and was not intended to be a head-to-head comparison of tissue and cfDNA NGS testing. In this study, only 2 patients had comprehensive NGS tissue testing. Second, although multi-center, this study was limited to Spain and may not reflect results in other patient populations or healthcare systems, although several studies with very similar results have been reported in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. Third, as this study was powered for a primary endpoint of non-inferiority, only a small number of patients received targeted therapy for any individual biomarker and were available for central RECIST assessment of response. Fourth, these researchers did not examine the correlation of clinicopathologic features with cfDNA detection rates and blood-tissue concordance. This topic has been addressed elsewhere and could be included in future studies. Finally, the findings of this study were only applicable to liquid biopsies that, like the current assay, perform comprehensive genomic profiling as defined by the MolDx program.
Cui et al (2022) noted that genomic sequencing is necessary for 1st-line advanced NSCLC (aNSCLC) treatment decision-making. While tissue NGS is standard, however, tissue quantity, quality, and time-to-results remains problematic. These researchers compared upfront cfDNA NGS clinical utility against routine tissue testing in patients with aNSCLC. cfDNA-NGS was carried out in consecutive, newly identified aNSCLC patients between December 2019 to October 2021 alongside routine tissue genotyping. Variants were interpreted using AMP/ASCO/CAP guidelines. The primary endpoint was tier-1 variants detected on cfDNA-NGS. cfDNA-NGS results were compared to tissue results. Of 311 patients, 282 (91 %) had an informative cfDNA-NGS test; 118 (38 %) patients had a tier-1 variant identified by cfDNA-NGS. Of 243 patients with paired tissue-cfDNA tests, 122 (50 %) tissue tests were informative; 85 (35 %) tissue tests identified a tier-1 variant. cfDNA-NGS detected 39 additional tier-1 variants compared to tissue alone, increasing the tier-1 detection rate by 46 % (from 85 to 124). The sensitivity of cfDNA-NGS relative to tissue was 75 % (25 % tissue tier-1 variants were not detected on cfDNA-NGS); 33 % of cfDNA tier-1 variants were not identified on tissue tests. Median time from request-to-report was shorter for cfDNA-NGS versus tissue (8 days versus 22 days; p < 0.0001). A total of 245 (79 %) patients received 1st-line systemic-therapy: 49 (20 %) with cfDNA-NGS results alone. Median time from sampling-to-commencement of 1st-line treatment was shorter for cfDNA-NGS blood draw versus 1st tissue biopsy (16 days versus 35 days; p < 0.0001). The authors concluded that given the ability of cfDNA-NGS to rapidly detect clinically relevant genomic variants, a plasma-first, tissue-next (if no relevant variants are detected on plasma) testing approach could improve the speed and accuracy of therapeutic decision-making and should be considered a key strategy to increase adequacy and timeliness of target identification and treatment for all patients with aNSCLC.
The authors stated that this trial was carried out at a single U.K. academic cancer center, a drawback of this study. Patients were referred from a variety of diagnostic services with different tissue molecular ordering methods and timelines to the authors’ center. Thus, to minimize unquantifiable bias, the tissue test turn-around time was calculated from the date of biopsy rather than the date of tissue molecular test request as this could not be accurately ascertained. In addition, in this real-world study, the tissue testing methods were heterogenous, reflecting their standard referral pathways and use of sequential hierarchical single-gene testing at some sites could have biased the comparisons between cfDNA-NGS and tissue testing times. Nevertheless, these comparisons did reflect real-world testing scenarios and were, therefore, clinically relevant. Moreover, these findings were based on a healthcare model of government-funded genotype testing, identifying the potential challenges and benefits of implementing cfDNA-NGS in this setting.
Garcia-Pardo et al (2023) stated that clinical management of patients with newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC requires molecular testing of genetic alterations to guide 1st-line treatment. Next generation sequencing in tumor tissue is recommended by clinical guidelines for diagnosis and molecular profiling for advanced non-squamous NSCLC. However, despite tissue-NGS is becoming more widely used, access to NGS testing is still limited in many parts of the world due to a lack of resources and infrastructure. Furthermore, tissue NGS in NSCLC can be challenging due to the need of invasive, limited-tissue content tumor biopsies, which are both time- and resource-consuming. Inadequate or delayed tumor tissue genotyping is one of the major barriers to access to targeted therapy. Detection of plasma ctDNA is becoming widely adopted as complementary to tissue tumor genotyping in NSCLC. Plasma-based molecular profiling is less invasive, faster, requires fewer resources, and it is non-inferior to tumor tissue genotyping in NSCLC. In a retrospective study, these investigators reported their experience using plasma-based NGS in patients with advanced NSCLC. They analyzed the frequency of oncogenic drivers detected, the proportion of patients treated with genotype-directed therapy, and survival outcomes. These researchers analyzed the findings of 109 patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent either Foundation One Liquid (n = 91) or Guardant360 (n = 18) as part of molecular pre-screening for clinical trials. They noted that plasma-based NGS can potentially identify additional driver alterations in patients with NSCLC compared to single-gene testing for EGFR, ALK and ROS1; this can be relevant when there is limited tissue for molecular profiling or if tissue biopsy is not feasible. The identification of driver alterations in plasma aids NSCLC patients to be treated with matched targeted therapy, which eventually might lead to better outcomes. The authors stated that further studies examining the cost-effectiveness of complementary liquid biopsy in addition to tissue genotyping are needed, as well as novel strategies such as a tissue-sparing, plasma-first approach. Moreover, they stated that timely and equitable access to targeted therapies will also be critical to translate research in precision medicine into improved patient care.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, this was a retrospective study, and the sample size was relatively small. Second, not all patients with advanced NSCLC referred the authors’ center were systematically enrolled in the molecular pre-screening studies, potentially leading to selection bias; this may account, in part, for the high rate of cases without full-valid tissue genotyping. Third, although not intended, this trial compared plasma-based NGS to single-gene testing for EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 only, due to access constraints to broad molecular testing in Spain; tissue-based NGS is considered the SOC for molecular profiling in NSCLC, and any kind of NGS (either plasma or tissue-based) is preferred to single-gene testing for EGFR, ALK and ROS1.
Powell et al (2024) stated that although immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapies are contraindicated as 1st-line treatment of advanced NSCLC in patients with ALK re-arrangement and EGFR mutation, many receive them. These researchers examined the association between optimal 1st-line treatment in this population and clinical outcomes. Claims and genomic data from patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC were extracted from a nationally representative GuardantINFORM data-set. Patients who had their 1st claim mentioning advanced or metastatic NSCLC between March 2019 and February 2020 and had ALK rearrangement or EGFR mutation detected by CGP were included in this study. Patients were classified as having received optimal or suboptimal 1st-line treatment. Claims were reviewed to determine real-world time to next treatment, real-world time to discontinuation, and health services utilization (emergency department, in-patient, and out-patient) in the 12 months following 1st-line treatment initiation. Survival analyses were carried out using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard models. Health services utilization was compared between the groups using t-tests and negative binomial models. Of the 359 patients included, 280 (78.0 %) received optimal 1st-line treatment. Optimally treated patients had longer median real-world time to next treatment (11.2 versus 4.4 months; p < 0.01) and real-world time to discontinuation (10.4 versus 1.9 months; p < 0.01). The optimal group had significantly fewer emergency department presentations (0.76 versus 1.27; p < 0.01) and out-patient visits (22.9 versus 42.7; p < 0.01) than the suboptimal group but did not significantly differ in in-patient utilization. Adjusted utilization analysis yielded similar findings. The authors concluded that patients with NSCLC who received optimal treatment, as determined by CGP using NGS-based circulating tumor DNA testing (Guardant360), had significantly superior clinical and utilization outcomes, reinforcing existing guidelines recommending profiling at the onset of treatment.
Guardant360 TissueNext
The Guardant360 TissueNext (Guardant Health, Inc.) is a next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based pan-cancer tissue test for patients with advanced solid tumor. The test is used to help oncologists identify actionable biomarkers for therapeutic management. The test applies targeted genomic sequence and DNA analysis of 84 or more genes and includes interrogation for sequence variants, gene copy number amplifications, gene rearrangements, microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB) from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue.
Haystack MRD Test
Haystack MRD (Quest Diagnostics) is a tumor-informed minimal residual disease (MRD) test that uses next generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood of patients with cancer or a previous diagnosis of cancer. The test requires identification of tumor-specific mutations for the development of a personalized ctDNA assay (Haystack MRD™ Baseline). The personalized assay is used to measure ctDNA to identify the presence of cancer in an initial blood sample and at subsequent timepoints (Haystack MRD™ Monitoring).
The Haystack MRD test process begins with sequencing of tumor tissue and a matched normal sample to develop a tumor-specific, personalized assay that is used for the Haystack MRD Baseline and Haystack MRD Monitoring ctDNA tests.
Circulating tumor DNA in blood is measured using the tumor-specific, personalized assay developed in the Haystack MRD Baseline step. The test can track up to 50 tumor-informed mutations. Detection of ctDNA indicates the presence of MRD which may inform recurrence risk. This baseline result is followed by Haystack MRD Monitoring tests to monitor treatment response and cancer recurrence. According to Quest Diagnostics, in patients with solid tumors, Haystack MRD enables ultrasensitive ctDNA testing with the ability to detect residual disease in 95% of cases at 0.0006% tumor fraction, to guide adjuvant therapy decisions, to assess treatment response, and to monitor for recurrence. Haystack MRD uses an "optimized version" of the ctDNA detection technology used in the DYNAMIC study, which assessed the clinical benefit of MRD testing to guide adjuvant therapy. DYNAMIC is not a Haystack MRD-sponsored study (Quest Diagnostics, 2024).
Results of the baseline assay are typically available 30 days after the receipt of both tissue and blood samples. The report provides the presence or absence of ctDNA and the quantity of ctDNA in units of mean ctDNA molecules per mL of plasma. All subsequent Haystack MRD Monitoring results are typically available 7 to 10 days after the receipt of blood samples. Results for all previously tested timepoints are provided to assess changes in ctDNA levels over time.
Tie, et al. (2016) investigated the clinical value of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis in patients with stage II colon cancer following surgical resection. In a prospective cohort of 230 patients, postoperative ctDNA was detected in 7.9% of those not treated with adjuvant chemotherapy; of these, 79% experienced recurrence, compared to only 9.8% recurrence in ctDNA-negative patients (hazard ratio [HR] 18, 95% CI 7.9–40, p < 0.001). Similarly, in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, persistent ctDNA after treatment was associated with markedly inferior recurrence-free survival (HR 11, 95% CI 1.8–68, p = 0.001). The study suggests that ctDNA analysis after stage II colon cancer resection provides evidence of minimal residual disease (MRD), helping to identify patients at high risk of recurrence. Among it's limitations, the study was a single-center, prospective cohort with a relatively modest sample size (230 patients), which limits generalizability and statistical power for subgroup analyses. The study did not systematically compare ctDNA detection with imaging or other biomarkers at the time of recurrence, so the lead time and sensitivity for early detection remain incompletely characterized. The false-negative and false-positive rates of ctDNA detection were not fully established, and some patients with negative ctDNA still recurred, indicating imperfect sensitivity. In addition, the follow-up period (median 27 months) may not capture all late recurrences, and the impact of ctDNA-guided interventions on long-term outcomes was not assessed.
Tie et al. (2019) examined the value of ctDNA in assessing recurrence risk in persons with stage III colon cancer after surgery and after adjuvant chemotherapy. In this multicenter cohort, patients with detectable ctDNA after surgery had a significantly higher risk of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 3.8; 95% CI, 2.4–21.0; P < .001), and those with detectable ctDNA after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy had an even higher risk (3-year recurrence-free interval 30% vs 77% for ctDNA-negative; HR 6.8; 95% CI, 11.0–157.0; P < .001). The investigators reported that ctDNA status remained prognostic after adjusting for clinicopathologic risk factors. Limitations of the study include the limited sample size, low event rate, lack of an independent validation cohort, and analysis of multiple patient subsets. Assay sensitivity was limited, with only 42% of recurrences detected by postsurgical ctDNA analysis. These limitations highlight the need for larger, prospective, and ideally randomized studies to validate ctDNA as a biomarker for guiding adjuvant therapy in stage III colon cancer.
Wang et al. (2019) evaluated the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis for recurrence risk assessment and postoperative surveillance in patients with resected, nonmetastatic colorectal cancer. In this prospective cohort of 58 patients with stage I–III colorectal cancer, serial ctDNA measurements were performed at 1 month postoperatively and every 3–6 months thereafter. The investigators found that detection of ctDNA during surveillance was highly prognostic: 77% of patients with positive ctDNA experienced recurrence, while none of the patients with persistently negative ctDNA relapsed during a median follow-up of 49 months. The investigators also found that ctDNA positivity preceded radiologic or clinical evidence of recurrence by a median of 3 months, and ctDNA was more sensitive than carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for recurrence detection. The most important limitations of the study are the small sample size, which limits statistical power and generalizability. The study was observational and not randomized, so it cannot determine whether earlier detection of recurrence by ctDNA improves clinical outcomes or survival. Additionally, the intervals for conventional surveillance imaging were not standardized to current U.S. or European guidelines, which may have biased the comparison of lead time between ctDNA and imaging modalities. The study did not address how ctDNA results should guide management, and whether acting on ctDNA positivity (e.g., with earlier intervention) would improve patient outcomes.
Tie et al. (2019) demonstrated that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a independent biomarker for recurrence risk and treatment response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer undergoing multimodality therapy. In 159 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery, ctDNA was detected in 77% pretreatment, but only 8.3% post-CRT and 12% post-surgery. Detection of ctDNA after CRT or after surgery was associated with a markedly increased risk of recurrence (post-CRT HR 6.6; post-surgery HR 13.0; both P<0.001), and postoperative ctDNA status remained an independent predictor of recurrence-free survival after adjusting for clinicopathologic factors. Three-year recurrence-free survival was 33% for postoperative ctDNA-positive patients versus 87% for ctDNA-negative. This study was conducted at a single center and included a moderate sample size (159 patients), which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The study was observational and not interventional; thus, while ctDNA positivity was strongly prognostic, the clinical utility of acting on ctDNA results (e.g., intensifying or de-escalating therapy) was not proven and requires prospective validation in randomized trials. The follow-up period, while sufficient to capture most recurrences, may not be long enough to assess late relapses or long-term survival impact. Finally, the study did not compare ctDNA with other emerging biomarkers or integrate ctDNA with imaging or clinical risk models, which could further refine risk stratification.
A pooled analysis of three cohort studies by Tie et al. (2021) found that detection of postsurgical circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer is a strong, independent prognostic marker for recurrence and overall survival. Among 485 patients with stage II colon, stage III colon, or locally advanced rectal cancer, ctDNA was detected in 12% of patients 4–10 weeks after surgery. Patients with detectable postsurgical ctDNA had significantly lower 5-year recurrence-free survival (38.6% vs 85.5%) and overall survival (64.6% vs 89.4%) compared to ctDNA-negative patients. The investigators reported that the prognostic value of ctDNA was superior to individual clinicopathologic risk features, and recurrence risk increased with higher ctDNA mutant allele frequency. This analysis is a pooled, retrospective evaluation of three independent cohort studies, which introduces potential heterogeneity in patient selection, treatment protocols, and follow-up schedules across cohorts. The study found that ctDNA was a better predictor of distant than locoregional recurrence, suggesting limited sensitivity for certain recurrence patterns. The investigators noted that the study population was limited to nonmetastatic colorectal cancer (stage II/III colon and locally advanced rectal cancer), so findings may not be generalizable to other stages or tumor types.
Tie, et al. (2022) reported a randomized, phase 2 trial (DYNAMIC) that evaluated whether a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-guided approach to adjuvant therapy could safely reduce chemotherapy use in patients with stage II colon cancer. Patients were randomized to either ctDNA-guided management (adjuvant chemotherapy only for those with detectable ctDNA at 4 or 7 weeks postoperatively) or standard management based on clinicopathologic risk features. The ctDNA-guided strategy halved the proportion of patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy (15% vs 28%) without compromising recurrence-free survival at 2 years (93.5% vs 92.4%, meeting noninferiority criteria). Three-year recurrence-free survival was 86.4% among ctDNA-positive patients who received chemotherapy and 92.5% among ctDNA-negative patients who did not, confirming the low recurrence risk in ctDNA-negative patients and suggesting benefit from chemotherapy in ctDNA-positive patients. The trial was not powered to detect differences in specific patient subgroups, such as those with high-risk clinicopathologic features or particular molecular subtypes, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions for these populations. The noninferiority margin for recurrence-free survival (8.5 percentage points) was relatively wide, raising concerns that clinically meaningful differences in recurrence risk could be missed,
Tie, et al. (2025) reported updated 5-year results from the DYNAMIC trial to confirm that a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-guided approach to adjuvant therapy in stage II colon cancer results in similar long-term recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to standard management, while substantially reducing the use of adjuvant chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of nearly 5 years, 5-year RFS was 88% in the ctDNA-guided group and 87% in the standard management group (difference 1.1%, 95% CI –5.8% to 8.0%), and 5-year OS was 93.8% versus 93.3% (hazard ratio 1.05; P = 0.887), demonstrating noninferiority of the ctDNA-guided strategy. The updated analysis also showed that ctDNA clearance after adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with excellent long-term outcomes (5-year RFS 97% if ctDNA cleared vs 0% if persistent), and that higher postoperative ctDNA levels predict worse prognosis. Although the ctDNA-guided and standard management arms were randomized, the ctDNA-positive and ctDNA-negative patients within the ctDNA-guided arm were not randomized to receive or not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, so the benefit of chemotherapy in ctDNA-positive patients and the safety of omitting chemotherapy in ctDNA-negative patients remain inferential rather than directly proven. The trial was not powered to assess efficacy within specific subgroups, such as patients with high-risk clinicopathologic features or particular molecular subtypes, limiting conclusions for these populations.
Li, et al. (2024) conducted a budget impact analysis of implementing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing to guide adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II colon cancer, specifically in the context of commercial health and Medicare Advantage plans in the United States. The analysis used a decision-analytical model to compare total costs between scenarios with and without ctDNA testing. In hypothetical 1-million-member plans, adoption of ctDNA testing was projected to result in cost savings for both commercial ($221,684; $0.02 per member per month) and Medicare Advantage ($116,720; $0.01 per member per month) payers. Cost savings were robust in commercial plans but more sensitive to assumptions about adjuvant chemotherapy use in the Medicare population. The number needed to test to avoid one patient receiving adjuvant chemotherapy was 4 in commercial and 10 in Medicare Advantage populations. The budget-neutral price for ctDNA testing was estimated at $16,202 for commercial and $5,793 for Medicare Advantage plans. The model did not account for the costs of disease recurrence and mortality, assuming based on the DYNAMIC trial that recurrence-free survival would be unchanged between ctDNA-guided and standard management. However, whether this equivalence holds in real-world clinical practice is uncertain, and any differences in recurrence or survival could impact long-term costs beyond the 1-year time frame analyzed. Parameter estimates were primarily derived from published literature and large US studies, but inherent uncertainty remains, especially regarding adjuvant chemotherapy use rates and regimen costs. These limitations highlight the need for ongoing real-world evaluation of ctDNA-guided management.
The NCCN guidelines for "Colon cancer" (Version 3.2025) state, "Circulating tumor (ctDNA) is a prognostic marker; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of ctDNA assays outside of a clinical trial. De-escalation of care and treatment decision-making are not recommended based on ctDNA results. Participation in clinical trials is encouraged".
HelioLiver Test
The HelioLiver test (Fulgent Genetics, LLC.) is a novel multi-analyte blood test that combines cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation patterns and measurement of serum of AFP/AFP-L3 and oncoprotein desgamma-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP) to help detect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The test is intended to be used for surveillance of HCC in adults 21 years and older who are designated to be at high-risk for the disease due to a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. The test results are based on an algorithm reported as normal or abnormal. The HelioLiver test is not intended as a replacement for diagnostic biopsies or diagnostic imaging by contrast enhanced MRI or CT.
Lin, et al. (2022) conducted a prospective, blinded, multicenter validation study to assess the performance of the HelioLiver Test. The study included 247 subjects (122 with HCC, 125 with chronic liver disease as controls). The HelioLiver Test demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.944, which was significantly superior to both alpha-fetoprotein (AFP; AUROC 0.851) and the GALAD score (AUROC 0.899) for HCC detection (p < 0.0001 for both comparisons). For HCC of any stage, the HelioLiver Test achieved a sensitivity of 85% (95% CI, 78–90%) and for early-stage (AJCC I and II) HCC, a sensitivity of 76% (95% CI, 60–87%). In comparison, AFP (≥20 ng/mL) and the GALAD score (≥-0.63) had lower sensitivities for both overall and early-stage HCC. Specificities were similar across all tests (HelioLiver 91%, AFP 97%, GALAD 94%). The findings indicate that the HelioLiver Test may outperform established blood-based surveillance tests and warrants further evaluation in HCC surveillance settings. The main limitations of this study are the case-control design, limited generalizability, modest sample size, lack of longitudinal data, and the need for further validation before clinical implementation.
HeproDx
mRNA expression testing for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (eg, HeproDx) purportedly incorporates levels of 161 genes, fresh hepatocellular carcinoma tumor tissue, AFP level and an algorithm to report a risk classifier related to HCC recurrence and metastasis.
HERmark
HERmark Breast Cancer Assay ( biosciences monogram) is used to help determine prognosis and therapeutic choices for metastatic breast cancer (Raman, et al., 2013). Clinical practice guidelines recommend determining HER2 status in patients with all invasive breast cancer, but caution that current HER2 testing methods such as central immunohistochemistry and Fluorescence in situ Hybridization test may be inaccurate in approximately 20% of cases. According to the HERmark Web site, their method precisely quantifies HER2 total protein and HER2 homodimer levels in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections and outperformed Fluorescence in situ Hybridization at determining patient outcomes in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
HERmark testing has been proposed for a number of indications, including use to predict response to trastuzumab in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Monogram, the manufacturer of the HERmark test, claims that the test can provide a more precise and quantitative measurement of the HER2 gene than IHC and fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) tests. The HERmark provides a quantitative measurement of HER2 total protein and HER2 homodimer levels, while conventional methods are an indirect measure of the HER2 gene, the manufacturer claims. The HERmark test will be offered as a CLIA-validated assay through Monogram's CAP-certified clinical laboratory. Other proposed indications for HERmark include determining the prognosis for breast cancer, and predicting treatment results in cancers other than breast cancer (e.g., ovarian prostate, head and neck, etc.). There are no current recommendations from leading medical professional organizations for the use of HERmark testing for breast cancer.
Yardley et al (2015) compared quantitative HER2 expression by the HERmark Breast Cancer Assay (HERmark) with routine HER2 testing by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and correlated HER2 results with overall survival (OS) of breast cancer patients in a multicenter Collaborative Biomarker Study (CBS). Two hundred and thirty-two formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissues and local laboratory HER2 testing results were provided by 11 CBS sites. HERmark assay and central laboratory HER2 IHC retesting were retrospectively performed in a blinded fashion. HER2 results by all testing methods were obtained in 192 cases. HERmark yielded a continuum of total HER2 expression (H2T) ranging from 0.3 to 403 RF/mm2 (approximately 3 logs). The distribution of H2T levels correlated significantly (P<0.0001) with all routine HER2 testing results. The concordance of positive and negative values (equivocal cases excluded) between HERmark and routine HER2 testing was 84% for local IHC, 96% for central IHC, 85% for local FISH, and 84% for local HER2 status. OS analysis revealed a significant correlation of shorter OS with HER2 positivity by local IHC (HR=2.6, P=0.016), central IHC (HR=3.2, P=0.015), and HERmark (HR=5.1, P<0.0001) in this cohort of patients most of whom received no HER2-targeted therapy. The OS curve of discordant low (HER2 positive but H2T low, 10% of all cases) was aligned with concordant negative (HER2 negative and H2T low, HR=1.9, P=0.444), but showed a significantly longer OS than concordant positive (HER2 positive and H2T high, HR=0.31, P=0.024). Conversely, the OS curve of discordant high (HER2 negative but H2T high, 9% of all cases) was aligned with concordant positive (HR=0.41, P=0.105), but showed a significantly shorter OS than concordant negative (HR=41, P<0.0001).
HPV-SEQ Test
HPV-SEQ (Sysmex Inostics, Inc.) is a a quantitative method for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection indicated for treatment monitoring of disease burden in HPV-related cancers. Specifically, it uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) based quantification of 8 DNA targets, cell free HPV 16 and 18 DNA from plasma, to detect minimal residual disease (MRD).
In a proof-of-principle study, Leung and colleagues (2021) asked whether a next-generation sequencing approach, HPV sequencing (HPV-seq), could provide quantitative and qualitative assessment of HPV ctDNA in low disease burden settings. The authors conducted preclinical technical validation studies on HPV-seq and applied it retrospectively to a prospective multicenter cohort of patients with locally advanced cervix cancer (NCT02388698) and a cohort of patients with oropharynx cancer. HPV-seq results were compared with digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR). The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS) according to end-of-treatment HPV ctDNA detectability. The authors found that HPV-seq achieved reproducible detection of HPV DNA at levels less than 0.6 copies in cell line data. HPV-seq and dPCR results for patients were highly correlated (R2 = 0.95, P = 1.9 × 10–29) with HPV-seq detecting ctDNA at levels down to 0.03 copies/mL plasma in dPCR-negative posttreatment samples. Detectable HPV ctDNA at end-of-treatment was associated with inferior PFS with 100% sensitivity and 67% specificity for recurrence. Accurate HPV genotyping was successful from 100% of pretreatment samples. HPV ctDNA fragment sizes were consistently shorter than non–cancer-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments, and stereotyped cfDNA fragmentomic patterns were observed across HPV genomes. The authors concluded that HPV-seq is a quantitative method for ctDNA detection that outperforms dPCR and reveals qualitative information about ctDNA. They state that their findings in this proof-of-principle study could have implications for treatment monitoring of disease burden in HPV-related cancers; however, future prospective studies are needed to confirm that patients with undetectable HPV ctDNA following chemoradiotherapy have exceptionally high cure rates.
Sanz-Garcia et al (2024) state that up to 30% of patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) relapse. Molecular residual disease (MRD) detection using multiple assays after definitive therapy has not been reported. In this study, the authors included patients with LA-HNSCC (stage III Human Papilloma virus (HPV)-positive, III-IVB HPV-negative) treated with curative intent. Plasma was collected pre-treatment, at 4–6 weeks (FU1) and 8-12 weeks (FU2) post-treatment. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was analyzed using a tumor-informed (RaDaR®) and a tumor-naïve (CAPP-seq) assay. HPV DNA was measured using HPV-sequencing (HPV-seq) and digital PCR (dPCR). A total of 86 plasma samples from 32 patients were analyzed; all patients with at least 1 follow-up sample. Most patients were stage III HPV-positive (50%) and received chemoradiation (78%). No patients had radiological residual disease at FU2. With a median follow-up of 25 months, there were 7 clinical relapses. ctDNA at baseline was detected in 15/17 (88%) by RaDaR and was not associated with recurrence free survival (RFS). Two patients relapsed within a year after definitive therapy and showed MRD at FU2 using RaDaR; detection of ctDNA during follow-up was associated with shorter RFS (p < 0.001). ctDNA detection by CAPP-seq pre-treatment and during follow-up was not associated with RFS (p = 0.09). HPV DNA using HPV-seq or dPCR during follow-up was associated with shorter RFS (p < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity for MRD at FU2 using RaDaR was 40% and 100% versus 20 and 90.5% using CAPP-seq. Sensitivity and specificity for MRD during follow-up using HPV-seq was 100% and 91.7% versus 50% and 100% using dPCR. The authors concluded that HPV DNA and ctDNA can be detected in LA-HNSCC before definitive therapy. The RaDaR assay but not CAPP-seq may detect MRD in patients who relapse within 1 year. HPV-seq may be more sensitive than dPCR for MRD detection. The authors acknowledged study limitations. Despite this being a prospective study, the plasma analysis was performed after all patients were recruited. However, research personnel performing the plasma analysis were blinded to clinical outcome. Second, the number of recruited patients and plasma samples are lower than expected, partially due to limitations to recruitment and plasma biobanking imposed by COVID restrictions. Moreover, all tests could not be performed in all samples, reducing the validity of our conclusions when making comparisons across the assays. They note that the small sample size in their study limits the potential applicability of their findings without further validation in larger studies. Finally, this study was not powered to evaluate the potential value of ctDNA kinetics in the immediate post-treatment setting. The authors state that further validation of the results is ongoing in a prospective multi-centric investigator-initiated study (MERIDIAN, NCT05414032), which includes a cancer interception strategy by randomizing patients who have MRD at FU2 to a novel bispecific checkpoint inhibitor (AZD2936) or observation. This study will aim to complete recruitment by the end of 2025 with an expected readout in 2026.
IDH1, IDH2, and TERT Mutation Analysis
IDH1, IDH2, and TERT mutation analysis, such as IDTRT (Mayo Clinic Laboratories) is a next-generation sequencing (NGS) test that examines solid tumor samples for somatic mutations in the IDH1 (isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (NADP+)), IDH2 (isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (NADP+)), and TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) promoter genes.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Biomarkers Compendium (NCCN, 2024) provides category 2A recommendations for using NGS to evaluate for IDH1, IDH2, and TERT mutations in central nervous system glioma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
IGoCheck
IGoCheck (Milagen, Inc.) is a serum-based test for monitoring cancer recurrence and treatment efficacy, particularly in colorectal cancer patients, by detecting cancer biomarkers in blood. More specifically, this is a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) used on serum to evaluate for secreted colorectal cancer protein marker BF7 antigen. Results are reported as indicative of response/no response to therapy or disease progression/regression.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for colon cancer (NCCN, 2025) do not provide a recommendation for evaluating BF7 antigen.
There is insufficient evidence in peer-reviewed published literature to support the clinical value of IGoCheck assay.
IMMray PanCan-d Test
IMMray PanCan-d (Immunovia, Inc.) is a multiplex immunoassay blood test that measures 9 serum biomarkers (C5, C4, cystatin C, factor B, osteoprotegerin (OPG), gelsolin, IGFBP3, CA125, and CA19-9), which is combined in an algorithm and reported qualitatively as positive, negative, or borderline for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The biomarkers are a combination of immunoregulatory and tumor biomarkers.
Brand et al (2022) conducted a prospective cohort study aimed to validate the clinical performance of the IMMray PanCan-d test and to better understand test performance in Lewis-null (le/le) individuals who cannot express CA19-9. Serum samples from 586 individuals were analyzed with the IMMray PanCan-d biomarker signature and CA19-9 assay, including 167 PDAC samples, 203 individuals at high risk of familial/hereditary PDAC, and 216 healthy controls. Samples were collected at 11 sites in the United States and Europe. The study was performed by Immunovia, Inc (Marlborough, MA), and sample identity was blinded throughout the study. Test results were automatically generated using validated custom software with a locked algorithm and predefined decision value cutoffs for sample classification. The authors found that the IMMray PanCan-d test distinguished PDAC stages I and II (n = 56) vs high-risk individuals with 98% specificity and 85% sensitivity and distinguished PDAC stages I–IV vs high-risk individuals with 98% specificity and 87% sensitivity. The authors identified samples with a CA19-9 value of 2.5 U/mL or less as probable Lewis-null (le/le) individuals. Excluding these 55 samples from the analysis increased the IMMray PanCan-d test sensitivity to 92% for PDAC stages I–IV (n = 157) vs controls (n = 379) while maintaining specificity at 99%; test sensitivity for PDAC stages I and II increased from 85% to 89%. The authors concluded that these results demonstrate the IMMray PanCan-d blood test can detect PDAC with high specificity (99%) and sensitivity (92%). The authors noted that their study addresses the diagnostic accuracy of PanCan-d but cannot assess its clinical utility. The authors also state that complete analysis of the prospective PanFAM clinical trial, which has accrued more than 1,000 participants, should provide additional relevant data regarding IMMray PanCan-d test performance and is expected within the next year.
Immunoassay Using Magnetic Nanosensor for Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Gao and colleagues (2017) developed a real-time assay for highly sensitive, label-free, multi-plexed electrical detection of lung cancer biomarkers by using silicon nanowire field-effect (SiNW-FET) devices. Highly responsive SiNW arrays were fabricated using a CMOS-compatible anisotropic self-stop etching technique with mass reproducibility and low-cost character. The SiNW nanosensor was integrated with PDMS microfluidic device, which allows rapid analyte delivery, makes the analysis to be conducted using exceedingly small samples and enables potential multi-plexed detection. The nanowire arrays allowed highly selective and sensitive multi-plexed detection of microRNA (miRNA)-126 and CEA. Due to high surface-to-volume ratio that the nanowire dimensions confer, the detection floor of single molecule was achieved. The potential utility in identifying clinical samples for early diagnosis of cancer was demonstrated by analyzing biomarkers in clinical related samples. The developed nanosensor with capability for multi-plexed real-time monitoring of biomarkers with high sensitivity and selectivity in clinically relevant samples is highly attractive for diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Wang and associates (2017) noted that DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification in human genomes. These researchers developed a single quantum dot (QD)-based nanosensor for sensitive detection of DNA methylation at both CpG and non-CpG sites using tricyclic ligation chain reaction (LCR)-mediated QD-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). They designed 2 sets of DNA probes (X and Y, X' and Y') for methylated DNA assay. In the presence of thermostable DNA ligase, probes X and Y may adjacently hybridize with the methylated DNA to obtain the ligated XY products that may function as the templates for probes X' and Y' to generate the X'Y' products. The resultant X'Y' products may in turn act as the templates to ligate probes X and Y for the generation of XY products, consequently inducing tricyclic LCR amplification under thermal denaturation conditions to generate a large number of XY products. The subsequent hybridization of XY products with the capture and reporter probes results in the formation of sandwich hybrids that may assemble on the 605QD surface to obtain 605QD-oligonucleotide-Cy5 nanostructures, inducing efficient FRET from the 605QD to Cy5 and the emission of Cy5. This nanosensor could detect DNA methylation at single 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) resolution with a detection limit of as low as 1.0 aM and a large dynamic range of 7 orders of magnitude. The authors concluded that this nanosensor could distinguish as low as a 0.01 % methylation level, and it could detect DNA methylation in human lung cancer cells as well, holding great potential for accurate epigenetic evaluation and early cancer diagnosis.
Hao and co-workers (2019) presented an electrolyte-gated graphene field effect transistor (GFET) nanosensor using aptamer for rapid, highly sensitive and specific detection of a lung cancer biomarker interleukin-6 (IL-6) with enhanced stability. The negatively charged aptamer folded into a compact secondary conformation upon binding with IL-6, thus altering the carrier concentration of graphene and yielding a detectable change in the drain-source current Ids. Aptamer has smaller size than other receptors (e.g., antibodies), making it possible to bring the charged IL-6 more closely to the graphene surface upon affinity binding, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of the detection. Thanks to the higher stability of aptamer over antibodies, which degraded easily with increasing storage time, consistent sensing performance was obtained by the nanosensor over extended-time (greater than 24 hours) storage at 25 °C. Furthermore, due to the GFET-enabled rapid transduction of the affinity recognition to IL-6, detection of IL-6 could be achieved in several minutes (less than 10 minutes). The authors concluded that experimental results indicated that this nanosensor could rapidly and specifically respond to the change in IL-6 levels with high consistency after extended-time storage and a detection limit (DL) down to 139 fM; thus, the nanosensor holds great potential for lung cancer diagnosis at its early stage.
UpToDate reviews on "Overview of the initial evaluation, diagnosis, and staging of patients with suspected lung cancer" (Thomas and Gould, 2019a) and "Selection of modality for diagnosis and staging of patients with suspected non-small cell lung cancer" (Thomas and Gould, 2019b) do not mention the use of magnetic nanosensor of as a diagnostic tool.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guidelines on "Non-small cell lung cancer" (Version 5.2019) and "Small cell lung cancer" (Version 1.2019) do not mention the use of magnetic nanosensor of as a diagnostic tool.
Immunohistochemistry 4 (IHC4)
IHC4 measures the levels of 4 key proteins (ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67) in addition to classical clinical and pathological variables (for example, age, nodal status, tumour size and grade) and calculates a risk score for distant recurrence using an algorithm (NICE, 2013). Quantitative assessments of ER, PR, and Ki-67 are needed for the IHC4 test. An online calculator for IHC4 is in development. The test uses formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples.
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) state: "If a patient has ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-positive or node-negative) breast cancer, the clinician should not use immunohistochemistry 4 (IHC4) to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic chemotherapy." This is a moderate-strength recommendation based upon intermediate-quality evidence. The ASCO guidelines recommend the use of IHC4 to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy for patien with HER2-positive breast cancer or TN breast cancer. The guidelines also recommended against the use of IHC4 to guide decisions on extended endocrine therapy for patients with ER/PgR-positive, HER-2 negative (node-negative) breast cancer who have had 5 years of endocrine therapy without evidence of recurrence.
Immunoscore for Estimating Risk of Recurrence or Determining Adjuvant Therapy in Patients with Colon Cancer
Immunoscore is a test that predicts the risk of relapse in patients with localized colon cancer (CC); thus, facilitating the chemotherapy decision-making process. It is a tissue-based immune assay carried out on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue samples of primary colon cancer intended to measure the host immune response at the tumor site. In combination with standard clinicopathologic features, Immunoscore informs adjuvant chemotherapy decision-making for patients with early-stage CC. Immunoscore values are reported based on pre-defined cut-offs in 5 categorical scores (IS 0 to 4) and in 2 categories of recurrence risk: Immunoscore Low (IS 0 and1) and Immunoscore High (IS 2 to 4), with a higher Immunoscore associated with a lower risk of recurrence
Pages and colleagues (2018) noted that the estimation of risk of recurrence for patients with CC must be improved. A robust immune score quantification is needed to introduce immune parameters into cancer classification. These researchers examined the prognostic value of total tumor-infiltrating T-cell counts and cytotoxic tumor-infiltrating T-cells counts with the consensus Immunoscore assay in patients with stage I to III CC. An international consortium of 14 centers in 13 countries, led by the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SIC), evaluated the Immunoscore assay in patients with TNM stage I to III CC. Patients were randomly assigned to a training set, an internal validation set, or an external validation set. Paraffin sections of the colon tumor and invasive margin from each patient were processed by immunohistochemistry, and the densities of CD3+ and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in the tumor and in the invasive margin were quantified by digital pathology. An Immunoscore for each patient was derived from the mean of 4 density percentiles. The primary endpoint was to examine the prognostic value of the Immunoscore for time to recurrence, defined as time from surgery to disease recurrence. Stratified multi-variable Cox models were used to examine the associations between Immunoscore and outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders. Harrell's C-statistics was used to assess model performance. Tissue samples from 3,539 patients were processed, and samples from 2,681 patients were included in the analyses after quality controls (700 patients in the training set, 636 patients in the internal validation set, and 1,345 patients in the external validation set). The Immunoscore assay showed a high level of reproducibility between observers and centers (r = 0.97 for colon tumor; r = 0.97 for invasive margin; p < 0.0001). In the training set, patients with a high Immunoscore had the lowest risk of recurrence at 5 years (14 [8 %] patients with a high Immunoscore versus 65 (19 %) patients with an intermediate Immunoscore versus 51 (32 %) patients with a low Immunoscore; HR for high versus low Immunoscore 0.20, 95 % CI: 0.10 to 0.38; p < 0.0001). The findings were confirmed in the 2 validation sets (n = 1,981). In the stratified Cox multi-variable analysis, the Immunoscore association with time to recurrence was independent of patient age, sex, T stage, N stage, MSI, and existing prognostic factors (p < 0.0001). Of 1,434 patients with stage II CC, the difference in risk of recurrence at 5 years was significant (HR for high versus low Immunoscore 0.33, 95 % CI: 0.21 to 0.52; p < 0.0001), including in Cox multi-variable analysis (p < 0.0001). Immunoscore had the highest relative contribution to the risk of all clinical parameters, including the AJCC and UICC TNM classification system. The authors concluded that the Immunoscore provided a reliable estimate of the risk of recurrence in patients with CC. These results supported the implementation of the consensus Immunoscore as a new component of a TNM-Immune classification of cancer.
Mlecnik and associates (2020) examined the prognostic value of Immunoscore in patients with stage III CC and analyzed its association with the effect of chemotherapy on time to recurrence (TTR). An international study led by the SIC evaluated the pre-defined consensus Immunoscore in 763 patients with AJCC/UICC TNM stage III CC from cohort 1 (Canada/U.S.) and cohort 2 (Europe/Asia). CD3+ and cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocyte densities were quantified in the tumor and invasive margin by digital pathology. The primary endpoint was TTR. Secondary endpoints were OS, DFS, prognosis in microsatellite stable (MSS) status, and predictive value of efficacy of chemotherapy. Patients with a high Immunoscore presented with the lowest risk of recurrence, in both cohorts. Recurrence-free rates at 3 years were 56.9 % (95 % CI: 50.3 % to 64.4 %), 65.9 % (95 % CI: 60.8 % to 71.4 %), and 76.4 % (95 % CI: 69.3 % to 84.3 %) in patients with low, intermediate, and high Immunoscores, respectively (HR; high versus low, 0.48; 95 % CI: 0.32 to 0.71; p = 0.0003). Patients with high Immunoscore showed significant association with prolonged TTR, OS, and DFS (all p < 0.001). In Cox multi-variable analysis stratified by participating center, Immunoscore association with TTR was independent (HR; high versus low, 0.41; 95 % CI: 0.25 to 0.67; p = 0.0003) of patient's sex, T stage, N stage, sidedness, and MSI status. Significant association of a high Immunoscore with prolonged TTR was also found among MSS patients (HR; high versus low, 0.36; 95 % CI: 0.21 to 0.62; p = 0.0003). Immunoscore had the strongest contribution χ2 proportion for influencing survival (TTR and OS). Chemotherapy was significantly associated with survival in the high-Immunoscore group for both low-risk (HR; chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy, 0.42; 95 % CI: 0.25 to 0.71; p = 0.0011) and high-risk (HR; chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy, 0.5; 95 % CI: 0.33 to 0.77; p = 0.0015) patients, in contrast to the low-Immunoscore group (p > 0.12). The authors concluded that the findings of this study showed that a high Immunoscore was significantly associated with prolonged survival in stage III CC; these findings suggested that patients with a high Immunoscore would benefit the most from chemotherapy in terms of recurrence risk.
Sinicrope et al (2020) noted that the AJCC staging and other prognostic tools fail to account for stage-independent variability in outcome. These researchers developed a prognostic classifier adding Immunoscore to clinicopathological and molecular features in patients with stage III CC. Patient (n = 559) data from the FOLFOX arm of adjuvant trial NCCTG N0147 were used to construct Cox models for predicting DFS. Variables included age, sex, T stage, positive lymph nodes (+LNs), N stage, performance status, histologic grade, sidedness, KRAS/BRAF, mismatch repair, and Immunoscore (CD3+, CD8+ T-cell densities). After determining optimal functional form (continuous or categorical) and within Cox models, backward selection was carried out to analyze all variables as candidate predictors. All statistical tests were 2-sided. Poorer DFS was found for tumors that were T4 versus T3 (HR = 1.76, 95 % CI: 1.19 to 2.60; p = 0.004), right- versus left-sided (HR = 1.52, 95 % CI: 1.14 to 2.04; p = 0.005), BRAF V600E (HR = 1.74, 95 % CI: 1.26 to 2.40; p < 0.001), mutant KRAS (HR = 1.66, 95 % CI: 1.08 to 2.55; p = 0.02), and low versus high Immunoscore (HR = 1.69, 95 % CI: 1.22 to 2.33; p = 0.001) (all p < 0.02). Increasing numbers of +LNs and lower continuous Immunoscore were associated with poorer DFS that achieved significance (both p < 0.0001). After number of +LNs, T stage, and BRAF/KRAS, Immunoscore was the most informative predictor of DFS shown multivariately. Among T1–3 N1 tumors, Immunoscore was the only variable associated with DFS that achieved statistical significance. A nomogram was generated to determine the likelihood of being recurrence-free at 3 years. The authors concluded that the Immunoscore could enhance the accuracy of survival prediction among patients with stage III CC.
The authors stated that a potential drawback of this study was the generalizability of results to patients who might not resemble those eligible for enrollment in the clinical trial. These researchers stated that the final model warrants external validation in an independent cohort of FOLFOX-treated, stage III patients. Because all patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, these investigators were unable to examine the predictive impact of co-variates for chemotherapy response. Relevant to this issue are data indicating that oxaliplatin may increase cytotoxic T-cell infiltration and may induce immunogenic cell death.
Pages and co-workers (2020) stated that the Immunoscore (IS), which prognostically classifies stage I to III CC patients, was evaluated in the International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant Therapy (IDEA) France cohort study examining 3 versus 6 months of oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III CC patients. Densities of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells in the tumor and invasive margin were determined by immunohistochemistry, quantified by digital pathology, and converted to IS. Mismatch repair status was determined by immunohistochemistry or by pentaplex PCR. Prediction of DFS by IS was analyzed by a multi-variable Cox regression model in each study arm. Harrell's C-statistics were used to examine the IS performance. Samples of 1,322 patients were available. IS low, intermediate (Int), and high were observed in 43.6 %, 47.0 %, and 9.4 % of patients, respectively. IS low identified patients at higher risk of relapse or death compared with Int + high [HR = 1.54; 95 % CI: 1.24 to 1.93, p = 0.0001]. The 3-year DFS was 66.80 % (95 % CI: 62.23 to 70.94) for IS low and 77.14 % (95 % CI: 73.50 to 80.35) for IS Int + high. In multi-variable analysis, IS remained significantly independently associated with DFS (p = 0.003) when adjusted for sex, histological grade, T/N stage, and MSI status. For mFOLFOX6-treated patients (91.6 % of the cohort), a statistically significant interaction was observed for the predictive value of IS for treatment duration (3 versus 6 months) in terms of DFS (p = 0.057). IS Int + high significantly predicted benefit of 6 months of treatment (HR = 0.53; 95 % CI: 0.37 to 0.75; p = 0.0004), including clinically low- and high-risk stage III CC (all p < 0.001). Conversely, patients with IS low (46.4 %) did not significantly benefit from the 6-month mFOLFOX6 versus the 3-month mFOLFOX6. The authors concluded that the prognostic value of IS for DFS was confirmed in patients with stage III CC treated with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Its predictive value for DFS benefit of longer duration of mFOLFOX6 adjuvant treatment was found in IS Int + high. Moreover, these researchers stated that these findings will be validated in an external independent cohort.
The authors stated that a drawback of this trial was that 90 % of patients in the IDEA France study were treated with the mFOLFOX6 regimen, which precluded any robust conclusion for patients receiving CAPOX. Furthermore, the median follow-up of the overall mITT population was 4.3 years; thus, it is still impossible to analyze the IS impact on long-term treatment benefit. They stated that the predictive value of IS needs now to be confirmed in FOLFOX- and/or CAPOX-treated patients in another cohort of the IDEA collaboration to validate the potential use of the IS test in guiding the choice of duration of adjuvant therapy.
Zaborowski et al (2021) noted that colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The therapeutic field of immuno-oncology has rapidly gained momentum, with strikingly promising results observed in clinical practice. Increasing emphasis has been placed on the role of the immune response in tumorigenesis, therapy and predicting prognosis. Enhanced understanding of the dynamic and complex tumor-immune microenvironment has enabled the development of molecularly directed, individualized treatment. Analysis of intra-tumoral lymphocyte infiltration and the dichotomization of CRC into microsatellite stable and unstable disease has important therapeutic and prognostic implications, with potential to capitalize further on these data. These researchers discussed the latest evidence surrounding the tumor biology and immune landscape of CRC, novel immunotherapies and the interaction of the immune system with each apex of the tripartite of cancer management (oncotherapeutics, radiotherapy and surgery). By using the synergy of chemotherapeutic agents and immunotherapies, and identifying prognostic and predictive immunological biomarkers, researchers may enter an era of unprecedented disease control, survivorship and cure rates. These investigators stated that recent data (Pages et al, 2020) suggested intra-tumoral immune response as measured by the Immunoscore may predict the therapeutic benefit of adjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with stage III CC.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Colon cancer” (Version 3.2021) states that “Several assays have been developed in hopes of providing prognostic and predictive information to aid in decisions regarding adjuvant therapy in patients with stage II or III colon cancer … the information from these tests can further inform the risk of recurrence over other risk factors, but the panel questions the value added. Furthermore, evidence of predictive value in terms of the potential benefit of chemotherapy is lacking. Therefore, the panel believes that there are insufficient data to recommend the use of multigene assays, Immunoscore, or post-surgical ctDNA to estimate risk of recurrence or determine adjuvant therapy”.
Insight TNBCtype
Prat et al (2015) noted that predicting treatment benefit and/or outcome before any therapeutic intervention has taken place would be clinically very useful. These researchers examined the ability of the intrinsic subtypes and the risk of relapse score at diagnosis to predict survival and response following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In addition, they evaluated the ability of the Claudin-low and 7-TNBCtype classifications to predict response within triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Gene expression and clinical-pathological data were evaluated in a combined dataset of 957 breast cancer patients, including 350 with TNBC, treated with sequential anthracycline and anti-microtubule-based neoadjuvant regimens. Intrinsic subtype, risk of relapse score based on subtype and proliferation (ROR-P), the Claudin-low subtype and the 7-TNBCtype subtype classification were evaluated. Logistic regression models for pathological complete response (pCR) and Cox models for distant RFS (DRFS) were used. Basal-like, Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2-enriched subtypes represented 32.7 %, 30.6 %, 18.2 %, and 10.3 % of cases, respectively. Intrinsic subtype was independently associated with pCR in all patients, in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative disease, in HER2-positive disease, and in TNBC. The pCR rate of Basal-like disease was greater than 35 % across all clinical cohorts. Neither the Claudin-low nor the 7-TNBCtype subtype classifications predicted pCR within TNBCs after accounting for intrinsic subtype. Finally, intrinsic subtype and ROR-P provided independent prognostic information beyond clinicopathological variables and type of pathological response. A 5-year DRFS of 97.5 % (92.8 to 100.0 %) was observed in these neoadjuvant-treated and clinically node-negative patients predicted to be low risk by ROR-P (i.e., 57.4 % of Luminal A tumors with clinically node-negative disease). The authors concluded that intrinsic subtyping at diagnosis provided prognostic and predictive information for patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Although these researchers could not exclude a survival benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early breast cancer with clinically node-negative and ROR-low disease at diagnosis, the absolute benefit of cytotoxic therapy in this group might be rather small (if any). These researchers stated that further studies are needed to determine the role of intrinsic subtyping in treatment decision-making at diagnosis of breast cancer.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, this was a retrospective and exploratory analysis of 4 datasets of patients treated with multi-agent chemotherapy; therefore, these investigators did not test a pre-specified hypothesis. Second, these researchers used the research-based version of the PAM50 assay and not the standardized version that is currently commercially available. Third, they could not evaluate the predictive ability of the intrinsic subtypes to specific regimens or schedules. Fourth, they used the pathological data as provided in each publication and different definitions and cut-offs might have been used to determine the positivity of each biomarker. Thus, the results might have differed if ER, PR, and HER2 status had been centrally confirmed. Nonetheless, the authors and others have reported that, even within centrally confirmed TNBC, all the intrinsic molecular subtypes can be identified. Fifth, Ki-67 by IHC was not available in any of the 4 datasets and thus these investigators could not explore the ability of this biomarker to predict pCR following chemotherapy or survival outcome in the presence of the intrinsic subtypes or histological grade, especially within HR+/HER2– disease. Sixth, the survival outcomes were only available in one of the data-sets evaluated. Finally, the cut-offs to define the 3 risk groups of ROR-P were based on a large node-negative cohort that did not receive adjuvant systemic therapy. These cut-offs might differ from the current standardized PAM50 version that took into account tumor size and that defined the low-risk group as those patients with a risk of distant relapse at 10-years below 3 %.
Ring et al (2016) noted that recently, a gene expression algorithm, TNBCtype, was developed that can divide TNBC)into molecularly-defined subtypes. The algorithm has potential to provide predictive value for TNBC subtype-specific response to various treatments. TNBCtype used in a retrospective analysis of neoadjuvant clinical trial data of TNBC patients demonstrated that TNBC subtype and pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were significantly associated. These researchers described an expression algorithm reduced to 101 genes with the power to subtype TNBC tumors similar to the original 2,188-gene expression algorithm and predicted patient outcomes. The new classification model was built using the same expression data sets used for the original TNBCtype algorithm. Gene set enrichment followed by shrunken centroid analysis were used for feature reduction, then elastic-net regularized linear modeling was used to identify genes for a centroid model classifying all subtypes, comprised of 101 genes. The predictive capability of both this new "lean" algorithm and the original 2,188-gene model were applied to an independent clinical trial cohort of 139 TNBC patients treated initially with neoadjuvant doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide and then randomized to receive either paclitaxel or ixabepilone to determine association of pathologic complete response within the subtypes. The new 101-gene expression model reproduced the classification provided by the 2,188-gene algorithm and was highly concordant in the same set of 7 TNBC cohorts used to generate the TNBCtype algorithm (87 %), as well as in the independent clinical trial cohort (88 %), when cases with significant correlations to multiple subtypes were excluded. Clinical responses to both neoadjuvant treatment arms, found BL2 to be significantly associated with poor response (OR = 0.12, p = 0.03 for the 2,188-gene model; OR = 0.23, p < 0.03 for the 101-gene model). Additionally, while the BL1 subtype trended towards significance in the 2,188-gene model (OR = 1.91, p = 0.14), the 101-gene model demonstrated significant association with improved response in patients with the BL1 subtype (OR = 3.59, p = 0.02). The authors concluded that these findings demonstrated that a model using small gene sets could recapitulate the TNBC subtypes identified by the original 2,188-gene model and in the case of standard chemotherapy, the ability to predict therapeutic response. Moreover, these researchers stated that additional studies are planned comparing both models on randomized clinical trial samples to fully explore the utility of models to identify responsive patient populations.
Lehmann et al (2016) stated that TNBC is a heterogeneous disease that can be classified into distinct molecular subtypes by gene expression profiling. Considered a difficult-to-treat cancer, a fraction of TNBC patients benefit significantly from neoadjuvant chemotherapy and have far better OS. Outside of BRCA1/2 mutation status, biomarkers do not exist to identify patients most likely to respond to current chemotherapy; and, to-date, no FDA-approved targeted therapies are available for TNBC patients. Previously, these researchers developed an approach to identify 6molecular subtypes TNBC (TNBCtype), with each subtype displaying unique ontologies and differential response to standard-of-care chemotherapy. Given the complexity of the varying histological landscape of tumor specimens, these investigators used histopathological quantification and laser-capture microdissection to determine that transcripts in the previously described immunomodulatory (IM) and mesenchymal stem-like (MSL) subtypes were contributed from infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor-associated stromal cells, respectively. Thus, these researchers refined TNBC molecular subtypes from 6 (TNBCtype) into 4 (TNBCtype-4) tumor-specific subtypes (BL1, BL2, M and LAR) and demonstrated differences in diagnosis age, grade, local and distant disease progression and histopathology. Using 5 publicly available, neoadjuvant chemotherapy breast cancer gene expression data-sets, these investigators retrospectively evaluated chemotherapy response of over 300 TNBC patients from pre-treatment biopsies subtyped using either the intrinsic (PAM50) or TNBCtype approaches. Combined analysis of TNBC patients demonstrated that TNBC subtypes significantly differed in response to similar neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 41 % of BL1 patients achieving a pCR compared to 18 % for BL2 and 29 % for LAR with 95 % CIs ([33 to 51], [9 to 28], [17 to 41], respectively). The authors provided pre-clinical data that could inform clinical trials designed to test the hypothesis that improved outcomes can be achieved for TNBC patients, if selection and combination of existing chemotherapies was directed by knowledge of molecular TNBC subtypes.
Guo et al (2018) stated that TNBC is an operational term for breast cancers lacking targetable estrogen receptor expression and HER2 amplifications. Thus, TNBC is inherently heterogeneous, and is associated with worse prognosis, greater rates of metastasis, and earlier onset. TNBC displays mutational and transcriptional diversity, and distinct mRNA transcriptional subtypes exhibiting unique biology. High-throughput sequencing has extended cancer research far beyond protein coding regions that include non-coding small RNAs, such as miRNA, isomiR, tRNA, snoRNAs, snRNA, yRNA, 7SL, and 7SK. These researchers performed small RNA profiling of 26 TNBC cell lines, and compared the abundance of non-coding RNAs among the transcriptional subtypes of TNBC. They also examined their co-expression pattern with corresponding mRNAs. The authors provided a detailed description of small RNA expression in TNBC cell lines that could aid in the development of future biomarker and novel targeted therapies.
Funakoshi et al (2019) stated that inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer. The triple-negative subtype of IBC (TN-IBC) is particularly aggressive. Identification of molecular differences between TN-IBC and TN-non-IBC may help clarify the unique clinical behaviors of TN-IBC. However, the authors’ previous study comparing gene expression between TN-IBC and TN-non-IBC did not identify any TN-IBC-specific molecular signature. Lehmann et al (2016) recently reported that the mesenchymal stem-like (MSL) TNBC subtype consisted of infiltrating tumor-associated stromal cells but not cancer cells. Thus, these investigators compared the gene expression profiles between TN-IBC and TN-non-IBC patient samples not of the MSL subtype. They classified 88 TNBC samples from the World IBC Consortium into subtypes according to the Vanderbilt classification and Insight TNBCtype, removed samples of MSL and unstable subtype, and compared gene expression profiles between the remaining TN-IBC and TN-non-IBC samples. In the Vanderbilt analysis, these researchers identified 75 genes significantly differentially expressed between TN-IBC and TN-non-IBC at an FDR of 0.2. In the Insight TNBCtype analysis, they identified 81 genes significantly differentially expressed between TN-IBC and TN-non-IBC at an FDR of 0.4. In both analyses, the top canonical pathway was "Fc Receptor-mediated Phagocytosis in Macrophages and Monocytes", and the top 10 differentially regulated genes included PADI3 and MCTP1, which were up-regulated, and CDC42EP3, SSR1, RSBN1, and ZC3H13, which were down-regulated. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that the activity of macrophages might be enhanced in TN-IBC compared with TN-non-IBC. Moreover, these researchers stated that further pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed to determine the cross-talk between macrophages and IBC cells.
InVisionFirst-Lung
NeoGenomics (Fort Myers, FL) developed the InVisionFirst-Lung liquid biopsy assay which is a clinical diagnostic laboratory-developed test validated for the accurate identification of genomic alterations in 37 genes and is intended to aid clinicians in therapeutic decision making for patients diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This test utilizes proprietary enhanced tagged-amplicon next generation sequencing (eTAm-Seq) technology which can detect point mutations, indels, amplifications and gene fusions from plasma cell free DNA (cfDNA) that commonly occur in (NSCLC) (NeoGenomics, 2023).
Plagnol, et al. (2018) conducted an analytical validation study for the InVisionFirst assay, a next generation sequencing liquid biopsy assay, for high sensitivity broad molecular profiling. For analytical validation, two 10 mL blood tubes were collected from NSCLC patients and health volunteer donors. In addition, contrived samples were used to represent a wide spectrum of genetic aberrations and variant allele fractions (VAFs). The investigators noted that the InVisionFirst assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of single nucleotide variants, indels, ALK and ROS1 gene fusions, and DNA amplifications in ERBB2, FGFR1, MET and EGFR. Furthermore, a comparison between InVisionFirst assay and digital PCR in a series cancer patients showed high concordance.
Invitae PCM MRD Monitoring
Invitae PCM MRD Monitoring (Invitae Corporation) test evaluates a patient blood specimen for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) related to the patient’s tumor profile identified in the Invitae PCM Tissue Profiling and MRD Baseline Assay. The test is used to help clinicians identify the presence of cancer cells following treatment (minimal residual disease, or MRD) and to monitor patients for cancer recurrence. This assay uses exome sequencing of a patient's tumor and blood specimens to identify tumor-specific variants for inclusion in the patient-specific panel. This panel is subsequently used to detect ctDNA in the patient’s peripheral blood using high throughput next generation sequencing (NGS).
Currently, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed literature to support the sensitivity or specificity of this test.
Invitae PCM Tissue Profiling and MRD Baseline Assay
Invitae PCM Tissue Profiling and MRD Baseline Assay (Invitae Corporation) uses targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in a non-invasive blood sample to identify patient-specific somatic mutations for subsequent minimal residual disease (MRD) evaluation, which is the level of cancer cells in the blood following treatment. This test is indicated for baseline testing. Results for ctDNA status are reported as “Detected”, “Not Detected”, or “Results Are Unavailable”.
Zhao et al (2023) state that emerging evidence suggest there is clinical utility for highly sensitive molecular assays for detecting plasma-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for monitoring MRD and recurrent disease, providing prognostic information, and monitoring therapy responses in patients with solid tumors. The authors point out that the Invitae Personalized Cancer Monitoring assay uses a patient-specific, tumor-informed variant signature identified through whole exome sequencing (WES) to detect ctDNA in peripheral blood of patients with solid tumors. The authors analytically validated the assay's tumor WES and ctDNA detection components using 250 unique human specimens and nine commercial reference samples that generated 1349 WES and cell-free DNA (cfDNA)-derived libraries. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is fragmented DNA shed by cells in the body into the bloodstream and other body fluids. The cfDNA released from tumors is specifically referred to as ctDNA and comprises only a fraction of total cfDNA. A comparison of tumor and germline WES was used to identify patient-specific tumor variant signatures and generate patient-specific panels, followed by targeted NGS of plasma-derived cfDNA using the patient-specific panels with anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) chemistry leveraging unique molecular identifiers. The authors found that WES resulted in overall sensitivity of 99.8% and specificity of > 99.9%. Patient-specific panels were successfully designed for all 63 samples (100%) with ≥ 20% tumor content and 24 (80%) of 30 samples with ≥ 10% tumor content. Limit of blank studies using 30 histologically normal, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens resulted in 100% expected panel design failure. The ctDNA detection component demonstrated specificity of > 99.9% and sensitivity of 96.3% for a combination of 10 ng of cfDNA input, 0.008% allele frequency, 50 variants on the patient-specific panels, and a baseline threshold. Limit of detection ranged from 0.008% allele frequency when utilizing 60 ng of cfDNA input with 18-50 variants in the patient-specific panels (> 99.9% sensitivity) with a baseline threshold, to 0.05% allele frequency when using 10 ng of cfDNA input with an 18-variant panel with a monitoring threshold (> 99.9% sensitivity). The authors concluded that the Invitae Personalized Cancer Monitoring assay, featuring a flexible patient-specific panel design with 18-50 variants, demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for detecting ctDNA at variant allele frequencies as low as 0.008%. Moreover, this assay may support patient prognostic stratification, provide real-time data on therapy responses, and enable early detection of residual/recurrent disease. The authors acknowledged limitations of ctDNA assays, such as they are prone to biological limitations. The amount of ctDNA in the blood depends on many factors, including tumor type, burden, and stage of disease, and may vary over the course of treatment. Particular cancer types, such as colorectal cancer, and higher stage tumors have higher shed rates, and early-stage tumors may have low shed rates that make ctDNA fractions at or below the lower limits of detection (LOD) of a ctDNA assay. Circulating tumor DNA detection can also be affected by low fractions of ctDNA owing to other factors such as a patient’s body mass index (BMI), which can result in ctDNA fractions below an assay’s LOD. As the clinical utility of ctDNA testing matures, ctDNA analysis and clinical reporting will also evolve. The authors state that as with any emerging field, it will be essential to develop clinical practice guidelines along with education and training of clinical personnel for the application and interpretation of ctDNA testing, and that harmonization of reported results between different laboratories offering this type of test and recommendations on essential reported values will also be critical.
IsoPSA
The IsoPSA (Cleveland Diagnostics, Inc) is a blood test used to identify prostate cancer risk for men over 50 years of age with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (greater than 4 ng/mL) facing prostate biopsy. The test analyzes all PSA structural isoforms by phase separation and immunoassay, and uses an algorithm to report risk of cancer. IsoPSA is not indicated for men under 50 years of age, men who have had a recent (less than 72 hours) prostate manipulation, including digital rectal exam; recent (less than 2 weeks) UTI and/or prostatitis; recent (less than 30 days) prostate surgery, urinary catheterization, prostate infarction, or endoscopic evaluation; or diagnosis of prostate cancer or other urinary tract malignancy (Cleveland Diagnostics, 2022).
Benidir et al (2022) conducted a single center, retrospective review to explore if elevated IsoPSA selects for particular adverse radiographic or histopathologic features among men destined to undergo radical prostatectomy (RP) because of clinically significant prostate cancer identified at biopsy. A consecutive cohort of patients whom had undergone RP within the same period without pre-operative IsoPSA served as controls. Patient had undergone a pre-operative prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Adverse histopathologic and MRI features were compared between both groups. Concordance, downstaging, and upstaging grade group rates (GG) was evaluated. Pearson Chi-Square test was used to compare categorical variables, Wilcoxon-Rank sum test for quantitative variables, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of upstaging at RP. Eighty-three patients underwent IsoPSA and RP while 44 patients were controls. The authors found that the IsoPSA group had significantly higher pre-operative PSA (IsoPSA group: 7.8 ng/mL vs Control group: 5.2 ng/mL, p<.001 ). Elevated IsoPSA index (>6.0) did not select for any specific adverse histopathologic features at RP. Excluding PSA density, elevated IsoPSA was not selective for adverse MRI features. There were no differences in concordance, downstaging, and upstaging GG rates from biopsy to RP. IsoPSA testing was not a predictor of GG upstaging (Odds Ratio: 0.63, p .58). The authors concluded that elevated IsoPSA is a diagnostic tool that can detect clinically significant prostate at the time of biopsy. In doing so, it does not select for any particular adverse prostate MRI or pathologic feature at RP.
Klein et al (2022) conducted a prospective, multicenter study to validate the diagnostic performance of IsoPSA for High-Grade prostate cancer (CaP) and Any CaP risk on biopsy in men aged 50 years or older with total PSA greater than or equal to 4 ng/ml. The study included 888 men scheduled for prostate biopsy at 8 academic and community sites between August 2015 and August 2020. Participant demographics in the validation study were broadly reflective of contemporary urological practice in the United States and consistent with the recruitment of men at increased risk for CaP representing the targeted intended use population for IsoPSA which included the following demographics for the evaluable cohort of 888 subjects: 103 African-Americans, 712 Caucasians, 7 Hispanics, 29 other, 37 unkown. Receiver operating characteristic and likelihood ratio analysis used to validate diagnostic performance for previously established IsoPSA Index cutoffs for High-Grade CaP (Gleason Score ≥ 7) and Any CaP (Gleason Score ≥ 6), compare IsoPSA to total PSA and % free PSA, and evaluate subgroups (total PSA 4-10 ng/ml, total PSA > 10 ng/ml, biopsy naïve, prior negative biopsy). The disease prevalence was 35.6% (High-Grade CaP) and 58.9% (Any CaP). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.783 (High-Grade CaP) and 0.770 (Any CaP). IsoPSA outperformed total PSA and % free PSA on area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, specificity, positive and negative predictive value at similar sensitivity. Using selected IsoPSA Index cutoffs, an estimated 46% (High-Grade CaP) and 42% (Any CaP) of biopsies could be avoided in low-risk patients. IsoPSA displayed statistically informative likelihood ratio-based predictive characteristics. IsoPSA maintained accuracy in clinically relevant subgroups. The authors concluded that the IsoPSA diagnostic performance and predictive value is validated for High-Grade CaP and Any CaP in men age 50 years or older with total PSA greater than or equal to 4 ng/ml undergoing diagnostic biopsy. IsoPSA outperforms total and % free PSA in discriminating the risk of prostate cancer on biopsy. IsoPSA has the potential to reduce unnecessary biopsies and improve the risk-benefit ratio for CaP early detection. Potential limitations include decentralized pathology review, lack of standardized biopsy techniques, and the use of specificity to estimate unnecessary biopsies saved which may fail to account for false positive IsoPSA or false negative biopsy (i.e., biopsy template error) results.
Scovell et al. (2023) evaluated whether the diagnostic performance of IsoPSA is affected by the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) or alpha-blockers in men undergoing evaluation for prostate cancer. In a secondary analysis of a multicenter, prospective cohort of 888 men aged ≥50 years with total PSA ≥4 ng/mL and planned prostate biopsy, the authors compared IsoPSA’s sensitivity, specificity, and ROC characteristics in subgroups based on 5-ARI and alpha-blocker use. The investigators found that IsoPSA performance characteristics (sensitivity and ROC AUC) for detecting both any prostate cancer and clinically actionable prostate cancer (Grade Group 2 or higher) were unaffected by the use of 5-ARIs or alpha-blockers. Specificity was similar regardless of 5-ARI use, and although specificity was higher in patients on alpha-blockers, overall diagnostic accuracy was not compromised.
In an observational study, Scovell et al (2022) examined the impact of the IsoPSA test for PCa risk assessment on provider patient management decisions in a real-world clinical setting. A total of 38 providers, including advanced practice providers, fellowship trained oncologists as well as general urologists in the Cleveland Clinic health system including both community-based practices and academic locations, enrolled 900 men being evaluated for PCa; 734 met inclusion criteria (age of 50 years or older, total serum PSA of 4 or higher and less than 100 ng/ml and no history of PCa) and IsoPSA indication for use. A standard template was used to document biopsy recommendation before and after receiving IsoPSA results. The primary outcome was the number of biopsy and MRI recommendation changes occurring after IsoPSA testing. IsoPSA testing resulted in a 55 % (284 vs 638) net reduction in recommendations for prostate biopsy for men with total PSA of 4 ng/ml or higher. Furthermore, a 9 % reduction in recommendations for MRI was observed. There was strong concordance between IsoPSA results and provider recommendations for prostate biopsy, with 87 % of patients with an IsoPSA index above the threshold recommended for biopsy and 92 % of patients with an IsoPSA index below the threshold not recommended for biopsy. The authors concluded that in a real-world clinical setting, providers from diverse training backgrounds and practice settings readily adopted IsoPSA with substantial reductions in the rate of recommended prostate biopsies in patients with elevated PSA values (4 ng/ml or higher). There was a high concordance between recommendation for or against prostate biopsy and the IsoPSA result.
An accompanying editorial (Baskin, 2022) stated that “A strength of the study was its performance in a diverse cohort of providers, making it applicable to the community at large. Importantly, the overall reduction was similar between the biopsy-naïve and prior negative biopsy cohort (53.2 % vs 57.8 %). Unfortunately, the authors were not able to collect data on whether patients had previous prostate magnetic resonance imaging or PSA density information available to providers when making biopsy recommendations. Controlling for these important clinical factors in future study would help to further flesh out the utility of IsoPSA testing”.
Abdallah et al. (2025) evaluated the intermediate-term predictive value of the IsoPSA index for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men with elevated PSA. In a retrospective review of 1,578 men who underwent IsoPSA testing, patients were stratified by baseline IsoPSA index (≤6 vs. >6). Men with a low baseline IsoPSA index (≤6) had a markedly lower risk of subsequent csPCa diagnosis over 30 months (6.3%) compared to those with a high IsoPSA index (>6, 49.5%). The risk of csPCa at 12 and 24 months for the low IsoPSA group was 0.4% and 2.5%, respectively, supporting the use of IsoPSA to safely defer further testing in this population. Study limitations noted by the authors include the retrospective design, which may introduce selection bias, and the fact that not all patients underwent biopsy, so the true rate of csPCa may be underestimated. Additionally, as a single-center study, generalizability may be limited. The authors concluded that these findings suggest that a low baseline IsoPSA index provides durable risk stratification for csPCa and may help avoid unnecessary follow-up testing in men with elevated PSA.
An American Urologic Association guideline on early detection of prostate cancer (Wei, et al., 2023) stated: "Clinicians may use adjunctive urine or serum markers when further risk stratification would influence the decision regarding whether to proceed with biopsy. (Conditional Recommendation; Evidence Level: Grade C)." The guidelines state that there are several blood and urine markers available alone or in combination to further risk stratify patients with a mildly elevated PSA. The intent is to improve upon the poor specificity of PSA and avoid the risks associated with unnecessary biopsies. The guidelines note, however, with avoidance of biopsies comes the risk of delaying the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (“false negatives”). Importantly, such biomarkers should not be used in situations in which the risk of high grade prostate cancer is so low or so high the result of adjunctive biomarkers would not influence the decision of whether to proceed with further testing (e.g., MRI and/or biopsy). The guidelines state that it is debatable which of the newer biomarkers (alone or in combination) is best, and comparative studies are sparse.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology on "Prostate cancer early detection" Version 1.2022, states that tests like IsoPSA can be considered in patients thought to be higher risk despite a negative prostate biopsy. In addition, NCCN states that "biomarkers that improve the specificity of detection are not, as yet, mandated as first-line screening tests in conjunction with serum PSA. However, there may be some patients who meet PSA standards for consideration of prostate biopsy, but for whom thdolent cancers. However, the clinical utility of these strategies is uncertain, there is no consensus on using any of these tests, and additional studies for clinical effectiveness are needed. The American Urological Association (AUA) guideline noted the lack of evidence for using any tests other than PSA to determine the need for a referral for biopsy".
An UpToDate review on "Genetic risk factors for prostate cancer" (Cheng and Nelson, 2022) states, "Although an SNP associated with prostate cancer may not reside within a known gene, it can be used to localize candidate genes that require further confirmation. Among the genes that have been suggested in this way are HOXB13, microseminoprotein beta (MSMB), lemur tyrosine kinase 2 (LMTK2), kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3), copine 3 (CPNE3), interleukin 16 (IL16), cadherin 13 (CDH13), and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1B (HNF1B). "Additional studies are needed in broader populations to determine whether new models and biomarkers can be combined with PSA levels and other clinical factors (i.e., age, race, family history, prior biopsies) to identify males who are at particularly high risk for prostate cancer."
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Prostate Cancer Early Detection” (Version 2.2024) states that “Biomarkers that improve the specificity of detection are not, as yet, mandated as first-line screening tests in conjunction with serum PSA. However, there may be some patients who meet PSA standards for consideration of prostate biopsy, but for whom the patient and/or the physician wish to further define risk. Lower percent-free PSA and/or higher PSA density are associated with a greater risk of high-grade prostate cancer. The probability of high-grade cancer (Gleason score ≥ 3+4, Grade Group 2 or higher) may be further defined utilizing the Prostate Health Index (PHI), SelectMDx, 4Kscore, ExoDx Prostate Test, MyProstateScore (MPS), and IsoPSA. Extent of validation of these tests across diverse populations is variable. It is not yet known how such tests could be applied in optimal combination with MRI”.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Prostate Cancer Early Detection” (Version 1.2025) recommends to "consider biomarkers and/ or risk calculators that improve the specificity of screening."
Liquid Biopsy for Lung Cancer
Lindeman and colleagues (2018) noted that in 2013, an evidence-based guideline was published by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), and the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) to set standards for the molecular analysis of lung cancers to guide treatment decisions with targeted inhibitors. The authors stated that the 2013 guideline was largely re-affirmed with updated recommendations to allow testing of cytology samples, require improved assay sensitivity, and recommend against the use of immunohistochemistry for EGFR testing. Principal new recommendations included ROS1 testing for all adenocarcinoma patients; the inclusion of additional genes (ERBB2, MET, BRAF, KRAS, and RET) for laboratories that perform NGS panels; immunohistochemistry as an alternative FISH for ALK and/or ROS1 testing; use of 5 % sensitivity assays for EGFR T790M mutations in patients with secondary resistance to EGFR inhibitors; and the use of cell-free DNA to "rule in" targetable mutations when tissue is limited or hard to obtain. In particular, the authors stated that there is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of circulating plasma cfDNA molecular methods for establishing a primary diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. However, in some clinical settings in which tissue is limited and/or insufficient for molecular testing, physicians may use a cfDNA assay to identify EGFR mutations. Thus, physicians may use plasma cfDNA methods to identify EGFR T790M mutations in lung adenocarcinoma patients with progression or secondary clinical resistance to EGFR-targeted TKIs; testing of the tumor sample is recommended if the plasma result is negative.
Kalemkerian and associates (2018) stated that the CAP, the IASLC, and the AMP recently updated their recommendations for molecular testing for the selection of patients with lung cancer for treatment with targeted TKIs. ASCO has a policy and set of procedures for endorsing clinical practice guidelines that have been developed by other professional organizations. The molecular testing guideline was reviewed for developmental rigor by methodologists. Then an ASCO Expert Panel reviewed the content and the recommendations. The ASCO Expert Panel determined that the recommendations from the CAP/IASLC/AMP molecular testing guideline are clear, thorough, and based upon the most relevant scientific evidence. ASCO endorsed the guideline with minor modifications. This update clarified that any sample with adequate cellularity and preservation may be tested and that analytical methods must be able to detect mutation in a sample with as little as 20 % cancer cells. It strongly recommended against evaluating EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry for selection of patients for EGFR-targeted therapy. New for 2018 were recommendations for stand-alone ROS1 testing with additional confirmation testing in all patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma, and RET, ERBB2 (HER2), KRAS, and MET testing as part of larger panels. ASCO also recommended stand-alone BRAF testing in patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Recommendations were also provided for testing methods for lung cancers that have a non-adenocarcinoma non-small-cell component, for patients with targetable mutations who have relapsed on targeted therapy, and for testing the presence of circulating cell-free DNA.
An ASCO and College of American Pathologists (CAP) joint review of circulating tumor DNA analysis in patients with cancer (Merker, et al., 2018) concluded: "Some ctDNA assays have demonstrated clinical validity and utility with certain types of advanced cancer; however, there is insufficient evidence of clinical validity and utility for the majority of ctDNA assays in advanced cancer. Evidence shows discordance between the results of ctDNA assays and genotyping tumor specimens and supports tumor tissue genotyping to confirm undetected results from ctDNA tests. There is no evidence of clinical utility and little evidence of clinical validity of ctDNA assays in early-stage cancer, treatment monitoring, or residual disease detection. There is no evidence of clinical validity and clinical utility to suggest that ctDNA assays are useful for cancer screening, outside of a clinical trial."
LiquidHALLMARK
LiquidHALLMARK (Lucence Health Inc.) test analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in plasma using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect mutations in 80 genes, fusions in 10 genes, insertions/deletions, copy number alterations, and microsatellite instability (MSI). As an add-on option, LiquidHALLMARK analyses 36 ctRNA targets for actionable and emerging fusions. LiquidHALLMARK targets genes that are commonly associated with 15 cancers, including lung, breast and colon cancer. The test reports any identified mutations along with a guide to possible clinically actionable treatment options. Per Lucence Health, ctRNA results are currently investigational – results provided for informational, non-diagnostic purposes only.
LiquidHALLMARK may also analyze ctDNA in plasma using NGS to detect mutations in 77 genes, identify 8 gene fusions, and assess MSI and tumor mutation burden (TMB), providing an interpretive report for single-nucleotide variants, copy-number alterations, with therapy recommendations.
Poh et al (2022) reported on the analytical and clinical validation of LiquidHALLMARK, an amplicon-based NGS liquid biopsy assay which interrogates 80 cancer-related genes for SNVs, INDELs, CNAs, and gene fusions, as well as additional biomarkers including oncogenic viruses (EBV and HBV) and MSI. The authors examined a total of 1592 samples submitted to their laboratory between January 2018 and May 2021. While the assay is intended for advanced cancer patients to aid clinical therapeutic decision making, 4.5% (n = 71) of the samples were comprised of either screening cases in healthy individuals (n = 61), or suspected cancer cases (n = 10). Additionally, samples from patients with localized tumors constituted 8.7%. The authors found that overall, 73.6% (1120/1521) of cancer samples harbored at least one detectable genetic variant (ctDNA positive), including 40.6% of samples from localized tumors and 78.5% of samples from metastatic tumors. The most commonly altered genes among the ctDNA positive samples were TP53, KRAS, PIK3CA, APC, SMAD4, and PTEN. EGFR alterations were detected in 36.1% of all ctDNA positive samples and in 62.8% of the lung cancer samples. The assay demonstrated a high sensitivity for detecting point mutations (99.38%) and insertions/deletions (95.83%) at a 0.1% variant allele frequency (VAF), and gene fusions at a 0.5% VAF with a sensitivity of 91.67%. Specificity in non-cancer samples exceeded 99.9999%. Clinical application indicated that 74.8% of cancer samples tested ctDNA-positive, with significant representation from lung cancer patients. Among ctDNA-positive lung cancers, 72.5% harbored at least one biomarker with a guideline-approved drug indication. The authors concluded that these results establish the high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision of the LiquidHALLMARK assay and supports its clinical application for blood-based genomic testing. The assay has some limitations. Although patient-matched tumor tissue and plasma samples were obtained, these samples were not temporally matched, and the treatment status of patients between collection of tumor tissue and blood is unknown. This potentially underestimates the true positive percent agreement of the assay and represents a limitation of the tissue concordance studies performed. In addition to high sensitivity, the assay exhibits uniformly high sequencing depth across the targeted regions of genome coverage, recovering a median 69.6% of unique input DNA molecules (range 42.0–98.4%), with 98.7% of calls having a unique coverage of >1000X. Moreover, its lower sensitivity for gene fusions compared to point mutations and deletions may affect its performance in certain cancer types where thee fusions are prevalent diagnostic markers. Further, the external validation with the cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2 showed a reduced concordance of 84.00%, indicating potential variability in performance with different reference standards or in clinical settings. Overall, the LiquidHALLMARK assay provides a platform for ctDNA analysis with broad genomic coverage; however, it has specific areas where performance may be less optimal, particularly in detecting gene fusions and certain complex genomic alterations at low frequencies. Additional studies to demonstrate clinical validity and utility are ongoing.
Ravi and colleagues (2022) evaluated serial plasma collections from 39 patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC) receiving immune checkpoint (ICI) therapy and profiled ctDNA using a novel and sensitive amplicon-based NGS assay, LiquidHALLMARK. At least one genomic alteration was detected in the ctDNA samples of 37 (95%) patients pre-therapy and 39 (100%) patients post-therapy. There was a median of three unique genomic alterations per patient in both the pre- and post-immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy samples. The most common genomic alterations were in TP53 (54% pre- and post-therapy), TERT (49% pre-therapy and 59% post-therapy, respectively) and BRCA1/BRCA2 (33% pretherapy and 33% post-therapy, respectively). At the time of the post-therapy sample, 9 of 36 evaluable patients (25%) had a complete or partial response to treatment. Among these 9 patients, 7 (78%) demonstrated clearance of one or more genomic alterations per ctDNA. Four patients had clearance of TP53 variants. Further, patients in whom clearance of TP53 variants was seen during ICI therapy had a higher likelihood of response compared to those in whom TP53 variants remained or emerged during therapy (50% versus 12.5%; p = .046). The authors state that while these findings are hypothesis-generating and require validation and evaluation in other settings (chemotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates), noninvasive serial evaluation of ctDNA may assist in monitoring response to therapy and guide the development of rational therapeutic combinations with ICI.
Long Non-Coding RNA in Gallbladder Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Ricciuti and associates (2016) stated that recent advances in tiling array and high throughput analyses revealed that at least 87.3 % of the human genome is actively transcribed, though less than 3 % of the human genome encodes proteins. This unexpected truth suggests that most of the transcriptome is constituted by non-coding RNA. Among them, high-resolution microarray and massively parallel sequencing analyses identified long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as non-protein-coding transcripts. lncRNAs are largely poly-adenylated and greater than 200 nucleotides in length transcripts, involved in gene expression through epigenetic and transcriptional regulation, splicing, imprinting and subcellular transport. Although lncRNAs functions are largely uncharacterized, accumulating data indicate that they are involved in fundamental biological functions. Conversely, their dysregulation has increasingly been recognized to contribute to the development and progression of several human malignancies, especially lung cancer, which represents the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. These researchers conducted a comprehensive review of the published literature focusing on lncRNAs function and disruption in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) biology, also highlighting their value as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. lncRNAs are involved in NSCLC pathogenesis, modulating fundamental cellular processes such as proliferation, cell growth, apoptosis, migration, stem cell maintenance and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, also serving as signaling transducers, molecular decoys and scaffolds. Furthermore, lncRNAs represent very promising biomarkers in early-stage NSCLC patients and may become particularly useful in non-invasive screening protocols. lncRNAs may be used as predictive biomarkers for chemotherapy and targeted therapies sensitivity. In addition, selectively targeting oncogenic lncRNAs could provide a new therapeutic tool in treating NSCLC patients. The authors concluded that lncRNAs disruption plays a pivotal role in NSCLC development and progression. They stated that these molecules also serve as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers; characterization of lncRNA genes and their mechanisms of action will foster development of a more comprehensive clinical approach, with the final goal to benefit patients.
Xu and colleagues (2016) noted that lung cancer ranks as the first most common cancer and the first leading cause of cancer-related death in China and worldwide. Due to the difficulty in early diagnosis and the onset of cancer metastasis, the 5-year survival rate of lung cancer remains extremely low. Long noncoding RNAs, which lacking protein-coding ability, have recently emerged as pivotal participants in biological processes, often dysregulated in a range of cancers, including lung cancer. These investigators highlighted the recent findings of lncRNAs in lung cancer pathogenesis. The authors concluded that while the understanding of lncRNAs in the onset and progression of lung cancer is still in its infancy, there is no doubt that understanding the activities of lncRNAs will certainly secure strong biomarkers and improve treatment options for lung cancer patients.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guidelines on "Non-small cell lung cancer" (Version 4.2017) does not mention detection of long non-coding RNAs as a management tool.
Khandelwal and colleagues (2017) noted that gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common and aggressive form of biliary tract carcinoma with an alarmingly low 5-year survival rate. Despite its high mortality rate, the underlying mechanisms of GBC pathogenesis are not completely understood. Recently, from a growing volume of literature, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression and appear to play vital roles in many human cancers. To-date, a number of lncRNAs have been implicated in GBC, but their potential roles in GBC have not been systematically examined. These investigators discussed the emerging roles of lncRNAs in GBC, and the pathways involved. Specifically, they noted that some lncRNAs show greater expression in T1 and T2 tumor stages compared to T3 and T4 tumor stages and that their dysregulation leads to alterations in cell cycle progression and can cause an increase in GBC cell proliferation or apoptosis. Furthermore, some lncRNAs control the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, while others take part in the regulation of ERK/MAPK and Ras cancer-associated signaling pathways. These researchers also presented their potential utility in diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment of GBC. The authors concluded that the overall goal of this review was to stimulate interest in the role of lncRNAs in GBC, which may open new avenues in the determination of GBC pathogenesis and may lead to the development of new preventive and therapeutic strategies for GBC.
LungLB and LungLife AI
The LungLB (LungLife AI, Thousand Oaks, CA) is a 4-color fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assay employed to detect early circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from peripheral blood draw. This assay was developed as a FISH-based liquid biopsy test utilizing DNA FISH to validate identification of CTC to assist in the clinical assessment of individuals with indeterminate nodules suspicious for lung cancer.
LungLife AI also developed the LungAI software, an algorithm to identify FISH probes, utilizing deep learning based on convolutional neural networks (U-Nets) using > 4000 ground-truth probe images manually annotated by domain experts. The aim of the LungAI software is to more accurately identify FISH signals in clinical samples compared to traditional FISH analysis techniques by trained operator, and thereby ehnance the performance of the LungLB test for identifying CTC.
LungOI
The LungOI (Imagene AI Ltd.) test performs an augmentative algorithmic analysis using artificial intelligence (AI) and bioinformatic databases to evaluate digitized pathology slides from formalin–fixed paraffin–embedded (FFPE) lung tumor tissue stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). LungOI evaluates the slide for 8 genes (ALK, BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, MET, NTRK1-3, RET, ROS1), and KRAS G12C and PD-L1, which are then reported as positive or negative for each biomarker.
Currently, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed literature to support the sensitivity or specificity of this test.
Lymph2Cx and Lymph3Cx Lymphoma Molecular Classification Assay
The Lymph2Cx assay determines cell-of-origin (COO) of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients by analyzing RNA expression of 20 selected genes.
Scott and co-workers (2014) stated that the assignment of DLBCL into COO groups is becoming increasingly important with the emergence of novel therapies that have selective biological activity in germinal center B cell-like (GCB) or activated B cell-like (ABC) groups. The Lymphoma/Leukemia Molecular Profiling Project's Lymph2Cx assay is a parsimonious digital gene expression (NanoString)-based test for COO assignment in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPET). The 20-gene assay was trained using 51 FFPET biopsies; the locked assay was then validated using an independent cohort of 68 FFPET biopsies. Comparisons were made with COO assignment using the original COO model on matched frozen tissue. In the validation cohort, the assay was accurate, with only 1 case with definitive COO being incorrectly assigned, and robust, with greater than 95 % concordance of COO assignment between 2 independent laboratories. The authors concluded that these qualities, along with the rapid turn-around time, made Lymph2Cx attractive for implementation in clinical trials and, ultimately, patient management. Moreover, these researchers stated that the predictive and therapeutic values of the COO and risk stratification models developed in this large cohort of DLBCL remain to be determined in future prospective clinical studies.
Hwang and colleagues (2018) noted that COO classification of DLBCL is increasingly important due to its prognostic significance and the development of subtype-specific therapeutics. These researchers compared the clinical utility of the Lymph2Cx assay against 4 widely used IHC algorithms in 150 R-CHOP-treated DLBCL patients using archival tissue. In contrast to the predominance of GCB subtype in Western populations, Lymph2Cx assay classified more than 50 % of the Korean cases as the ABC subtype (ABC, 83/150 [55.3 %]; GCB, 51/150 [34.0 %]; unclassifiable, 16/150 [10.7 %]). Predominance of ABC subtype tended to be more pronounced in the nodal lymphomas than in the extra-nodal lymphomas; however, among the primary extra-nodal sites, ABC subgroups predominated in primary testicular, breast, and adrenal gland lymphomas. The classification of COO by Lymph2Cx assay did not show any significant association with clinical parameters. The overall concordance rates of the IHC algorithms with the Lymph2Cx ranged from 78.0 % to 84.3 %; however, 47.1 % to 66.7 % of the cases of the Lymph2Cx-defined GCB subgroup were mis-classified as the non-GCB class by the IHC algorithms. The survival of Lymph2Cx-classified COO subtypes was not significantly different in the present cohort. Th authors concluded that the ABC subtype predominated over GCB in Korean patients; there were significant discrepancies between the IHC and Lymph2Cx classifications, especially in GCB subtype.
Lee and associates (2019) stated that previous studies in Western populations, using IHC methods to subtype DLBCL, suggested that GCBs have improved outcomes; however, data in Asians have been limited and conflicting. These researchers examined the prognostic impact of COO subtyping by IHC and Lymph2Cx in South-East Asian (SEA) DLBCL patients; and summarized the existing literature. They carried out a single-center retrospective analysis of 384 DLBCL patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2018 who received rituximab-based chemotherapy. Hans and Lymph2Cx were used to assign COO and correlated with outcomes. International Prognostic Index (IPI) score was associated with OS and PFS. The 5-year OS for non-GCB versus GCB for COO by Hans was 70 % versus 71 %; p = 0.39, while 5-year OS for ABC versus GCB for COO by Lymph2Cx was 74 % versus 92 %; p = 0.19. The 5-year PFS for non-GCB versus GCB for COO by Hans was 65 % versus 70 %; p=0.26, while 5-year PFS for ABC versus GCB for COO by Lymph2Cx was 64 % versus 86 %; p = 0.07. The authors concluded that IPI was re-affirmed to be relevant in the rituximab era. COO by Hans had no prognostic significance, while subtyping by Lymph2Cx trended toward GCBs having better PFS and OS; however, this was not statistically significant in this study cohort.
The Lymph3Cx test is considered a modular upgrade to the Lymph2Cx test. Lymph3Cx is a 58‐gene expression assay by fluorescent probe hybridization and applicable to formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue intended to distinguish between primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Mottok et al (2018) stated primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is recognized as a distinct entity in the World Health Organization classification. Currently, the diagnosis relies on consensus of histopathology, clinical variables, and presentation, giving rise to diagnostic inaccuracy in routine practice. Previous studies have demonstrated that PMBCL can be distinguished from subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) based on gene expression signatures. However, requirement of fresh-frozen biopsy material has precluded the transfer of gene expression-based assays to the clinic. Here, the authors developed a robust and accurate molecular classification assay (Lymph3Cx) for the distinction of PMBCL from DLBCL subtypes based on gene expression measurements in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. A probabilistic model accounting for classification error, comprising 58 gene features, was trained on 68 cases of PMBCL and DLBCL. Performance of the model was subsequently evaluated in an independent validation cohort of 158 cases and showed high agreement of the Lymph3Cx molecular classification with the clinicopathological diagnosis of an expert panel (frank misclassification rate, 3.8%). Furthermore, the authors state they demonstrate reproducibility of the assay with 100% concordance of subtype assignments at 2 independent laboratories. The authors conclude that future studies will determine Lymph3Cx's utility for routine diagnostic purposes and therapeutic decision making.
MammaPrint
MammaPrint a 70-gene profile that classifies breast cancer into Low Risk or High Risk of recurrence, by measuring genes representative of all the pathways of cancer metastases which were selected for their predictive relationship to 10-year recurrence probability (Raman, et al., 2013). MammaPrint is indicated for women who have stage I or II breast cancer, are lymph node positive or negative, are ER-positive or negative and tumor size of less than five centimeters. MammaPrint determines if the patient is a candidate for chemotherapy.
In February 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mammaprint (Agendia, Amsterdam), a DNA microarray-based test used to predict whether women with early breast cancer might face the disease again. The test measures the activity of 70 genes, providing information about the likelihood that cancer will recur. It measures each of these genes in a sample of a woman's breast-cancer tumor and then uses a specific formula to produce a score that determines if the patient is deemed low-risk or high-risk for metastasis. In clinical trials, 1 in 4 women found to be at high risk by Mammaprint had recurrence of their cancer within 5 years. However, there are questions regarding the accuracy of this test. The positive predictive values at 5 and 10 years were 23 % and 29 %, respectively, while the corresponding negative predictive values were 95 % and 90 %, respectively.
Mammaprint was tested on 307 patients under the age of 61 years who underwent surgery for stage I or stage II breast cancer, and who have tumor size equal to or less than 5 cm, and lymph node-negative. The study found that Mammaprint more than doubled physicians' ability to predict breast cancer recurrence.
Cardoso et al (2016) conducted a study to evaluate the clinical utility of the 70-gene signature test (MammaPrint). The study was excerpted from a phase III randomized trial. In this study, of 6693 enrolled women with early stage breast cancer, women with low clinical and genomic risk did not receive chemotherapy whereas those at high risk did receive chemotherapy. All study subjects had their genomic risk evaluated using MammaPrint. The authors noted that "the primary goal was to assess whether, among patients with high-risk clinical features and a low-risk-gene-expression profile who did not receive chemotherapy, the lower boundary of the 95% confidence interval for the rate of 5-year survival without distant metastasis would be 92% (i.e. the noninferiority boundary, or higher). The number of women found to be at high clinical risk and low genomic risk was 1550. In this group, the 5 year survival rate without distant metastases was 94.7% among those not receiving chemotherapy. The authors concluded that among women with early-stage-breast cancer who were at high clinical risk and low genomic risk for recurrence, the receipt of chemotherapy on the basis of the 60 gene signature led to a 5-year survival rate without distant metastasis that was 1.5 percentage points lower than the rate with chemotherapy.
A comment by Hudis and Dickler (2016) stated that it can be challenging to convince practitioners that chemotherapy is not need in an otherwise healthy younger population. They further noted that the primary aim of the study on one study of a 70-gene signature test was to "declare non-inferiority against a predefined benchmark of a 5 year metastasis-free survival rate in just one cohort: patients with a high clinical risk for whom a discordant low genomic risk led to the omission of otherwise standard chemotherapy." They concluded that although for select patients providers may wish to use the MammaPrint, the actions they will take as a result of this testing will be variable and may over time change as a result of further study.
The study by Cardoso et al (2016) was a 5-year median follow-up results of the MINDACT trial, which is to follow subjects for 10 years. The authors noted that follow-up is ongoing to determine whether their findings remain valid for longer-term outcome. These investigators noted that "In the critical group of patients at high clinical risk and low genomic risk, the use of adjuvant chemotherapy led to a trend toward a higher rate of the 5-year outcome than that with no chemotherapy, which included a rate of survival without distant metastasis that was 1.5 percentage points higher, a rate of disease-free survival that was 2.8 percentage points higher, and a rate of overall survival that was 1.4 percentage points higher with chemotherapy than with no chemotherapy in the intention-to-treat population and a rate of survival without distant metastasis that was 1.9 percentage points higher, a rate of disease-free survival that was 3 percentage points higher, and a rate of overall survival that was 1.5 percentage points higher with chemotherapy than with no chemotherapy in the per-protocol population. The study was not powered to assess the statistical significance of these differences. Some 50 % of the study patients were defined as being at low clinical risk. In this group, we did not find any meaningful difference in the 5-year rate of survival without distant metastasis between patients at high genomic risk who received chemotherapy and those who did not receive chemotherapy. On the basis of these data, the results for the 70-gene signature do not provide evidence for making recommendations regarding chemotherapy for patients at low clinical risk".
In an editorial that accompanied the afore-mentioned study, Hudis and Dickler (2016) stated that "a difference of 1.5 percentage points, if real, might mean more to one patient than to another. Thus, the stated difference does not precisely exclude a benefit that clinicians and patients might find meaningful. An adequately powered randomization or a higher threshold for 5-year metastasis-free survival might have provided a more convincing result but would have raised other major challenges for the investigators".
A focused update by the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Kopp, et al., 2017) states that If a patient has hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–negative, node-negative breast cancer, the MammaPrint assay may be used in those with high clinical risk to inform decisions on withholding adjuvant systemic chemotherapy due to its ability to identify a good-prognosis population with potentially limited chemotherapy benefit. The guidelines state that, if a patient has hormone receptor–positive, HER2-negative, node-positive breast cancer, the MammaPrint assay may be used in patients with one to three positive nodes and a high clinical risk to inform decisions on withholding adjuvant systemic chemotherapy. However, such patients should be informed that a benefit from chemotherapy cannot be excluded, particularly in patients with greater than one involved lymph node. The guideline update was based upon an assessment of data on clinical utility from the MINDACT trial plus other published literature.
van 't Veer et al. (2024) reported on a secondary analysis of the IDEAL randomized clinical trial, aiming to determine whether the 70-gene MammaPrint assay could identify postmenopausal women with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who would benefit from 5 years versus 2.5 years of extended adjuvant letrozole after an initial 5 years of endocrine therapy. The primary objective was to assess whether gene expression risk stratification could guide the optimal duration of extended endocrine therapy to reduce distant recurrence. Tumor samples from 515 women enrolled in the IDEAL trial were analyzed, classifying them as high, low, or ultralow risk using the 70-gene assay. Patients were randomized to receive either 2.5 or 5 additional years of letrozole, with a median follow-up of over 10 years. The primary endpoint was distant recurrence, with secondary endpoints including recurrence-free interval and breast cancer-free interval, all defined per STEEP criteria. Adverse events and treatment compliance were also evaluated. The investigators reported that patients with 70-gene assay-classified low-risk tumors derived a significant absolute benefit (10.1%) in distant recurrence reduction from 5 years versus 2.5 years of extended letrozole (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12–0.87, P = .03). No significant benefit was observed for high- or ultralow-risk groups. Adverse event rates and discontinuation were similar across risk groups and treatment arms. Limitations include the secondary, retrospective nature of the analysis, potential selection bias due to tissue availability, and limited power for subgroup analyses, especially for the ultralow-risk group. The findings require validation in independent cohorts before routine clinical implementation.
Rastogi et al. (2024) evaluated the utility of the 70-gene MammaPrint (MP) assay to predict benefit from extended letrozole therapy (ELT) in postmenopausal women with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who had completed 5 years of prior endocrine therapy. The primary objective was to determine whether MP risk classification (high vs. low) could identify patients more likely to benefit from 5 additional years of letrozole, focusing on distant recurrence (DR) as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included disease-free survival (DFS) and breast cancer-free interval (BCFI). MP testing was performed on tumor samples from 1,866 patients enrolled in the NRG Oncology/NSABP B-42 randomized trial, which compared 5 years of letrozole versus placebo. Tumors were classified as MP high risk (MP-HR) or low risk (MP-LR), with further subdivision of MP-LR into ultralow (MP-UL) and low non-ultralow (MP-LNUL) risk. Stratified Cox proportional hazards models and interaction tests were used to assess whether MP status predicted benefit from ELT. The primary hypothesis—that MP status would predict benefit from ELT for distant recurrence—was not confirmed (no significant interaction, P = .38). However, MP-LR patients experienced a statistically significant 10-year absolute benefit from ELT for DR (3.7%), DFS (7.8%), and BCFI (7.0%), while MP-HR patients did not. Exploratory analyses suggested the benefit was most pronounced in the MP-LNUL subgroup, with no significant benefit in the MP-UL group. Limitations include the retrospective, secondary nature of the analysis, potential selection bias due to tissue availability, and limited power for subgroup analyses, particularly for the ultralow-risk group. The findings require validation before clinical implementation.
MammoCheck
MammoCheck (Milagen, Inc.) is a serum-based test for monitoring cancer recurrence and treatment efficacy, particularly in breast cancer patients, by detecting cancer biomarkers in blood. More specificially, this test is a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) used to evaluate for secreted breast cancer protein marker BF9 antigen. Result are reported as indicative of response/no response to therapy or disease progression/regression.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for breast cancer (NCCN, 2025) do not provide a recommendation for evaluating BF9 antigen.
There is insufficient evidence in peer-reviewed published literature to support the clinical value of the MammoCheck assay.
Mammostrat
Mammostrat (Clarient) is a novel test for estimating the risk for recurrence in hormone-receptor positive, early stage breast cancer that is independent of proliferation and grade (Raman, et al., 2013). Five biomarkers are combined with a defined mathematical algorithm resulting in a risk index. Mammostrat is clinically validated and has been studied on more than 4,500 total patients in numerous independent cohorts that include the NSABP B14 and B20 trials. Clinicians and patients are faced with difficult choices as to whether to add toxic adjuvant chemotherapy in addition to standard endocrine treatment. Mammostrat may help clinicians understand the inherent aggressiveness of the tumor and the likelihood of tumor recurrence.
The Mammostrat is a prognostic immunohistochemistry (IHC) test that measures the risk of breast cancer recurrence in post-menopausal, node-negative, estrogen receptor-expressing breast cancer patients who will receive hormonal therapy and are considering adjuvant chemotherapy. The test analyzes five monoclonal antibody biomarkers and applies a diagnostic algorithm to assess whether patients have a high, moderate, or low risk of recurrence after they have had their breast cancer tumor surgically removed and have been treated with tamoxifen.
Bartlett et al (2010) tested the efficacy of the Mammostrat in a mixed population of cases treated in a single center with breast-conserving surgery and long-term follow-up. Tissue microarrays from a consecutive series of 1,812 women managed by wide local excision and post-operative radiotherapy were collected. Of 1,390 cases stained, 197 received no adjuvant hormonal or chemotherapy, 1,044 received tamoxifen only, and 149 received a combination of hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. Median age at diagnosis was 57 years, 71% were post-menopausal, 23.9% were node-positive and median tumor size was 1.5 cm. Samples were stained using triplicate 0.6 mm2 tissue microarray cores, and positivity for p53, HTF9C, CEACAM5, NDRG1 and SLC7A5 was assessed. Each case was assigned a Mammostrat risk score, and distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS), relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by marker positivity and risk score. Increased Mammostrat scores were significantly associated with reduced DRFS, RFS and OS in ER-positive breast cancer (p < 0.00001). In multivariate analyses the risk score was independent of conventional risk factors for DRFS, RFS and OS (p < 0.05). In node-negative, tamoxifen-treated patients, 10-year recurrence rates were 7.6 +/- 1.5% in the low-risk group versus 20.0 +/- 4.4% in the high-risk group. Further, exploratory analyses revealed associations with outcome in both ER-negative and un-treated patients. The authors concluded that the Mammostrat can act as an independent prognostic tool for ER-positive, tamoxifen-treated breast cancer and the results of the study revealed a possible association with outcome regardless of node status and ER-negative tumors.
There is insufficient evidence to determine whether the Mammostrat test is better than conventional risk assessment tools in predicting the recurrence of breast cancer. Furthermore, neither NCCN or ASCO have incorporated the test into their guidelines as a management tool. Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2013) states that the Mammostrat is "only recommended for use in research in people with ER+, LN− and HER2− early breast cancer, to collect evidence about potentially important clinical outcomes and to determine the ability of the tests to predict the benefit of chemotherapy ... The tests are not recommended for general use in these people because of uncertainty about their overall clinical benefit and consequently their cost effectiveness."
An assessment by the Belgian Healthcare Knowledge Centre (KCE) (San Miguel, et al., 2015) found that the evidence for Mammostrat is mainly limited to studies supporting the prognostic ability (clinical validity) of the test. The KCE stated that these studies include a large sample size and appear to be of reasonable quality. The KCE cited one study reporting on clinical utility in terms of the predictive ability of the test by risk group. "However, further evidence is required."
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) state: "If a patient has ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-positive or node-negative) breast cancer, the clinician should not use the five-protein assay (Mammostrat; Clarient, a GE Healthcare company, Aliso Viejo, CA) to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy." This is a moderate strength recommendation based upon intermediate-quality evidence. The ASCO guidelines recommend against the use of Mammostrat to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy for patients with HER2-positive or TN breast cancer.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories Urinary Steroid Profile
Mayo Clinic’s Clinical Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (CMSL) added a new, non-invasive test to diagnose malignant adrenal tumors, via urinary steroid profiling. The test is based on liquid chromatography, high-resolution, and accurate-mass mass spectrometry (HRAM LC-MS) measurement for 25 steroid metabolites in urine.
Kotłowska and associates (2009) examined the possible urinary markers of hormonal activity in patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas. In order to evaluate the endocrine activity of afore-mentioned tumors, urinary steroid metabolite levels were analyzed in samples from patients and controls. Possible blocks in metabolic pathways of the examined hormones were determined by comparing selected urinary steroid metabolite sums and ratios in both groups of interest. Urine samples were collected from 20 patients with non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas and from 25 controls matched in terms of age, sex and BMI. Excretion of 19 major urinary steroid metabolites was analyzed by gas chromatography. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. In patients with adrenal incidentalomas, sum of total urinary cortisol metabolites was significantly elevated compared to the control group. These investigators also observed a shift towards tetrahydro-corticosterone, cortisol and etiocholanolone production in patients. No significant differences in production of other urinary steroid metabolites were observed in patients with adrenal incidentalomas compared to control group. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that not only urinary free cortisol but also its metabolite such as tetrahydro-cortisol and other steroids including etiocholanolone and corticosterone tetrahydro-metabolite might be urinary markers for the endocrine activity of adrenal incidentalomas. Enhanced levels of these urinary steroid metabolites indicated an impairment of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and slightly increased activity of 5beta-reductase in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. These preliminary findings need to be validated by well-designed studies.
Tiu and colleagues (2009) stated that it has been suggested that urinary steroid profiling may be used to provide information aiding the diagnosis and monitoring of adrenocortical carcinoma. Nonetheless, the abnormal patterns suggestive of adrenal malignancy were not well-defined. These researchers retrospectively studied the urinary steroid profiles of 5 patients with adrenocortical carcinoma at presentation and at follow-up, and compared these results with those from 76 patients with benign adrenocortical adenoma and 172 healthy controls. Three abnormal patterns of urinary steroid excretion were identified in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma at presentation and/or follow-up of residual disease: hypersecretion in multiple steroid axes; excretion of unusual metabolites, notably 5-pregnene-3α,16α,20α-triol, 5-pregnene-3β,16α,20α-triol, and neonatal steroid metabolites in the post-neonatal period; increase of tetrahydro-11-deoxycortisol relative to total cortisol metabolites. The authors concluded that these preliminary findings offered ways in which urinary steroid profiling performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry could be helpful in the diagnosis and monitoring of adrenocortical carcinoma. These preliminary findings need to be validated by well-designed studies.
Furthermore, an UpToDate review on "Evaluation and management of the adrenal incidentaloma" (Young and Kebebew, 2020) does not mention measurements of urinary steroid metabolites as a management tool.
MelaNodal Predict
The MelaNodal Predict (Quest Diagnostics and based on technology developed by SkylineDx) assay is a quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay based upon the CP-GEP (clinicopathologic and gene expression profile) model that combines the gene expression of 8 target genes (MLANA, GDF15, CXCL8, LOXL4, TGFBR1, ITGB3, PLAT, SERPINE2) and two control genes (RLP0 and ACTB) with the clinicopathological features of patient age and Breslow depth to predict a cutaneous melanoma patient's risk of sentinel lymph node metastasis from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary tumor tissue obtained from those who are being considered for the sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure (SLNB).
Bellomo et al (2020) noted that more than 80 % of patients who undergo SLNB have no nodal metastasis. In a retrospective study, these researchers described a model that combines clinicopathologic and molecular variables to identify patients with thin and intermediate thickness melanomas who may forgo the SLNB due to their low risk of nodal metastasis. Genes with functional roles in melanoma metastasis were discovered by analysis of NGS data and case control studies. These investigators then used PCR to quantify gene expression in diagnostic biopsy tissue across a prospectively designed archival cohort of 754 consecutive thin and intermediate thickness primary cutaneous melanomas. Outcome of interest was SLNB metastasis within 90 days of melanoma diagnosis. A penalized maximum likelihood estimation algorithm was used to train logistic regression models in a repeated cross validation scheme to predict the presence of SLN metastasis from molecular, clinical, and histologic variables. Expression of genes with roles in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (glia derived nexin, growth differentiation factor 15, integrin β3, interleukin 8, lysyl oxidase homolog 4, TGFβ receptor type 1 and tissue-type plasminogen activator) and melanosome function (melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1) were associated with SLN metastasis. The predictive ability of a model that only considered clinicopathologic or gene expression variables (CP-GEP) was out-performed by a model that included molecular variables in combination with the clinicopathologic predictors Breslow thickness and patient age; AUC, 0.82; 95 % CI: 0.78 to 0.86; SLN biopsy reduction rate of 42 % at a NPV of 96 %. The authors concluded that a combined model including CP-GEP improved the identification of melanoma patients who may forgo the SLNB due to their low risk of nodal metastasis. Moreover, these researchers stated that additional investigation is ongoing to externally validate these findings.
The authors stated that a limitation of the simultaneous selection of CP variables and genes by their feature selection algorithm was the absence of established variables easily recognizable by clinicians, such as ulceration, in the CP-GEP model. They noted that this study was also limited by referral bias and variations in pathologic assessment. The exclusion of patients with ambiguous less than 0.1 mm metastasis from model development could have influenced the results. Moreover, these researchers excluded T4 lesions (i.e., melanoma with a Breslow thickness of less than 4 mm) because the pre-test probability of regional metastasis for these patients was very high. For example, 21 (70 %) of 30 patients with T4 lesions in their cohort presented with regional metastasis, which was well above the recommend threshold for recommending SLNB. Clinicians may not want to forgo SLNB for an a priori high-risk T4 melanoma, even if a molecular classifier was available. Finally, eligibility of patients with T1 melanoma was determined by the Mayo Clinic institutional practice guidelines for recommending SLNB, which select for higher-risk patients, such as those of less than 40 years of age and with T1b melanoma. Indiscriminate inclusion of low-risk patients could have biased test performance calculations.
Yousaf et al (2021) stated that about 85 % of melanoma patients who undergo a SLNB are node-negative. Melanoma incidence is highest in patients 65 years or older; however, their SLNB positivity rate is lower than in younger patients. CP-GEP identifies primary cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients who may safely forgo SLNB due to their low risk for nodal metastasis. These investigators attempted to validate CP-GEP in a U.S. melanoma patient cohort. A cohort of 208 adult patients with primary CM from the Mayo Clinic and West Virginia University was used. Patients were stratified according to their risk for nodal metastasis: CP-GEP High Risk and CP-GEP Low Risk. The main performance measures were SLNB reduction rate (RR) and NPV. SLNB positivity rate for the entire cohort was 21 %. Most patients had a T1b (34 %) or T2a (31 %) melanoma. In the T1-T2 group (153 patients), CP-GEP achieved an SLNB RR of 41.8 % (95 % CI: 33.9 to 50.1) at an NPV of 93.8 % (95 % CI: 84.8 to 98.3). Subgroup analysis showed similar performance in T1-T2 patients 65 years or older of age (51 patients; SLNB positivity rate, 9.8 %): SLNB RR of 43.1 % (95 % CI: 29.3 to 57.8) at an NPV of 95.5 % (95 % CI: 77.2 to 99.9). The authors confirmed the potential of CP-GEP to reduce negative SLNB in all relevant age groups. These researchers stated that these findings were especially relevant to patients 65 years or older, where surgery is often elective. They stated that CP‐GEP (Merlin Assay) may provide a promising tool to reduce SLNB procedures by guiding doctors and patients in their clinical decision‐making.
Mulder et al (2021) noted that the CP-GEP model was developed to accurately identify patients with T1-T3 primary cutaneous melanoma at low risk for nodal metastasis. These researchers attempted to validate the CP-GEP model in an independent Dutch cohort of patients with melanoma. Patients (aged 18 years or older) with primary cutaneous melanoma who underwent SLNB between 2007 and 2017 at the Erasmus Medical Centre Cancer Institute were eligible. The CP-GEP model combines clinicopathological features (age and Breslow thickness) with the expression of eight target genes involved in melanoma metastasis (ITGB3, PLAT, SERPINE2, GDF15, TGFBR1, LOXL4, CXCL8 and MLANA). Using the pathology result of SLNB as the gold standard, performance measures of the CP-GEP model were calculated, resulting in CP-GEP high risk or low risk for nodal metastasis. A total of 210 patients were included in the study. Most patients presented with T2 (n = 94, 45 %) or T3 (n = 70, 33 %) melanoma. Of all patients, 27 % (n = 56) had a positive SLNB, with nodal metastasis in 0 %, 30 %, 54 % and 16 % of patients with T1, T2, T3 and T4 melanoma, respectively. Overall, the CP-GEP model had a NPV of 90.5 % (95 % CI: 77.9 to 96.2), with an NPV of 100 % (95 % CI: 72.2 to 100) in T1, 89.3 % (95 % CI: 72.8 to 96.3) in T2 and 75.0 % (95 % CI: 30.1 to 95.4) in T3 melanomas. The CP-GEP indicated high risk in all T4 melanomas. The authors concluded that the CP-GEP model was a non-invasive and validated tool that accurately identified patients with primary cutaneous melanoma at low risk for nodal metastasis. In this validation cohort, the CP-GEP model has shown the potential to reduce SLNB procedures in patients with melanoma. These researchers stated that the CP‐GEP model is a promising tool for patient care with a low implementation threshold, which may reduce the number of SLN‐negative procedures, and can guide doctors and patients in their clinical decision‐making for SLNB.
These researchers stated that the low number of T1 melanomas (n = 11, 5 % of the validation cohort) and lack of nodal metastasis in this group could be interpreted as a limitation of the study, but was rather a result of adequate de-selection (based on current clinical guidelines) for SLNB of these patients. However, 10 (out of 11) patients with a T1 melanoma could have safely forgone SLNB and 1 patient would have undergone SLNB without having SLN metastasis, if the CP‐GEP model outcome had been used. Another challenge was the presence of too little tumor material of the FFPE primary melanoma, which occurred mainly in thin melanomas (i.e., T1). In addition, the inclusion of T1 melanomas without SLN metastasis may have resulted in a higher NPV. On the other hand, the percentage of T1 melanomas was significantly higher in the development cohort (n = 192, 25 %), of which 6 patients had a positive SLNB. Moreover, NPV was high in both the development and validation cohorts (96 % and 90.5%, respectively). Because the algorithm has been bridged to a different platform (QuantstudioDx), this study did not directly validate the development platform (Fluidigm). To validate the CP‐GEP algorithm, both discovery and bridging have been done in a stringent document‐controlled product development environment and all acceptance criteria, coefficients and the cut‐off value were pre-defined. Moreover, these investigators stated that to demonstrate the added value of using the CP‐GEP model in clinical practice, more validation data are needed.
Johansson et al (2022) noted that in patients with cutaneous melanoma, SLNB serves as an important technique to examine disease stage and to guide adjuvant systemic therapy. A model using CP-GEP (Merlin Assay) has recently been introduced to identify patients that may safely forgo SLNB. These investigators presented data from an independent validation cohort of the CP-GEP model in Swedish patients. Archival histological material (primary melanoma tissue) from a prospectively collected cohort of 421 consecutive patients with pT1-T4 melanoma undergoing SLNB between 2006 and 2014 was analyzed using the CP-GEP model. CP-GEP combines Breslow thickness and patient age with the expression levels of 8 genes from the primary melanoma. Stratification is based on their risk for nodal metastasis: CP-GEP Low Risk or CP-GEP High Risk. The SLNB positivity rate was 13 %. Of 421 primary melanomas, the CP-GEP model identified 86 patients as having a low risk for nodal metastasis. In patients with pT1-2 melanomas, the SLNB reduction rate was 35.4 % (95 % CI: 29.4 to 41.8) with a NPV of 96.5 % (95 % CI: 90.0 to 99.3). Among patients with pT1-3 melanomas, CP-GEP suggested a SLNB reduction rate of 24.0 % (95 % CI: 19.7 to 28.8) and a NPV of 96.5 % (95 % CI: 90.1 to 99.3). Only 1 of 118 pT3 tumors was classified as CP-GEP Low Risk, and all pT4 tumors were classified as being high risk for nodal metastasis. The authors concluded that the findings of this study showed that CP-GEP could identify patients with a low risk for nodal metastasis. Patients with pT1-2 melanomas had the highest clinical benefit from using the test, where 35 % of the patients could forgo a SLNB procedure.
Stassen et al (2023) stated that SLNB is recommended for patients with >pT1b cutaneous melanoma, and should be considered and discussed with patients diagnosed with pT1b cutaneous melanoma for the purpose of staging, prognostication and determining eligibility for adjuvant therapy. Previously, the CP-GEP model was developed to identify patients who can forgo SLNB because of a low risk for sentinel node metastasis. In a prospective, multi-center study, these researchers examined the clinical use and implementation of the CP-GEP model. Both test performance and feasibility for clinical implementation were assessed in 260 patients with T1-T4 melanoma. The CP-GEP model showed an overall NPV of 96.7 % and PPV of 23.7 %, with a potential SLNB reduction rate of 42.2 % in patients with T1-T3 melanoma. With a median time of 16 days from initiation to return of test results, there was sufficient time left before the SLNB was performed. The authors concluded that based on these outcomes, the model may support clinical decision-making to identify patients who can forgo SLNB in clinical practice.
The authors stated that one potential drawback of this study was that it was carried out in 4 dedicated melanoma centers, which may result in a relatively homogeneous study population. However, it is important to note that the population included in this study was likely to exhibit similarities with the broader population eligible for SLNB. This similarity can be attributed to the composition of the participating centers, which encompass both academic as well as teaching hospitals, with some academic centers also serving as regional hospitals. As a consequence, the characteristics and diversity of the study population are expected to be representative and comparable to the general population eligible for SLNB. Moreover, these researchers stated that if the model is incorporated into clinical practice, it has the potential to significantly reduce SLNBs, as the reduction rate is robust and significant when performed in the appropriate patient population (i.e., pT2). Thus, although not actively examined in this study, the incorporation of the CP-GEP model can be beneficial to patients for different reasons. First, after shared decision-making, patients with a low-risk can forgo SLNB, decreasing the risk of complications associated with the SLNB, such as lymphedema and infection. Second, the reduction in surgeries may result in a decrease in healthcare costs, and allow healthcare resources to be allocated to other departments, so that capacity issues may be addressed.
Amaral et al (2023) noted that patients with cutaneous melanoma stage I/IIA disease are currently not eligible for adjuvant therapy, despite their risk for relapses and death. Ina retrospective study, these investigators attempted to validate the ability of a model combining CP-GEP to identify patients at high risk for disease recurrence in stage I/II and subgroup stage I/IIA. A total of 543 patients with stage I/II primary cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between 2000 and 2017 were analyzed; all patients received SLNB. Analysis was carried out for a separate group of 80 patients who did not undergo SLNB. CP-GEP stratified 424 stage I/IIA patients (78 % of the cohort) according to their risk for recurrence, with 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) rates of 77.8 % and 93 % for CP-GEP high risk (195 patients) and low risk (229 patients), respectively, and HR of 3.53 (p < 0.001). In patients who did not receive SLNB biopsy, CP-GEP captured 6 out of 7 relapses. The authors concluded that CP-GEP may help better select stage I/IIA melanoma patients at high risk for disease recurrence and should get access to adjuvant therapy. CP-GEP also showed value in patients who did not receive SLNB biopsy, capturing 6 out of 7 relapses; thus, showing the potential to replace SLNB and stratify patients based on their risk for disease recurrence more accurately. These researchers stated that a drawback of this trial was its retrospective nature and the fact that data came from only 1 center. In addition, a longer follow-up time for the subgroup that did not undergo SLNB would have been desired.
In a review on “Debating sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma in the modern adjuvant era”, Zhang et al (2023) noted that “While both gene expression profiling of the primary lesion and circulating tumor DNA assays appear to be promising, neither has demonstrated adequate prospective validation to be broadly recommended”.
Sun et al (2024) stated that cutaneous melanoma is becoming more prevalent in the U.S. and has the highest mortality among cutaneous malignancies. The majority of melanomas are diagnosed at an early stage and, as such, survival is generally favorable. However, there remains prognostic uncertainty among subsets of early- and intermediate-stage melanoma patients, some of whom go on to develop advanced disease while others remain disease-free. Melanoma GEP has evolved with the notion to aid in bridging this gap and identify higher- or lower-risk patients to better tailor treatment and surveillance protocols. These tests seek to prognosticate melanomas independently of established AJCC 8 cancer staging and clinicopathologic features (sex, age, primary tumor location, thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, lympho-vascular invasion, micro-satellites, and/or SLNB status). While there is a significant opportunity to improve the accuracy of melanoma prognostication and diagnosis, it is equally important to understand the current landscape of molecular profiling for melanoma treatment. The authors concluded that specialty society guidelines currently do not recommend molecular testing outside of clinical trials for melanoma clinical decision-making, citing insufficient high-quality evidence in guiding indications for the testing and interpretation of results.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Melanoma: Cutaneous” (Version 1.2024) states that “Gene expression profiling for melanoma could be an enormously valuable contribution to understanding the biology of the disease. However, the difficulty of embracing gene expression profiling as an independent predictor of outcome is illustrated by the inconsistency of results across studies aimed at defining the most predictive gene sets for melanoma. Comparison of the gene signatures identified in these studies show minimal overlap in specific genes thought to be predictive of outcome. The identification and validation of a prognostic gene expression profile is a complicated multi-step and often multi-study process, and there are many ways in which specifics of study design and methodology can impact the end result. The lack of overlap in gene signatures identified as prognostic for melanoma is likely due to substantial differences in study design and methodology. Efforts to develop gene expression profiling prognostic assays for other types of cancer have also resulted in limited or partial overlap in the “gene signature” identified by different studies”.
Merkel SmT Oncoprotein Antibody Titer
This is a quantitative test specific to detection of antibodies to the Merkel cell polyoma virus oncoprotein.
Paulson et al (2017) stated Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer with a recurrence rate of >40%. Of the 2000 MCC cases per year in the United States, most are caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Antibodies to MCPyV oncoprotein (T-antigens) have been correlated with MCC tumor burden. The present study assesses the clinical utility of MCPyV-oncoprotein antibody titers for MCC prognostication and surveillance. MCPyV-oncoprotein antibody detection was optimized in a clinical laboratory. A cohort of 219 patients with newly diagnosed MCC were followed prospectively (median follow-up, 1.9 years). Among the seropositive patients, antibody titer and disease status were serially tracked. Antibodies to MCPyV oncoproteins were rare among healthy individuals (1%) but were present in most patients with MCC (114 of 219 patients [52%]; P < .01). Seropositivity at diagnosis independently predicted decreased recurrence risk (hazard ratio, 0.58; P = .04) in multivariate analyses adjusted for age, sex, stage, and immunosuppression. After initial treatment, seropositive patients whose disease did not recur had rapidly falling titers that became negative by a median of 8.4 months. Among seropositive patients who underwent serial evaluation (71 patients; 282 time points), an increasing oncoprotein titer had a positive predictive value of 66% for clinically evident recurrence, whereas a decreasing titer had a negative predictive value of 97%. The authors concluded determination of oncoprotein antibody titer assists in the clinical management of patients with newly diagnosed MCC by stratifying them into a higher risk seronegative cohort, in which radiologic imaging may play a more prominent role, and into a lower risk seropositive cohort, in which disease status can be tracked in part by oncoprotein antibody titer.
Paulson et al (2010) stated Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a common infectious agent that is likely involved in the etiology of most Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). Serum antibodies recognizing the MCPyV capsid protein VP1 are detectable at high titer in nearly all MCC patients and remain stable over time. Although antibodies to the viral capsid indicate prior MCPyV infection, they provide limited clinical insight into MCC because they are also detected in more than half of the general population. The authors investigated whether antibodies recognizing MCPyV large and small tumor-associated antigens (T-Ag) would be more specifically associated with MCC. Among 530 population control subjects, these antibodies were present in only 0.9% and were of low titer. In contrast, among 205 MCC cases, 40.5% had serum IgG antibodies that recognize a portion of T-Ag shared between small and large T-Ags. Among cases, titers of T-Ag antibodies fell rapidly (∼8-fold per year) in patients whose cancer did not recur, whereas they rose rapidly in those with progressive disease. Importantly, in several patients who developed metastases, the rise in T-Ag titer preceded clinical detection of disease spread. These results suggest that antibodies recognizing T-Ag are relatively specifically associated with MCC, do not effectively protect against disease progression, and may serve as a clinically useful indicator of disease status.
Merkel Virus VP1 Capsid Antibody
This test is similar to the Merkel SmT Oncoprotein Antibody Titer test, but this test detects antibodies to the Merkel cell polyoma virus capsid protein (VP1) and the result is reported as positive or negative.
Samimi et al (2016) stated Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the main aetiological agent of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Serum antibodies against the major MCPyV capsid protein (VP1) are detected in the general population, whereas antibodies against MCPyV oncoproteins (T antigens) have been reported specifically in patients with MCC. The primary aim was to assess whether detection of serum antibodies against MCPyV proteins at baseline was associated with disease outcome in patients with MCC. The secondary aim was to establish whether evolution of these antibodies during follow-up was associated with the course of the disease. Serum T-antigen and VP1 antibodies were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using recombinant proteins in a cohort of 143 patients with MCC, including 84 patients with serum samples available at baseline. Low titres of VP1 antibodies at baseline (< 10 000) were significantly and independently associated with increased risk of recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) 2·71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·13-6·53, P = 0·026] and death (HR 3·74, 95% CI 1·53-9·18, P = 0·004), whereas T-antigen antibodies were not found to be associated with outcome. VP1 antibodies did not differ between patients in remission and those with recurrence or progression during follow-up. However, T-antigen antibodies were more frequently detected in patients with recurrence or progression at 12 months (P = 0·020) and 24 months (P = 0·016) after diagnosis. VP1 antibodies constitute a prognostic marker at baseline, whereas T-antigen antibodies constitute a marker of disease recurrence or progression if detected > 12 months after diagnosis.
MI Cancer Seek
MI Cancer Seek entails whole exome sequencing for DNA mutations, copy number alterations, insertions/deletions, genomic signatures microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB), and whole transcriptome sequencing for RNA fusions and variant transcripts. There is currently a lack of evidence that the use of MI Cancer Seek would improve health outcomes; clinical evidence is needed to establish its utility.
miR Sentinel Prostate Cancer Test
The miR Sentinel Prostate Cancer Test (miR Scientific) is a platform of individual assays for both prostate cancer screening and determining the risk level of the disease. The miR Sentinel Prostate Cancer Test applies exosome-based analysis of 442 small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) from a urine sample. The test is powered by an algorithm-based miR platform with results being reported as molecular evidence of no-, low-, intermediate- or high-risk of prostate cancer.
Wu and associates (2020) stated that exosomes are defined as small membranous vesicles. After RNA content was discovered in exosomes, they emerged as a novel approach for the treatment and diagnosis of cancer. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), a kind of specific RNA transcript, have been reported to function as tumor growth, metastasis, invasion, and prognosis by regulating the tumor micro-environment in exosomes. These researchers examined the potential diagnostic of exosomal lncRNA in solid tumors. They carried out a meta-analysis from January 2000 to October 2019 and identified publications in the English language; all relevant English literature from the Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed data-bases through October 1, 2019 were searched. The articles were strictly screened by these investigators’ criteria and critiqued using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. There were 28 studies with 19 articles (4,017 subjects) identified, including studies on BC, CRC, cholangiocarcinoma, esophageal SCC, gastric cancer, HCC, laryngeal SCC, NSCLC, and PCa. A meta-analysis showed that the combined value of sensitivity in 29 studies was 0.74 (95 % CI: 0.7 to 0.78), and the combined value of specificity in the studies was 0.81 (95 % CI: 0.78 to 0.83); suggesting the high diagnostic efficacy of liquid exosomes in cancer patients. It is statistically insignificant in terms of sex, ethnicity, and year. The diagnostic power of urinary system tumors was found to be higher than that of digestive system tumors by several subgroup analyses. The authors performed a meta-analysis and literature review of 28 studies that included 4,017 patients with 10 malignant cancer types. They stated that mechanistically, this study demonstrated that lncRNAs in exosomes could be a promising bio-indicator for the diagnosis and prognosis of solid tumors. These investigators hoped that their findings would encourage more researchers to examine the prognostic and diagnostic role of lncRNA in exosomes as well as examine the underlying biomechanisms in different cancers.
Wang and colleagues (2020) noted that this is the 1st report of the development and performance of a platform that interrogates small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) isolated from urinary exosomes. The Sentinel PCa Test classifies patients with PCa from subjects with no evidence of PCa, the miR Sentinel CS Test stratifies patients with PCa between those with low risk PCa (Grade Group 1) from those with intermediate and high risk disease (Grade Group 2-5), and the miR Sentinel HG Test stratifies patients with PCa between those with low and favorable intermediate risk PCa (Grade Group 1 or 2) and those with high risk (Grade Group 3-5) disease. sncRNAs were extracted from urinary exosomes of 235 subjects and interrogated on miR 4.0 microarrays. Using proprietary selection and classification algorithms, informative sncRNAs were selected to customize an interrogation OpenArray platform that forms the basis of the tests. The tests were validated using a case-control sample of 1,436 subjects. The performance of the miR Sentinel PCa Test demonstrated a sensitivity of 94 % and specificity of 92 %. The Sentinel CS Test demonstrated a sensitivity of 93 % and specificity of 90 % for prediction of the presence of Grade Group 2 or greater cancer, and the Sentinel HG Test demonstrated a sensitivity of 94 % and specificity of 96 % for the prediction of the presence of Grade Group 3 or greater cancer. The authors concluded that the Sentinel PCa, CS and HG Tests demonstrated high levels of sensitivity and specificity, highlighting the utility of interrogation of urinary exosomal sncRNAs for non-invasively diagnosing and classifying PCa with high precision.
These researchers stated that discordance between the Sentinel test results and the core biopsy outcomes may reflect pathological miss of higher grade cancer or a true test mis-classification. Given the known false-negative rate of core needle biopsies, these investigators estimated the apparent false-positive rate of the Sentinel PC is 6 % to 12 % based on the 95 % CI. This compares favorably to the 50 % to 60 % false-positive rate reported for systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies and 30 % to 40 % false-positive rates reported for various MRI-targeted biopsies. The combined apparent false-positive and negative rates of the Sentinel HG Test with biopsy outcome is around 10 %. This performance is within the confidence limits of the well-established rate of mis-attribution of grade resulting from systematic biopsies. Therefore, it is plausible that in this case the apparent false-positive cases resulting from the Sentinel HG Test may in fact be those who harbor higher grade cancer missed on the systematic biopsy. An alternative explanation is that some of these represent actual false-positive test results. To further examine this issue, these researchers are currently conducting a large retrospective study comparing the Sentinel Scores with radical prostatectomy pathology.
In an editorial that accompanied the afore-mention study, Helfand (2020) stated that "Overall, the results appear to be promising new PCa biomarkers for each of these tests. However, some caution should be made with any novel test, including the requirement to validate the results in other independent cohorts and racially diverse groups. In addition, because of inherent sampling errors with biopsy results, further comparison to final surgical pathology should be made. Finally, research should be devoted to further characterize the small noncoding RNAs as they may provide additional insights and/or therapeutic targets into the biology of PCa".
Per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines for “Prostate cancer early detection” (Version 2.2024), the MiR Sentinel Prostate Cancer Test awaits further validation, especially in the group of patients with negative DREs and PSAs in the range where most such tests are used (ie, 2.5–10.0 ng/mL)”.
miR-31now
miR-31now, a proprietary miRNA-based molecular test by GoPath Laboratories, which predicts the potential clinical benefits associated with anti-EGFR therapy for patients with RAS wild type (WT) metastatic colorectal cancer. The mir-31now test quantifies the expression of the miR-31-3p in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples using standard quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) [1]. miR-31now is the first positive theranostic test for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Laurent-Puig et al (2019) stated MiR-31-3p expression has been shown to be associated with response to anti-EGFR therapy. The authors investigated the predictive role of this biomarker in the FIRE-3 study population, including its ability to differentiate outcomes between patients receiving anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF therapy. MiR-31-3p expression was measured in primary tumors obtained from 340 RAS WT mCRC patients enrolled in the FIRE-3 Trial. This included 164 patients randomized to receive FOLFIRI plus cetuximab (FOLFIRI+Cetux) and 176 to FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (FOLFIRI+Beva). Patients were divided into subgroups defined by low or high miR-31-3p expression using a pre-specified cut-off and by treatment arm. Analyses were performed to assess treatment efficacy by subgroup. Overall Survival (OS) and Progression Free Survival (PFS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models. Investigator-assessed objective response (iOR), early tumor shrinkage at 6 weeks (ETS), and centrally-reviewed objective response (cOR) were analyzed using logistic regression models. The predictive value of miR-31-3p expression level was assessed through a treatment interaction test using multivariate models adjusted for potential confounding factors. Low miR-31-3p expressers benefited from cetuximab compared to bevacizumab for PFS (HR=0.74 [0.55;1.00];P=0.05), OS (HR=0.61 [0.41;0.88];P<0.01), iOR (OR=4.0 [1.9;8.2];P<0.01), ETS (OR=4.0 [2.1;7.7];P<0.01) and cOR (OR=4.9 [2.3;10.5]:P<0.01) in multivariate analyses. There was no difference in outcomes for high expressers between treatment arms. MiR-31-3p expression level was predictive of treatment effect for PFS (P=0.03), OS (P=0.05), iOR (P=0.02), ETS (P=0.04) and cOR (P<0.01). The authors concluded that miR-31-3p expression level was validated as a predictive biomarker of cetuximab therapy efficacy for RAS WT mCRC patients.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Colon Cancer" (Version 3.2018) does not mention miR-31-3p.
M-Protein Detection and Isotyping for Plasma Cell Dyscrasias
An M protein is a monoclonal immunoglobulin (antibody) found in unusually large amounts in the blood or urine of people with multiple myeloma and other types of plasma cell tumors. Testing classically uses electrophoretic techniques, supplemented with additional tests for protein quantification and methodologies to determine whether the protein arises from a single clone (i.e., monoclonal). The initial evaluation usually includes a serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), serum immunofixation, routine urinalysis, 24-hour urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP), and urine immunofixation (Murray, 2024). Another widely utilized assay is the serum free light chain (sFLC) assay. Moreover, mass spectrometry is considered a useful alternative to confirm the existence of an M-protein after a positive finding by SPEP (Murray et al, 2021).
Two mass spectrometry methods have emerged in the literature. Both methods start with immune-enrichment of patient immunoglobulins (Igs) but differ on the analytical target used to detect the M-protein. One method utilizes Ig trypsin digestion and detection of peptides specific to the M-protein CDR15–18. This method has been termed the “clonotypic peptide” approach. However, more clinical data is still needed to determine if the clonotypic approach translates into disease-free and overall survival benefits in persons with multiple myeloma (Murray et al, 2021).
The second method utilizes total free light chain (LC) mass distributions from Igs which have been chemically reduced and denatured into heavy and light chain components. This is a more simpler and practical approach for M-protein detection, which relies on scanning the overall mass distribution of denatured intact Ig LCs. This method was adapted to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS), which eliminated the chromatography step and reduced analytical time from 20 min to 10 s. Eventually, the MALDI-TOF method was modified to include immuno-enrichments to conclusively identify the M-protein isotype in a similar fashion to immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). The intact LC MALDI-TOF MS assay, coined as Mass-Fix, has been found to be comparable to IFE in terms of assay turnaround time and ease of interpretation with the added benefit of reduced labor. These features make the intact LC method more economically attractive in comparison to the clonotypic method. Commercial efforts are being made to automate the technique and provide a high-throughput method which would be widely accessible for routine laboratory implementation" (Murray et al, 2021).
The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) Mass Spectrometry Committee endorses detection of M-proteins by MS (intact MALDI-TOF method) as an alternative to IFE for clinical practice and clinical trials. The group also endorses MS for distinguishing residual M-protein from therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for clinical practice, and for accurate interpretation and determination of complete response in clinical trials (Murray et al, 2021).
Li et al (2022) developed a MALDI-TOF Mass spectrometry-based method for the screening test of M-proteins in human serum. The study evaluated 212 samples including 110 electrophoresis positive samples (62 SPE positive M-proteins and 48 M-proteins detectable by IFE only) and 102 IFE negative serum samples. In addition, the utility of current MALDI-TOF MS-based method for M-protein level monitoring was tested in a cohort of eight multiple myeloma (MM) patients whose serum samples including the diagnostic and plus 5 available posttreatment samples from a serum bank in a large referral hospital. The authors report that all 62 patients with SPE positive results could be identified by the current MALDI-TOF MS method. In contrast, additional 43 SPE-/IFE+ and 7 cases with SPE-/IFE- patient were detected as positive with their method, indicating a higher analytical sensitivity. Compared to the IFE positive/negative results, the overall sensitivity and specificity of the MDT-MALDI assay were determined as 95% and 93%, respectively. The authors concluded that compared to the front-line electrophoresis technologies, the current assay demonstrated with high analytical performance and throughput, more rapid, convenient and economical. The current method could be a new choice for the diagnosis and disease monitoring of plasma cell dyscrasias.
Keren et al (2022) developed evidence-based guideline on laboratory detection and initial diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies. A total of 60 articles were included for qualitative analysis and potential data extraction, and 25 studies provided data that informed the recommendations. Based on the literature review, the panel made a strong recommendation for confirming a SPEP abnormality suspicious for presence of an M protein with additional testing by sIFE or alternative method with similar sensitivity. "Though not widely available, a new technique involving immunoenrichment followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MASS-FIX) has been shown to be a highly sensitive, specific, and cost-effective method comparable to sIFE to detect and identify M proteins)".
Mehra et al (2023) state several studies have demonstrated the analytical sensitivity of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) by immunoenrichment for M-protein analysis.
M-inSight Patient Definition Assay and M-inSight Patient Follow-Up Assessment
M-inSight Patient Definition Assay (Corgenix Clinical Laboratory) is a blood serum test that uses liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to identify specific protein pieces, known as clonotypic peptides, that come from cells in a patient with multiple myeloma (MM). The results are reported as baseline presence or absence of detectable clonotypic peptides.
M-inSight Patient Follow-Up Assessment (Corgenix Clinical Laboratory) is a blood serum test that uses LC–MS/MS to quantify specific clonotypic peptides from cells in a patient with multiple myeloma. The test includes comparison with the separately reported baseline test, M–inSight Patient Definition Assay, and determines the abundance of monoclonal protein (M–protein).
The M-inSight platform is a personalized, serum-based, targeted mass spectrometry assay for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring in multiple myeloma. M-inSight tracks patient-specific clonotypic peptides from the M-protein secreted by the tumor cells. Ultra-sensitivity is reached by analyzing unique peptides derived from the variable region of the M-protein (clonotypic peptides) corresponding to patient specific V(D)J-gene rearrangements and somatically hypermutated gene sequences. The M-inSight platform works in 2 steps: Patient Definition Assay - M-protein is sequenced from serum, then the best clonotypic peptides are selected from this sequence. This is a one-time process; and Patient Follow-up Assessment - M-protein quantitation is obtained over time measuring clonotypic peptides in serum.
M-inSight uses a combination of 3 dimensions to reach the highest sensitivity: (i) high resolution separation by using nano ultra high performance liquid chromatography (nUPLC), (ii) high resolution mass analyzer with the Orbitrap technology to accurately quantify at the lowest level, and (iii) unique clonotypic peptides targeting which avoids the interference with the polyclonal background and therapeutic monoclonal antibody.
Conventional M-protein analysis includes serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and immunofixation. Zajec et al (2018) developed a targeted mass-spectrometry (MS) assay (liquid chromatography MS) to detect M-protein in serum of an MM patient in the presence of therapeutic mAb’s. The authors stated that their developed mass-spectrometry assay can circumvent repeated bone marrow aspirations, enable simultaneous absolute quantification of M-protein and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, and is more than two orders of magnitude more sensitive than conventional M-protein diagnostics. Their Technical Note purports the feasibility of the approach; however, it needs to be validated on longitudinally collected samples from a cohort of multiple myeloma patients.
More clinical data is still needed to determine if the MRD positivity by the clonotypic approach translates into disease-free and overall survival benefits. While most studies utilizing the mass spectrometry clonotypic method detect the presence of the M-protein in samples from patients who are bone marrow MRD-negative, the clinical implications of this will require more time to elucidate (Murray et al, 2021).
Molecular Diagnostics for Thyroid Cancer
Molecular markers associated with thyroid cancer have been proposed to assist in determining malignancy and to guide surgery decisions for individuals with indeterminate fine needle aspiration (FNA) thyroid nodule cytopathology.
Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths or lumps that develop in the thyroid gland. While most are benign (not cancerous), a small percent are malignant (cancerous).9 To determine malignancy, fine needle aspiration (FNA) is used to obtain a specimen (aspirate) from the nodule which is evaluated by cytopathology and classified based on the results. Most are classified as benign (70 to 75%) and a small percentage as malignant (5% to 10%). Approximately 25% are classified as indeterminate (unable to determine a diagnosis) and warrant further evaluation, which often includes thyroid surgery and histopathologic evaluation of thyroid tissue. However, nearly 80% of indeterminate nodules are benign based upon histopathology results.
Thyroid gene expression classifier tests and thyroid cancer mutation analysis of fine needle aspirates in thyroid nodules differ from genetic testing. Genetic testing, also known as germline mutation testing, analyzes an individual’s DNA and can identify genetic mutations to determine inherited risk of disease. An individual’s germline DNA is constant and identical in all body tissue types. RNA activity is measured by gene expression analysis. It is dynamic and responds to cellular environmental signals. Mutation analysis of fine needle aspirates or tumor tissue determines DNA mutations that have been acquired over an individual’s lifetime. These DNA changes are present only in the tissue sampled, are not usually representative of an individual’s germline DNA and are not inheritable. For information regarding gene testing (also known as germline mutation testing) for thyroid cancer (eg, multiple endocrine neoplasia [MEN]), see CPB 0319 - RET Proto-Oncogene Testing.
Guidelines on thyroid carcinoma from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, 2014) state: "Molecular diagnostic testing to detect individual mutations (e.g., BRAF, RET/PTC, RAS, PAX8/PPAR [peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors] gamma) or pattern recognition approaches using molecular classifiers may be useful in the evaluation of FNA samples that are indeterminate to assist in management decisions. The choice of the precise molecular test depends on the cytology and the clinical question being asked." Indeterminate groups include: 1) follicular or Hurthle cell neoplasms; and 2) AUS/FLUS. The NCCN Panel recommends (category 2B) molecular diagnostic testing for evaluating FNA results that are suspicious for: 1) follicular or Hurthle cell neoplasms; or 2) AUS/FLUS (see Nodule Evaluation in the NCCN Guidelines for Thyroid Carcinoma). For the 2014 update, the NCCN Panel revised the recommendation for molecular diagnostic testing from category 2A to category 2B for indeterminate FNA results based on a series of panel votes. The panel noted that the molecular testing (both the Gene Expression Classifier and the individual mutation analysis) was available in the majority of NCCN Member Institutions (>75%). About 70% of the panelists would recommend using a gene expression classifier in the evaluation of follicular lesions. The gene expression classifier measures the expression of at least 140 genes. BRAF mutation analysis was recommended by 50% of the panelists in the evaluation of thyroid nodules (not restricted to the follicular lesions). Furthermore, about 60% of the panelists would recommend BRAF testing in the evaluation of follicular lesions. A minority of panelists expressed concern regarding observation of follicular lesions because they were perceived as potentially pre-malignant lesions with a very low, but unknown, malignant potential if not surgically resected (leading to a recommendation for either observation or definitive surgical resection in lesions classified as benign by molecular testing). Rather than proceeding to immediate surgical resection to obtain a definitive diagnosis for these intermediate FNA cytology groups (follicular lesions), patients can be followed with observation if the application of a specific molecular diagnostic tests results in a predicted risk of malignancy that is comparable to the rate seen in cytologically benign thyroid FNAs (approximately < 5%). NCCN guidelines state that it is important to note that the predictive value of molecular diagnostics may be significantly influenced by the pre-test probability of disease associated with the various FNA cytology groups. Furthermore, in the cytologically indeterminate groups, the risk of malignancy for FNA can vary widely between institutions. Because the published studies have focused primarily on adult patients with thyroid nodules, the diagnostic utility of molecular diagnostics in pediatric patients remains to be defined. Therefore, proper implementation of molecular diagnostics into clinical care requires an understanding of both the performance characteristics of the specific molecular test and its clinical meaning across a range of pre-test disease probabilities.
For support for use of a gene classifier, the NCCN guidelines reference validation studies of the Afirma Thyroid FNA Analysis (Alexander et al, 2012; Chudova et al, 2010; Kloos, et al, 2013; McIver et al, 2014) and Thyroseq (Nikiforov et al, 2009; Ohori et al, 2010; Nikiforov et al, 2011). These studies demonstrate that this molecular diagnostic meets NCCN threshold of predicting malignancy of 5 % or less (i.e., a negative predictive value of 95 %), allowing physicians to observe an indeterminate thyroid nodule in lieu of surgery.
Guidelines from the American Thyroid Association (2015) state that, "if molecular testing is being considered, patients should be counseled regarding the potential benefits and limitations of testing and about the possible uncertainties in the therapeutic and long-term clinical implications of results. This is a strong recommendation, based upon low quality evidence. The guidelines state that the largest studies of preoperative molecular markers in patients with indeterminate FNA cytology have respectively evaluated a seven-gene panel of genetic mutations and rearrangements (BRAF, RAS, RET/PTC, PAX8/PPARc), a gene expression classifier (167 GEC; mRNA expression of 167 genes), and galectin-3 immunohistochemistry (cell blocks). The guidelines note that these respective studies have been subject to various degrees of blinding of outcome assessment. The guidelines state that "there is currently no single optimal molecular test that can definitively rule in or rule out malignancy in all cases of indeterminate cytology, and long-term outcome data proving clinical utility are needed."
Guidelines from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (Gharib et al, 2016) state that molecular testing should be considered to complement not replace cytologic evaluation, where the results are expected to influence clinical management. As a general rule, not recommended in nodules with established benign or malignant cytologic characteristics. The guidelines recommend considering the detection of BRAF and RET/PTC and, possibly, PAX8/PPARG and RAS mutations if such detection is available. The guidelines state that, because of the insufficient evidence and the limited follow-up, they do not recommend either in favor of or against the use of gene expression classifiers (GECs) for cytologically indeterminate nodules.
Thyroid gene expression classifier (GEC) (e.g., Afirma Gene Expression Classifier) is a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) gene expression assay that analyzes thyroid FNA specimens to classify indeterminate nodules using a proprietary algorithm. The thyroid GEC analyzes the mRNA expression of 167 genets. The thyroid GEC is described as a "rule-out" test because a negative (ie, benign) result rules out the presence of cancer.
Thyroid malignancy classifier tests (eg, Afirma MTC, Afirma BRAF) purport to analyze thyroid nodules that have been classified as "malignant" or "suspicious for malignancy" through cytopathology or as "suspicious for malignancy" on GEC. Afirma MTC was developed to identify the presence of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) while Afirma BRAF was designed to determine the presence of BRAF V600E mutation. Both are automatically initiated in the lab, if ordered by a physician, after a thyroid nodule has been classified as having abnormal findings. This process is referred to as reflex testing.
Thyroid cancer targeted mutational analysis of thyroid FNA samples has also been proposed to detect individual gene mutations associated with thyroid cancer and include BRAF V600E, RAS (HRAS, KRAS, NRAS), RET/PTC, PAX8/PPARgamma, PIK3CA.
On May 4, 2018, the FDA approved Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and Mekinist (trametinib), administered together, for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) that cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), and has a type of abnormal gene, BRAF V600E (BRAF V600E mutation-positive).
Thyroid cancer mutational panel using next generation sequencing (NGS) (eg, ThyroSeq) analyzes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and RNA in FNA thyroid samples to determine the presence of gene mutations associated with thyroid cancer.
Quest Diagnostics offers a molecular test panel designed to help physicians determine if a thyroid gland is cancerous and requires surgical removal. The test includes the seven gene panel of mutations and rearrangements addressed by the American Thyroid Association for the clinical management of indeterminate thyroid biopsies. According to Quest Diagnostics, the Quest Diagnostics Thyroid Cancer Mutation Panel aids in detecting cancer in thyroid biopsies which are found to be indeterminate for cancer by current cytology test methods. Approximately 15% to 20% of these biopsies, which are collected by fine needle aspiration (FNA), produce indeterminate results. An unclear result may increase the risk that a physician, in an abundance of caution, will biopsy additional tissue using a larger needle or surgically remove part or all of a thyroid suspected of having cancer that is later diagnosed as healthy. About 300,000 thyroid FNA biopsy procedures are performed annually in the United States. The panel identifies mutations of the molecular markers BRAF V600E, RAS, RET/PTC, and PAX8/PPAR gamma, which are associated with papillary and follicular thyroid cancer, two common forms of the disease. The manufacturer states that practice guidelines from the American Thyroid Association recommend that physicians consider these markers as aids in clinical management of patients with indeterminate biopsy test results. Results of a Quest Diagnostics study found that 90 of 149 FNA specimens, or about 60%, had mutations of one or more of the four markers tested by the new panel (Reitz, et al., 2014). The authors of the study stated that the presence of the four markers was generally mutually exclusive, suggesting potential value in a hierarchical screening strategy for samples with limited tissue. According to the American Cancer Society, about two tests in every 10 may need to be repeated because the sample does not contain enough cells for testing.
Thyroid cancer mutational panel (e.g., ThyGenX [formerly miRInform], Thyroid Cancer Mutational Panel) evaluates thyroid FNA samples to detect gene mutations associated with thyroid cancer (eg, BRAF V600E, RAS [HRAS, KRAS, NRAS], RET/PTC, PAX8/ PPARgamma, PIK3CA). Mutational panels are described as "rule-in" tests because a positive result indicates that a nodule is at high risk for malignancy; therefore, identifies or, rules in, cancer. However, because these mutations occur infrequently overall in thyroid cancer, a negative result does not rule out cancer.
Thyroid microRNA (miRNA) GEC (e.g., RosettaGX Reveal, ThyraMIR) measures the expression levels of microRNAs to supposedly classify thyroid nodules with indeterminate FNA cytopathology. miRNA GEC may be offered alone or in combination with a thyroid cancer mutational panel (ie, ThyraMIR and ThyGenX ) to purportedly enhance specificity and sensitivity testing results.
ThyraMIR thyroid miRNA classifier is a PCR-based microRNA (miRNA) gene expression classifier that examines the expression levels of 10 miRNA genes within FNA biopsy: miR-29-1-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-138-1-3p, miR-139-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-155. miR-204-5p, miR-222-3p, miR-375, and miR-551b-3p. It is performed following a negative ThyGenX result for all mutations or when mutations detected are not fully indicative of malignancy (i.e., ThyGenX results which favor a benign nodule but cancer could still be present). The test is used on the same FNA cytology sample. The ThyraMIR test reports a qualitative positive or negative result based on the gene expression levels.
A study combining seven-gene mutational testing (ThyGenX) with expression of a set of 10 miRNA genes (ThyraMIR) on preoperative FNA sampling from 109 patients with indeterminate cytology, showed 89% sensitivity, 85% specificity, with a 73% PPV and 94% NPV on this group with a 32% prevalence of malignancy (Labourier, et al., 2015). Labourier, et al. (2015) reported that testing with ThyGenX and ThyraMIR for DNA, mRNA, and miRNA can accurately classify benign and malignant thyroid nodules, increase the diagnostic yield, and futher improve the preoperative risk-based management of benign thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology. Labourier, et al. (2015) tested surgical specimens and preoperative FNAs (n = 638) for 17 validated gene alterations using the miRInform Thyroid test (ThyGenX) and with a 10-miRNA gene expression classifier (ThyraMIR) generating positive (malignant) or negative (benign) results. Cross-sectional sampling of thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) or follicular neoplasm/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) cytology (n = 109) was conducted at 12 endocrinology centers across the United States. Qualitative molecular results were compared with surgical histopathology to determine diagnostic performance and model clinical effect. Mutations were detected in 69% of nodules with malignant outcome. Among mutation-negative specimens, miRNA testing correctly identified 64% of malignant cases and 98% of benign cases. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the combined algorithm was 89% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73-97%) and 85% (95% CI, 75-92%), respectively. At 32% cancer prevalence, 61% of the molecular results were benign with a negative predictive value of 94% (95% CI, 85-98%). Independently of variations in cancer prevalence, the test increased the yield of true benign results by 65% relative to mRNA-based gene expression classification and decreased the rate of avoidable diagnostic surgeries by 69%.
In a news article on tests for indeterminate thyroid nodules, Tucker (2015) reviewed the data from Labourier, et al. (20150 plus additional abstracts on ThyGenX/ThyraMIR presented at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists' 2015 Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress, The article quoted AACE immediate past president R Mack Harrell, MD, as cautioning that "more validation is needed in real-world settings with larger numbers for this new platform, as well as for other 'next-generation' molecular tests such as the ThyroSeq …. So much of the predictive value of these tests depends on what you start with. If you start with a highly selected tertiary-care-referral cancer community, the efficacy of the test is completely different from starting with a practice that's receiving every thyroid nodule in town. So, it needs to be tested in a true community-practice-type setting with lots of patients before you can be sure exactly how it's going to perform".
Lithwick-Yanai et al (2017) sought to develop an assay, the RosettaGX Reveal, that could classify indeterminate thyroid nodules as benign or suspicious, using routinely prepared fine needle aspirate (FNA) cytology smears. A training set of 375 FNA smears was used to develop the microRNA-based assay, which was validated using a blinded, multicenter, retrospective cohort of 201 smears. Final diagnosis of the validation samples was determined based on corresponding surgical specimens, reviewed by the contributing institute pathologist and two independent pathologists. Validation samples were from adult patients (≥18 years) with nodule size >0.5 cm, and a final diagnosis confirmed by at least one of the two blinded, independent pathologists. The developed assay differentiates benign from malignant thyroid nodules, using quantitative RT-PCR. Test performance on the 189 samples that passed quality control: negative predictive value: 91% (95% CI 84% to 96%); sensitivity: 85% (CI 74% to 93%); specificity: 72% (CI 63% to 79%). Performance for cases in which all three reviewing pathologists were in agreement regarding the final diagnosis (n=150): negative predictive value: 99% (CI 94% to 100%); sensitivity: 98% (CI 87% to 100%); specificity: 78% (CI 69% to 85%). The auhors concluded that this assay utilizing microRNA expression in cytology smears distinguishes benign from malignant thyroid nodules using a single FNA stained smear, and does not require fresh tissue or special collection and shipment conditions. The authors stated that this assay offers a valuable tool for the preoperative classification of thyroid samples with indeterminate cytology. Limitations of this study include its small size and large number of post hoc exclusions to create a set in which all three pathologists were in agreement.
Benjamin et al (2016) reported on the analytical validation of the RosettaGX Reveal assay. More than 800 FNA slides were tested, including slides stained with Romanowsky-type and Papanicolaou stains. The assay was examined for the following features: intranodule concordance, effect of stain type, minimal acceptable RNA amounts, performance on low numbers of thyroid cells, effect of time since sampling, and analytical sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. The authors reported that the assay can be run on FNA slides for which as little as 1% of the cells are thyroid epithelial cells or from which only 5 ng of RNA have been extracted. Samples composed entirely of blood failed quality control and were not classified. Stain type did not affect performance. All slides were stored at room temperature. However, the length of time between FNA sampling and processing did not affect assay performance. There was a high level of concordance between laboratories (96%), and the concordance for slides created from the same FNA pass was 93%. The authors concluded that the microRNA-based assay was robust to various physical processing conditions and to differing sample characteristics. The authors concluded that given the assay's performance, robustness, and use of routinely prepared FNA slides, it has the potential to provide valuable aid for physicians in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
Bhatia et al (2015) noted that FNA cytology, being the mainstay to diagnose thyroid nodules, does not provide definitive results in a subset of patients. The use of molecular markers testing has been described as a useful aid in differentiation of thyroid nodules that present with an indeterminate cytodiagnosis. Molecular tests, such as the Afirma gene classifier, mutational assay and immunohistochemical markers have been increasingly used to further increase the accuracy and defer unnecessary surgeries for benign thyroid nodules. However, in light of the current literature, their emerging roles in clinical practice are limited due to financial and technical limitations. Nevertheless, their synergistic implementation can predict the risk of malignancy and yield an accurate diagnosis. This review discussed the clinical utility of various molecular tests done on FNA indeterminate nodules to avoid diagnostic thyroidectomies and warrant the need of future multi-Institutional studies.
Cibas and Ali (2017) noted that the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) established a standardized, category-based reporting system for thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. The 2017 revision re-affirmed that every thyroid FNA report should begin with 1 of the 6 diagnostic categories, the names of which remain unchanged since they were first introduced:
- Non-diagnostic or unsatisfactory
- Benign
- Atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS)
- Follicular neoplasm or suspicious for a follicular neoplasm;
- Suspicious for malignancy
- Malignant.
There is a choice of 2 different names for some of the categories. A laboratory should choose the one it prefers and use it exclusively for that category. Synonymous terms (e.g., AUS and FLUS) should not be used to denote 2 distinct interpretations. Each category has an implied cancer risk that ranges from 0 % to 3 % for the "benign" category to virtually 100 % for the "malignant" category, and, in the 2017 revision, the malignancy risks have been updated based on new (post 2010) data. As a function of their risk associations, each category is linked to updated, evidence-based clinical management recommendations. The recent re-classification of some thyroid neoplasms as non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) has implications for the risk of malignancy, and this is accounted for with regard to diagnostic criteria and optional notes. Such notes can be useful in helping guide surgical management.
mRNA CancerDetect
According to Viome Life Sciences, Inc., the mRNA CancerDetect is a metatranscriptomic (RNA sequencing) saliva test utilizes Viome’s proprietary technology and artificial intelligence (AI) platform to function as a screening tool for oral and throat cancer. This test identifies and quantifies all living microorganisms in the sample down to 1 part per million. After physically removing microbial and human rRNAs from total RNA, all remaining RNAs are sequenced using a full-length transcript. The test produces a quantitative strain-, species-, and genus-level taxonomic classification data and quantitative microbial gene expression data that are grouped into KEGG orhtologies (KOs). The aim of this test is to accurately discover the interaction between microbial activities and human gene expression in the progression of the previously mentioned cancers (Viome Life Sciences, 2021).
Banavar and colleagues (2021) developed and evaluated machine-learning classifiers using metatranscriptomic data from saliva samples (n=433) collected from oral premalignant disorders (OPMD), oral cancer (OC) patients (n=71) and normal controls (n=171). The diagnostic classifiers showed a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) up to 0.9, sensitivity up to 83% (92.3% for stage 1 cancer) and specificity up to 97.9%. The study demonstrated potential clinical utility of an artificial intelligence/machine-learning model in the diagnosis of OC early.
mRNA Gene Expression Profiling for Cutaneous Melanoma
Wang and colleagues (2019) stated that metastatic melanoma of the skin has an aggressive course with high morbidity and mortality. Thus, an increased understanding of the pathogenesis of metastatic melanoma has gained increasing attention, including the role of epigenetic modification and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). These researchers used bioinformatics data to undertake an integrative analysis of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression to construct a ceRNA network in metastatic melanoma. Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Gene Ontology (GO) database, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway were analyzed. There were 471 cases that included 103 primary solid tumors and 368 cases of metastatic melanoma that included transcriptome sequencing data (including lncRNA and mRNA); 452 cases had miRNA sequencing data. Analysis of chip data identified 85 6 mRNAs, 67 miRNAs, and 250 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed in cases of metastatic melanoma, of which 25 miRNAs, 18 lncRNAs, and 18 mRNAs participated in the formation of ceRNAs. Survival analysis identified 7 differentially expressed mRNAs, 5 differentially expressed miRNAs (miRNA-29c, miRNA-100, miR-142-3p, miR-150, miR-516a-2), and 6 differentially expressed lncRNAs (AC068594.1, C7orf71, FAM41C, GPC5-AS1, MUC19, LINC00402) that were correlated with survival time in patients with metastatic melanoma. Bioinformatics data and integrative analysis identified lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression to construct a ceRNA and patient survival network in metastatic melanoma. The authors concluded that these findings supported the need for further studies on the mechanisms involved in the regulation of metastatic melanoma by ceRNAs; and the use of public genomic data might identify potential therapeutic targets and provide new ways to examine the functions and mechanisms of ceRNAs in melanoma and other malignant tumors.
Sun and associates (2019) demonstrated altered expression of lncRNA and mRNA in melanoma using data from the TCGA database; GO, KEGG enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses were conducted. These investigators also constructed a functional lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network and Kaplan-Meier analysis. They identified 246 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 856 DEmRNAs. A total of 184 DElncRNAs and 428 DEmRNAs were up-regulated in metastatic melanoma, while all others were down-regulated. Also, these investigators examined the co-expression pattern of 363 genes, among which 26 up-regulated lncRNAs, 9 down- regulated lncRNAs, 49 up-regulated mRNAs and 151 down-regulated mRNAs were identified as being co-expressed with others. Survival analysis suggested high levels of 14 lncRNAs and 10 mRNAs may significantly increase or decrease OS. These differentially expressed genes are also potentially prognostic in melanoma. The authors concluded that these findings suggested potential roles for lncRNAs and mRNAs during melanoma progression and provide candidate biomarkers for further studies.
Roca and co-workers (2019) noted that recent studies have demonstrated the existence of multiple copies of E2F1 gene in melanoma specimens which could explain the deregulated E2F1 activity in this type of cancer. This finding suggested a key role for this transcription factor in the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Thus, E2F1 has been considered as a potential therapeutic target for this form of skin cancer. Since germline copy number variations (CNVs) have been associated with increased susceptibility to different types of cancer, these researchers examined germline E2F1 CNV in melanoma patients. However, CNVs not necessarily lead to gene dosage imbalance, hence, further factors, in association with CNVs, could contribute to clinical manifestations. Considering that heat stress has been hypothesized as a contributing factor to skin cancer, these investigators also examined the effect of heat stress on E2F1 expression. E2F1 CNV was measured in genomic DNA isolated from blood of 552 patients diagnosed with melanoma and 520 healthy subjects using TaqMan Copy Number Assays. E2F1 mRNA expression was also evaluated by RT-qPCR in the melanoma cell line, SK MEL 267, before and after exposure to heat stress. They found that patients diagnosed with melanoma (1.6 %, 9/552) harbored frequently altered germline E2F1 copies compared to healthy subjects (0 %, 0/520). Moreover, the difference among the 2 groups was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Furthermore, they found that heat exposure alone could significantly induce E2F1 expression. The authors concluded that this was the 1st study that showed a relation between germline E2F1 CNV and melanoma, suggesting that altered copies of this gene might be a predisposing factor to skin cancer. These findings also suggested that environmental insults, such as heat stress, could contribute to an aberrant E2F1 activity by inducing E2F1 mRNA expression. Therefore, subjects with multiple constitutive copies of E2F1 are at greater risk of developing melanoma when exposed to heat. Altogether these findings corroborated with the hypothesis that susceptibility to melanoma depends on both the environment and genetic factors.
Liu and colleagues (2019) stated that paired box 3 (PAX3) is a transcription factor and critical regulator of pigment cell development during embryonic development. However, while there have been several studies on PAX3, its expression patterns and precise role remain to be clarified. These researchers described an in-depth computational study of tumor-associated gene information, with specific emphasis on the expression of PAX3 in melanoma, using Oncomine along with an investigation of corresponding expression profiles in an array of cancer cell lines through Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia analysis. Based on Kaplan-Meier analysis, the prognostic value of high PAX3 expression in tissues from patients with melanoma compared with normal tissues was assessed. PAX3 was more highly expressed in male patients with melanoma compared with female patients with melanoma. Using Oncomine and Coexpedia analysis, it was demonstrated that PAX3 expression was clearly associated with SRY-box 10 expression. The survival analysis results revealed that high PAX3 mRNA expression was associated with worse survival rates in patients with melanoma. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that PAX3 may be a biomarker and essential prognostic factor for melanoma, and provided an important theoretical basis for the development of melanoma treatments.
Prabhakar and associates (2019) noted that Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays an important role in melanocyte biology, especially in the early stages of melanocyte transformation and melanomagenesis. β-catenin, encoded by the gene CTNNB1, is an intra-cellular signal transducer of Wnt signaling and activates transcription of genes important for cell proliferation and survival. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is frequently activated in melanoma through oncogenic mutations of β-catenin and elevated β-catenin levels are positively correlated with melanoma aggressiveness. Molecular mechanisms that regulate β-catenin expression in melanoma are not fully understood. MicroRNA-214 is known to function as a tumor suppressor by targeting β-catenin in several types of cancer cells. These investigators examined the regulation of β-catenin by miR-214 and its role in melanoma. They showed that β-catenin mRNA levels were negatively correlated with miR-214 in melanoma. However, over-expression of miR-214 paradoxically increased β-catenin protein levels and promoted malignant properties of melanoma cells including resistance to mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MAPKi). RNA-seq analysis revealed that melanoma cells predominantly express a β-catenin mRNA isoform lacking miR-214 target site. Using matched miRNA and mRNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis, these researchers identified novel miR-214 targets, ankyrin repeat domain 6 (ANKRD6) and C-terminal binding protein 1 (CTBP1), that were involved in negative regulation of Wnt signaling. Over-expression of miR-214 or knockdown of the novel miR-214 targets, ANKRD6 or CTBP1, increased melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and decreased sensitivity to MAPKi. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that in melanoma cells, β-catenin was not regulated by miR-214; and the functions of miR-214 in melanoma were mediated partly by regulating proteins involved in attenuation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Cutaneous melanoma" (Version 2.2019) does not mention mRNA gene expression profiling as a management tool.
Litchman et al (2020) noted that to decrease morbidity and mortality from melanoma, it is imperative to identify patients who are at high-risk for developing widespread disease. Gene expression profiling technology may impact melanoma management as physicians are better equipped to measure prognosis. Many different GEP signatures have been examined. These investigators searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Embase for studies on GEP in primary melanoma prognosis and examined GEP signatures for prognostic and analytic validity and clinical impact. The relationship between GEP and survival was measured using HR and OR. They found 29 articles comprising 9 gene signatures meeting inclusion criteria and carried out a meta-analysis on 6 studies on a 31-gene signature. High-risk GEP status was associated with poorer RFS (HR = 7.22; 95 % CI: 4.75 to 10.98), DMFS (HR = 6.62; 95 % CI: 4.9 to 8.91), and OS (HR = 7.06; 95 % CI: 4.44 to 11.22); as well as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNLB) positivity (OR = 2.99; 95 % CI: 2.15 to 4.15). The authors concluded that the findings of this study had clinical implications for melanoma patients who may benefit from prognostic testing. These results may be useful to clinicians when ordering GEP testing and help them make better management decisions.
The authors stated that this systematic review and meta-analysis had several drawbacks. Most included studies were conducted retrospectively versus prospectively. Although a comprehensive search strategy was used, missing relevant studies may be unavoidable, especially those published in non-English language journals. Some studies did not directly provide HRs with corresponding effect sizes requiring manual derivation from Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Significant heterogeneity was noted when calculating the pooled HR for RFS and the pooled OR for recurrence. Furthermore, several permutations of different melanoma gene profiles were being tested and developed; however, these new technologies are still early in their development and additional studies may impact on potential uses and adoption.
Hyams et al (2021) defined changes in clinical management resulting from the use of the prognostic 31-gene expression profile (31-GEP) test for cutaneous melanoma in a surgical oncology practice. Management plans for 112 consecutively tested patients with stage I to III melanoma were examined for duration and number of clinical visits, blood work and imaging. 31-GEP high-risk (class 2; n = 46) patients received increased management compared with low-risk (class 1; n = 66) patients. Test results were most closely associated with follow-up and imaging. Of class 1 patients, 65 % received surveillance intensity within guidelines for stage I to IIA patients; 98 % of class 2 patients received surveillance intensity equal to stage IIB to IV patients. The authors suggested clinical follow-up and metastatic screening be adjusted according to 31-GEP test results.
The authors stated that a drawback of this study was the absence of clinical outcomes data associated with the 31-GEP class and an analysis of the completed follow-up and surveillance regimens. Evaluation of these endpoints was limited by the relatively short follow-up of this cohort; however, the clinical accuracy of the 31-GEP test to predict patient outcomes has been extensively reported, including 2 recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including in prospective cohorts. These researchers stated that longer follow-up of this cohort would allow an evaluation of the combination of the test result and completed management plans to identify recurrence; however, the findings reported in this study were consistent with other investigations in which the 31-GEP test substantially influenced patient management recommendations for class 1 and 2 patients, as a function of their disparate biological risk. A 2nd drawback was that this cohort included a higher-risk group in which all patients had a SLNB performed, therefore, the majority of management changes reflect up-staging of patients with stage I to IIA tumors, and a class 2 result to more intensive surveillance. Thus, extrapolation of results to impact on healthcare costs would likely be over-estimated compared with a more diverse melanoma population as was reported by Vetto et al (2019) who showed that class 1A patients over the age of 65 years old had less than 5 % risk of SLN positivity and could therefore forego SLN biopsy and may offset costs incurred by increased surveillance in high-risk patients.
MSK-IMPACT
MSK-IMPACT is a 468-gene oncopanel intended to detect gene mutations and other critical genetic aberrations in both rare and common cancers created by the Department of Pathology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). The MSK-IMPACT assay is a single-site, qualitative in vitro diagnostic test that uses targeted next-generation sequencing of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue matched with normal specimens from patients with solid malignant neoplasms to detect tumor gene alterations in a broad multigene panel. The test is intended to provide information on somatic mutations (point mutations and small insertions and deletions) and microsatellite instability (MSI) for use by qualified healthcare professionals in accordance with professional guidelines. It is not conclusive or prescriptive for labeled use of any specific therapeutic product. The FDA reviewed data for MSK-IMPACT through the de novo premarket review pathway, a regulatory pathway for novel, low- to moderate-risk devices that are not substantially equivalent to an already legally marketed device. Following the de novo authorization, the FDA intends to allow future, similar tests to come to the U.S. market as substantial equivalents.
FDA authorization was based upon a large-scale, prospective clinical sequencing initiative which evaluated the clinical impact of real-time large-scale tumor sequencing in patients with metastatic cancer. In this trial, Zehir et al (2017) stated tumor molecular profiling is a fundamental component of precision oncology, enabling the identification of genomic alterations in genes and pathways that can be targeted therapeutically. The existence of recurrent targetable alterations across distinct histologically defined tumor types, coupled with an expanding portfolio of molecularly targeted therapies, demands flexible and comprehensive approaches to profile clinically relevant genes across the full spectrum of cancers. The authors established a large-scale, prospective clinical sequencing initiative using a comprehensive assay, MSK-IMPACT, through which we have compiled tumor and matched normal sequence data from a unique cohort of more than 10,000 patients with advanced cancer and available pathological and clinical annotations. Using these data, the authors identified clinically relevant somatic mutations, novel noncoding alterations, and mutational signatures that were shared by common and rare tumor types. The authors reported that nearly 37 percent of patients who had their tumors sequenced through MSK-IMPACT had at least one actionable mutation, meaning that drugs to target these mutations were available either in a clinical trial or as part of the standard of care. In addition, this assay allows for the detection of microsatellite instability (MSI) providing a means to select patients who may benefit from immunotherapy. Of 5,009 patients tested by MSK-IMPACT prior to July 2015, 1,894 (38%) were enrolled on any clinical trial, 811 (16%) were enrolled on a clinical trial with a targeted agent, and 527 (11%) harbored genomic alterations matching the drug target. Of all matches, 72% occurred after the MSK-IMPACT reports were issued, and the remaining matches were based on the results of prior molecular testing. The authors concluded that while this study represents a first step towards evaluating the clinical impact of large-scale prospective tumor sequencing, more systematic studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of clinical cancer genomics on patient outcomes. These studies will require detailed, longitudinal follow-up. Additionally, data sharing across laboratories and institutions engaged in tumor sequencing is paramount in order to realize the full discovery potential of the resulting datasets. To this end, the authors have deposited their full dataset into the cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics.
Multiplex Testing for Myeloid Hematopathologic Disorders
Multiplex testing/next generation sequencing can assist in the diagnosis of various myeloid hematopathologic disorders, particularly myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The International Consensus Working Group (ICWG) (Valent, et al., 2007) recommends that minimal diagnostic criteria for MDS include: A) Prerequisite criteria, including stable cytopenia in one or more cell line, and exclusion of other potential disorders as a primary reason for dysplasia and/or cytopenia; B) MDS-related (decisive) criteria, including significant dysplasia, a blast count of 5-19%, and/or specific MDS cytogenetic abnormalities; and co-criteria for patients fulfilling A) but not B), including clear signs of a monoclonal population utilizing molecular markers (such as DNA mutations) or flow cytometry, or markedly reduced colony formation. In addition, many of the genes have independent prognostic value in various myeloid malignancies including ASXL1, RUNX1, ETV6, EZH2, TP53 in multivariable analysis in MDS. Other critical disease genes such as DNMT3A, CBL, IDH2, IDH1, SRSF2, ZRSR2, NRAS, U2AF1, and SF3B1 have also been shown to be independent predictors of survival in MDS as well as ASXL1, SRSF2, CBL, and IDH2 in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), IDH1/2, EZH2, SRSF2, ASXL1 in primary myelofibrosis (PMF), and SETBP1 in atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML).
MyAML Next Generation Sequencing Panel
MyAML is a 194 targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) gene panel. Coding regions and potential genomic breakpoints within known somatic gene fusions are sequenced with 300bp paired end reads on an Illumina MiSeq instrument to an average depth of coverage >1000x. Using Invivoscribe's proprietary MyInformatics annotation and bioinformatics database, testing idenifies single nucleotide variants (SNVs), indels, inversions and translocations. In addition, allelic frequencies can also be used to investigate potential aneuploidy and clonality.
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms and Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic syndromes are both blood cell diseases and both carry an increased risk of transformation into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) refer to a heterogeneous group of myeloid disorders characterized by varying reductions in the production of red blood cells, platelets, and mature granulocytes that may also exhibit functional (i.e., qualitative) defects.
Conversely, Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) refer to a group of heterogenous disorders characterized by overproduction of one or more types of blood cells. MPNs include polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, primary myelofibrosis, chronic neutrophilic leukemia, and other less well defined entities such as chronic eosinophilic leukemia, not otherwise categorized.
A third category, Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN), include disorders that manifest both dysplastic and proliferative features. These include chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, atypical CML (aCML, BCR-ABL1 negative), MDS/MPN with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis, and unclassifiable MDS/MPN.
MyMRD Gene Panel Assay
The MyMRD Gene Panel Assay (Invivoscribe) is a next-generation sequencing (NGS) test indicated for identifying pathogenic variants in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This assay provides monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) using genomic DNA and cell-free DNA (cfDNA), isolated from plasma which is becoming a readily available source of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for testing. (Xie et al, 2018). Moreover, indexed whole genome libraries are hybridized with MyMRD probes targeting mutation hotspots in a total of 23 genes (including FLT3). In addition to targeting single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and insertions/deletions in 21 genes, 5 structural variant breakpoints are also targeted in CBFB–MYH11, KMT2A, RUNX1-RUNX1T1. The MyMRD assay detects mutations with a mutant allele frequency of 5 x 10-3, while some mutations, such as FLT3 ITDs, are detected at mutation allele frequencies as low at 1 x 10-3. The test enables clinicians to study important aberrations implicated in the causation, prognosis, and recurrence of myeloid disorders (Invivoscribe, 2025).
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) for "Acute myeloid leukemia" (Version 2.2025) state, "There are distinct differences between diagnostic threshold assessments and MRD assessments. Standard next-generation sequencing (NGS) diagnostic tests are not designed for MRD assessment due to inferior sensitivity". "The most frequently employed methods for MRD assessment include quantitative molecular assays such as real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) and multicolor flow cytometry (MFC) assays specifically designed to detect abnormal MRD immunophenotypes. The optimal sample for initial MRD assessment is a first, dedicated pull of the BM [bone marrow] aspirate. The quality of the sample is of paramount importance to have reliable evaluation. Once MRD-negative remission by BM is achieved, peripheral blood can be utilized for surveillance of MRD for PML:RAR alpha, NPM1, 3 CBFB::MYH11, and RUNX1::RUNX1T1." "For detection of FLT3-ITD, the Panel recommends a highly sensitive, NGS-based, targeted, deep-sequencing assay with a sensitivity level of ≤10-5." Moreover, "The Panel does not routinely recommend other NGS–based assays to detect mutated genes (targeted sequencing, 20–50 genes per panel) for MRD assessment due to inferior sensitivity".
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s (NCCN) clinical practice guideline on "Myelodysplastic syndromes" (Version 2.2025) states that "Next-generation sequencing and chromosome genomic array testing are complementary in detecting both mutations and copy number aberrations and copy neutral loss of heterozygosity in the genes associated with these disorders". However, NCCN does not provide a recommendation for evaluating MRD as a diagnostic or management tool.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Myeloproliferative neoplasms" (1.2025) does not mention genetic panel / next-generation sequencing, nor provide a recommendation for evaluating MRD as a diagnostic or management tool.
MyProstateScore (Mi-Prostate Score [MiPS]) and MyProstateScore 2.0
The MiPS assay is a multiplex analysis of TMPRSS2:ERG (T2:ERG) gene fusion, post-DRE urine expression of PCA3, and serum PSA (KLK3). The MiPS assay tests for the presence of two prostate cancer biomarkers: a piece of RNA made from the PCA3 gene, found to be overactive in 95 percent of all prostate cancers, and another RNA marker that is found only when TMPRSS2 and ERG abnormally fuse. TMPRSS2:ERG, or T2-ERG, is a strong indicator of prostate cancer. The MiPS test is not meant to be used alone as a prostate cancer screening tool, nor is it intended to replace PSA. The Mi-Prostate Score test is designed to provide additional information for patients who have undergone PSA testing. The performance in men who have not undergone PSA testing is unknown.
Salami et al (2013) sought to develop a clinical algorithm combining serum PSA with detection of TMPRSS2:ERG fusion and PCA3 in urine collected after digital rectal exam (post-DRE urine) to predict prostate cancer on subsequent biopsy. Post-DRE urine was collected in 48 consecutive patients before prostate biopsy at 2 centers; quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG fusion transcript expression. Serum PSA was measured by clinical assay. The performance of TMPRSS2:ERG fusion, PCA3, and serum PSA as biomarkers predicting prostate cancer at biopsy was measured; a clinically practical algorithm combining serum PSA with TMPRSS2:ERG and PCA3 in post-DRE urine to predict prostate cancer was developed. Post-DRE urine sediment provided informative RNA in 45 patients; prostate cancer was present on subsequent biopsy in 15. TMPRSS2:ERG in post-DRE urine was associated with prostate cancer (OR = 12.02; P < 0.001). PCA3 had the highest sensitivity in predicting prostate cancer diagnosis (93%), whereas TMPRSS2:ERG had the highest specificity (87%). TMPRSS2:ERG had the greatest discriminatory value in predicting prostate cancer (AUC = 0.77 compared with 0.65 for PCA3 and 0.72 for serum PSA alone). Combining serum PSA, PCA3, and TMPRSS2:ERG in a multivariable algorithm optimized for clinical utility improved cancer prediction (AUC = 0.88; specificity = 90% at 80% sensitivity). The authors concluded that a clinical algorithm specifying biopsy for all patients with PSA ≥ 10 ng/ml, while restricting biopsy among those with PSA <10 ng/ml to only those with detectable PCA3 or TMPRSS2:ERG in post-DRE urine, performed better than the individual biomarkers alone in predicting prostate cancer.
Tomlins et al (2016) state TMPRSS2:ERG (T2:ERG) and prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) are the most advanced urine-based prostate cancer (PCa) early detection biomarkers. The authors aimed to validate logistic regression models, termed Mi-Prostate Score (MiPS), that incorporate serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA; or the multivariate Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial risk calculator version 1.0 [PCPTrc]) and urine T2:ERG and PCA3 scores for predicting PCa and high-grade PCa on biopsy. T2:ERG and PCA3 scores were generated using clinical-grade transcription-mediated amplification assays. Pretrained MiPS models were applied to a validation cohort of whole urine samples prospectively collected after digital rectal examination from 1244 men presenting for biopsy. Area under the curve (AUC) was used to compare the performance of serum PSA (or the PCPTrc) alone and MiPS models. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess clinical benefit. Among informative validation cohort samples (n=1225 [98%], 80% from patients presenting for initial biopsy), models incorporating T2:ERG had significantly greater AUC than PSA (or PCPTrc) for predicting PCa (PSA: 0.693 vs 0.585; PCPTrc: 0.718 vs 0.639; both p<0.001) or high-grade (Gleason score >6) PCa on biopsy (PSA: 0.729 vs 0.651, p<0.001; PCPTrc: 0.754 vs 0.707, p=0.006). MiPS models incorporating T2:ERG score had significantly greater AUC (all p<0.001) than models incorporating only PCA3 plus PSA (or PCPTrc or high-grade cancer PCPTrc [PCPThg]). DCA demonstrated net benefit of the MiPS_PCPTrc (or MiPS_PCPThg) model compared with the PCPTrc (or PCPThg) across relevant threshold probabilities. The authors concluded that incorporating urine TMPRSS2:ERG (T2:ERG) and PCA3 scores improves the performance of serum PSA (or PCPTrc) for predicting PCa and high-grade PCa on biopsy. The authors noted that limitations of this study, which included included the use of PCPTrc_v1 and PCPThg_v1, rather than updated version 2 (v2) risk calculators, because the MiPS models were locked for subsequent validation studies prior to PCPT_v2 risk calculator development. Of note, PCPTrc_v2 and PCPThg_v2 were poorly calibrated in the validation cohort, with no significant difference in AUCs compared with version 1 (PCPThg_v1 showed significantly increased AUC compared to PCPThg_v2). In addition, the authors observed greater improvement for predicting all cancers, compared with high-grade cancer only, when incorporating T2:ERG plus PCA3 scores. Although overdiagnosis of low-grade cancer drives overtreatment, whether these models show utility in identifying the subset of patients with low-grade cancer who harbor undiagnosed higher grade cancer ( approximately 20–40%) or can be combined with novel imaging or tissue-based prognostic tests should be investigated. Of note, tissue and urine assessment of PCA3 and/or T2:ERG have been variably associated with significant disease and progression, supporting the need for additional investigation in these settings. Last, the validation cohort consisted of men without cancer undergoing biopsy based on current standard of care (i.e., elevated serum PSA), so conclusions regarding performance in men on active surveillance or screening populations is unknown.
Sanda et al (2017) stated potential survival benefits from treating aggressive (Gleason score, ≥7) early-stage prostate cancer are undermined by harms from unnecessary prostate biopsy and overdiagnosis of indolent disease. The objective of their study was to evaluate the a priori primary hypothesis that combined measurement of PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG (T2:ERG) RNA in the urine after digital rectal examination would improve specificity over measurement of prostate-specific antigen alone for detecting cancer with Gleason score of 7 or higher. As a secondary objective, to evaluate the potential effect of such urine RNA testing on health care costs. They conducted a prospective, multicenter diagnostic evaluation and validation in academic and community-based ambulatory urology clinics. Participants were a referred sample of men presenting for first-time prostate biopsy without preexisting prostate cancer: 516 eligible participants from among 748 prospective cohort participants in the developmental cohort and 561 eligible participants from 928 in the validation cohort. The interventions included: Urinary PCA3 and T2:ERG RNA measurement before prostate biopsy. The main outcome measure was the presence of prostate cancer having Gleason score of 7 or higher on prostate biopsy. Pathology testing was blinded to urine assay results. In the developmental cohort, a multiplex decision algorithm was constructed using urine RNA assays to optimize specificity while maintaining 95% sensitivity for predicting aggressive prostate cancer at initial biopsy. Findings were validated in a separate multicenter cohort via prespecified analysis, blinded per prospective-specimen-collection, retrospective-blinded-evaluation (PRoBE) criteria. Cost effects of the urinary testing strategy were evaluated by modeling observed biopsy results and previously reported treatment outcomes. Among the 516 men in the developmental cohort (mean age, 62 years; range, 33-85 years) combining testing of urinary T2:ERG and PCA3 at thresholds that preserved 95% sensitivity for detecting aggressive prostate cancer improved specificity from 18% to 39%. Among the 561 men in the validation cohort (mean age, 62 years; range, 27-86 years), analysis confirmed improvement in specificity (from 17% to 33%; lower bound of 1-sided 95% CI, 0.73%; prespecified 1-sided P = .04), while high sensitivity (93%) was preserved for aggressive prostate cancer detection. Forty-two percent of unnecessary prostate biopsies would have been averted by using the urine assay results to select men for biopsy. Cost analysis suggested that this urinary testing algorithm to restrict prostate biopsy has greater potential cost-benefit in younger men. The authors concluded that combined urinary testing for T2:ERG and PCA3 can avert unnecessary biopsy while retaining robust sensitivity for detecting aggressive prostate cancer with consequent potential health care cost savings.
The NCCN Prostate Cancer Early Detection Guidelines (v.2.2019) states that rearrangements of the ERG gene are found in approximately half of prostate cancers and early studies suggested that the combination of TMPRSS2:ERG (T2:ERG) gene fusion and PCA3 improved the prediction of prostate cancer on biopsy (Tomlinson 2016; Sanda 2017). Based on these early results, the NCCN panel considers MiPS to be investigational at present time, but will review additional information as it becomes available.
Newcomb et al (2019) stated for men on active surveillance for prostate cancer, biomarkers may improve prediction of reclassification to higher grade or volume cancer. This study examined the association of urinary PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG (T2:ERG) with biopsy-based reclassification. Urine was collected at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months in the multi-institutional Canary Prostate Active Surveillance Study (PASS), and PCA3 and T2:ERG levels were quantitated. Reclassification was an increase in Gleason score or ratio of biopsy cores with cancer to ≥34%. The association of biomarker scores, adjusted for common clinical variables, with short- and long-term reclassification was evaluated. Discriminatory capacity of models with clinical variables alone or with biomarkers was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). Seven hundred and eighty-two men contributed 2069 urine specimens. After adjusting for PSA, prostate size, and ratio of biopsy cores with cancer, PCA3 but not T2:ERG was associated with short-term reclassification at the first surveillance biopsy (OR = 1.3; 95% CI 1.0-1.7, p = 0.02). The addition of PCA3 to a model with clinical variables improved area under the curve from 0.743 to 0.753 and increased net benefit minimally. After adjusting for clinical variables, neither marker nor marker kinetics was associated with time to reclassification in subsequent biopsies. The authors stated that studies evaluating the use of PCA3 in active surveillance have been limited and sample sizes have been small. In the current study, which is the largest study to date of PCA3 in men using active surveillance, after adjustment for clinical variables available after cancer diagnosis, the authors found a significant association of PCA3 with reclassification at the sBx1 (adjusted OR = 1.3, p = 0.02), but not for subsequent biopsies (adjusted OR = 1.01, p = 0.96). Although they found no association between T2:ERG and biopsy reclassification, some studies have suggested improved performance when PCA3 and T2:ERG are used in combination or combined into a MiPS score for the initial diagnosis of PCa. Thus, the authors combined PCA3 and T2:ERG into a MIPS score, but found little or no improvement over PCA3 alone. The authors concluded that PCA3 but not T2:ERG was associated with cancer reclassification in the first surveillance biopsy but has negligible improvement over clinical variables alone in ROC or DCA analyses. Neither marker was associated with reclassification in subsequent biopsies.
Lebastchi et al (2020) evaluated the association of the MyProstateScore (MPS) urine test on the decision to undergo biopsy in men referred for prostate biopsy in urology practice. MPS testing was offered as an alternative to immediate biopsy in men referred to the University of Michigan for prostate biopsy from October 2013 through October 2016. The primary endpoint was the decision to perform biopsy. The proportion of patients undergoing biopsy was compared to predicted risk scores from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial risk calculator (PCPTrc). Analyses were stratified by the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). The associations of PCPTrc, MPS, and mpMRI with the decision to undergo biopsy were explored in a multivariable logistic regression model. Of 248 patients, 134 (54%) proceeded to prostate biopsy. MPS was significantly higher in biopsied patients (29 vs14, p < .001). The use of biopsy was strongly associated with MPS, with biopsy rates of 26%, 38%, 58%, 90%, and 85% in the first through fifth quintiles, respectively (p < .001). MPS association with biopsy persisted upon stratification by mpMRI. On multivariable analysis, MPS was strongly associated with the decision to undergo biopsy when modeled as both a continuous (odds ratio [OR] 1.05, 95%; confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.08; <.001) and binary (OR 7.76, 95%; CI 4.14-14.5; p < .001) variable. The authors concluded that 46% of patients undergoing clinical MPS testing as an alternative to immediate prostate biopsy were able to avoid biopsy. Increasing MPS was strongly associated with biopsy rates. The authors report these findings were robust to use of mpMRI. The authors acknowledge limitations to their study.
First, these data reflect a study period in which MPS thresholds for clinical use were not proposed or validated, and MPS results were provided across a range from 0 to 100. Thus, there was no objective measure of a “negative” or “low-risk” MPS, and the decision to pursue biopsy was ultimately based on discretion. Therefore, the association of MPS with the primary outcome was based on numerical categorization (i.e., quintiles). Second, the study was single-arm with no comparison cohort without MPS testing. Third, while measures of the proportion biopsied imply a baseline 100% biopsy rate in the absence of MPS or mpMRI, it is likely that other considerations could have reduced use of biopsy in the absence of MPS. Finally, the pathology of patients who did not undergo biopsy is unknown, thus the current study should not be considered a robust assessment of clinical validity. As this was not the primary objective, it is nonetheless notable that the limited assessment of validity performed herein was consistent with existing data.
Mi-Prostate (MiPS) was renamed MyProstate score in 2021.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines on “Prostate cancer early detection” (Version 2.2024) states that MyProstateScore (MPS) can be considered for patients prior to biopsy and for those with prior negative biopsy who are thought to be at higher risk for clinically significant prostate cancer. However, the extent of validation of this test across diverse populations is variable, and it is not yet known how such a test could be applied in optimal combination with MRI.
MyProstateScore 2.0 (Lynx DX) is a next-generation prostate cancer risk assessment test that evaluates the activity (gene expression) of 18 genes (includes novel gene fusion, T2:ERG) from a first-catch urine specimen collected post-digital rectal examination (post-DRE). An algorithmic analysis of the findings reports a probability score for the likelihood that the patient has clinically significant prostate cancer grade Group 2 or higher (Grade Group ≥2 or Gleason score ≥7).
Tosoian and colleagues (2024) discussed the development and validation of an 18-gene urine test for high-grade prostate cancer. Their objective was to develop a multiplex urinary panel for high-grade prostate cancer (PCa) and validate its external performance relative to current guideline-endorsed biomarkers. They hypothesized that augmenting the prior generation of cancer-associated biomarkers with novel molecules selectively expressed by high-grade, aggressive cancers would improve testing accuracy. The original MyProstateScore (MPS) test incorporates prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) and TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion expression with serum PSA level to estimate risk of high-grade cancers. To derive a gene panel for high-grade cancers, the authors performed differential expression analysis of 58 724 genetic targets in multi-institutional RNA sequencing data, which identified 54 markers of PCa, including 17 markers uniquely overexpressed by high-grade cancers. Gene expression and clinical factors were modeled in a new urinary test for high-grade PCa (MyProstateScore 2.0 [MPS2]). Optimal models were developed in parallel without prostate volume (MPS2) and with prostate volume (MPS2+). The locked models underwent blinded external validation in a prospective National Cancer Institute trial cohort. Data were collected from January 2008 to December 2020, and data were analyzed from November 2022 to November 2023. Multiple biomarker tests were assessed in the validation cohort, including serum PSA alone, the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial risk calculator, and the Prostate Health Index (PHI) as well as derived multiplex 2-gene and 3-gene models, the original 2-gene MPS test, and the 18-gene MPS2 models. Under a testing approach with 95% sensitivity for PCa of GG 2 or greater, measures of diagnostic accuracy and clinical consequences of testing were calculated. Cancers of GG 3 or greater were assessed secondarily. Of 761 men included in the development cohort, the median (IQR) age was 63 (58-68) years, and the median (IQR) PSA level was 5.6 (4.6-7.2) ng/mL; of 743 men included in the validation cohort, the median (IQR) age was 62 (57-68) years, and the median (IQR) PSA level was 5.6 (4.1-8.0) ng/mL. In the validation cohort, 151 (20.3%) had high-grade PCa on biopsy. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values were 0.60 using PSA alone, 0.66 using the risk calculator, 0.77 using PHI, 0.76 using the derived multiplex 2-gene model, 0.72 using the derived multiplex 3-gene model, and 0.74 using the original MPS model compared with 0.81 using the MPS2 model and 0.82 using the MPS2+ model. At 95% sensitivity, the MPS2 model would have reduced unnecessary biopsies performed in the initial biopsy population (range for other tests, 15% to 30%; range for MPS2, 35% to 42%) and repeat biopsy population (range for other tests, 9% to 21%; range for MPS2, 46% to 51%). Across pertinent subgroups, the MPS2 models had negative predictive values of 95% to 99% for cancers of GG 2 or greater and of 99% for cancers of GG 3 or greater. The authors state that in this study, a new 18-gene PCa test had higher diagnostic accuracy for high-grade PCa relative to existing biomarker tests, and that these data support use in patients with elevated PSA levels to reduce the potential harms of screening while preserving its long-term benefits. The authors acknowledged limitations to their study. For one, there was limited racial diversity in the study population. Second, the reference standard was systematic biopsy, which is subject to undersampling that could increase NPV and decrease positive predictive value relative to surgical pathology. Repeated model development in patients with more definitive pathologic data (eg, radical prostatectomy), and prostatectomy-derived MPS2 models did not differ substantially. Although the derived multiplex models capture the components of other commercially available tests, these models should not be interpreted as equivalent to the commercial assays, just as no conclusions can be drawn regarding biomarkers not assessed. This study population was not suitable for comparing biomarkers with mpMRI, which remains a critical knowledge gap. The authors are currently conducting a prospective multicenter trial for this assessment. Regardless, the externally validated performance of MPS2 supports its effectiveness in accurately ruling out the need for mpMRI and biopsy altogether; however, additional studies are needed to corroborate these data and confirm the observed positive impact of MPS2 testing on longer-term outcomes.
Wei and colleagues (2023a, 2023b) discuss considerations for a prostate biopsy in the 2023 American Urological Association and Society of Urologic Oncology (AUA/SUO) guidelines. The authors state that “while there are a plethora of serum, urine, tissue, and imaging biomarkers to assess the likelihood of high-grade prostate cancer, there is little knowledge on comparative effectiveness, how they may complement or supplement each other, and how various stepwise algorithms perform. Considerable research is required to achieve the goal of a highly effective, practical, scalable, and widely available approach”. “In a recent study, MPS was shown to be significantly associated with GG2+ cancer across all PI-RADS scores inclusive of PI-RADS 3 lesions. Pending future prospective validation studies, biomarkers may augment mpMRI for identifying patients for prostate biopsy especially in patients with negative or equivocal mpMRI findings but with ongoing suspicion for GG2+ cancer.” The PSA blood test remains the first-line screening test of choice based on randomized trials of PSA-based screening showing reductions in metastasis and prostate cancer death.
In a AUA/SUO (2023) guideline statement, a conditional recommendation with Grade C evidence (low level of certainty) states that clinicians may use adjunctive urine or serum markers when further risk stratification would influence the decision regarding whether to proceed with biopsy. Wei et al acknowledge that it is debatable which of the newer biomarkers (alone or in combination) is best, as comparative studies are sparse.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Biomarkers Compendium (NCCN, 2024) for “Prostate cancer early detection” and “Prostate cancer” do not include recommendations for the second generation MyProstateScore 2.0 test.
MyPRS
MyPRS Plus (Signal Genetics) analyzes all of the nearly 25,000 genes in a patient’s genome to determine the gene expression profile that is associated with their condition (Raman, et al., 2013). In the case of myeloma, the gene expression profile is made up of the 70 most relevant genes which aid in the prediction of the patient’s outcome. MyPRS helps patients and physicians determine the best treatment for patients with Myeloma.
The NCCN’s clinical practice guideline on multiple myeloma (MM) (Version 2.2013) stated that "Further understanding of the molecular subtypes of MM is emerging from the application of high-throughput genomic tools such as gene expression profiling (GEP). With the currently available novel treatment approaches, a majority of patients with MM can now anticipate long-term disease control. However, patients with cytogenetically and molecularly defined high-risk disease do not receive the same benefit from current approaches as low-risk patients. GEP is a powerful and fast tool with the potential to provide additional prognostic value to further define risk-stratification, help therapeutic decisions, and inform novel drug design and development. At the present time, standardized testing for GEP is not available and there is inadequate data to determine how this prognostic information should be used to direct patient management". The NCCN guideline does not include a specific recommendation for the use of the MyPRS test in risk-stratification or determining prognosis in the clinical management of patients with MM.
Oxnard et al (2013) stated that the identification of oncogenic driver mutations underlying sensitivity to EGFR and anaplastic lymphoma kinase tyrosine kinase inhibitors has led to a surge of interest in identifying additional targetable oncogenes in NSCLC. A number of new potentially oncogenic gene alterations have been characterized in recent years, including BRAF mutations, HER2 insertions, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphonate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha polypeptide gene (PIK3CA) mutations, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) amplifications, discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) mutations, ROS1 re-arrangements, and RET re-arrangements. These investigators discussed the techniques used to discover each of these candidate oncogenes, the prevalence of each in NSCLC, the pre-clinical data supporting their role in lung cancer, and data on small molecular inhibitors in development.
myPath Melanoma
Clarke et al (2015) noted that histopathologic examination is sometimes inadequate for accurate and reproducible diagnosis of certain melanocytic neoplasms. As a result, more sophisticated and objective methods have been sought. These researchers identified a gene expression signature that reliably differentiated benign and malignant melanocytic lesions and examined its potential clinical applicability. They described the development of a gene expression signature and its clinical validation using multiple independent cohorts of melanocytic lesions representing a broad spectrum of histopathologic subtypes. Using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on a selected set of 23 differentially expressed genes, and by applying a threshold value and weighting algorithm, these investigators developed a gene expression signature that produced a score that differentiated benign nevi from malignant melanomas. The gene expression signature classified melanocytic lesions as benign or malignant with a sensitivity of 89 % and a specificity of 93 % in a training cohort of 464 samples. The signature was validated in an independent clinical cohort of 437 samples, with a sensitivity of 90 % and specificity of 91 %. The authors concluded that the performance, objectivity, reliability and minimal tissue requirements of this test suggested that it could have clinical application as an adjunct to histopathology in the diagnosis of melanocytic neoplasms. Moreover, these researchers stated that additional outcomes‐based and prospective studies are needed to examine the performance of this test.
The authors stated that 1 potential drawback of this study was that it was performed with archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue. mRNA extracted from archived FFPE samples is more prone to fragmentation when compared with recently prepared FFPE lesions. This might explain the relatively high sample failure rate of the signature in older samples . Indeed, these investigators observed a much lower failure rate in contemporary samples. Samples with low scores had an increased chance of failure if the mRNA was from an older sample and was degraded, which could bias estimates of the sensitivity and specificity. To mitigate this bias, both the training and validation cohorts consisted of a variety of older archival samples and newer contemporary samples.
Warf et al. (2015) evaluated the analytic validity of the myPath melanoma diagnostic gene expression signature using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) melanocytic lesions. The overall standard deviation of the assay was 0.69 MDS units, indicating high reproducibility. Individual gene amplicons demonstrated an average amplification efficiency of 92% and a standard deviation of less than 0.5 cycle threshold (CT), supporting consistent performance across targets. The MDS was reproducible across a 2000-fold dilution range of input RNA, demonstrating robust performance even with variable RNA input. The presence of melanin, a known PCR inhibitor in melanocytic lesions, did not interfere with the assay’s performance, confirming its suitability for pigmented samples. The assay was specifically validated on FFPE melanocytic lesions, which are the standard specimen type in dermatopathology practice.
Clarke et al (2017) stated that recently, a 23-gene signature was developed to produce a melanoma diagnostic score capable of differentiating malignant and benign melanocytic lesions. These researchers examined the ability of the gene signature to differentiate melanoma from benign nevi in clinically relevant lesions. A set of 1,400 melanocytic lesions was selected from samples prospectively submitted for gene expression testing at a clinical laboratory. Each sample was tested and subjected to an independent histopathologic evaluation by 3 experienced dermato-pathologists. A primary diagnosis (benign or malignant) was assigned to each sample, and diagnostic concordance among the 3 dermato-pathologists was required for inclusion in analyses. The sensitivity and specificity of the score in differentiating benign and malignant melanocytic lesions were calculated to examine the association between the score and the pathologic diagnosis. The gene expression signature differentiated benign nevi from malignant melanoma with a sensitivity of 91.5 % and a specificity of 92.5 %. The authors concluded that these findings reflected the performance of the gene signature in a diverse array of samples encountered in routine clinical practice. These researchers stated that additional studies with clinical follow‐up will likely provide additional insight into the performance of this test, as will studies focusing on especially challenging subtypes such as desmoplastic melanoma, nevoid melanoma, and Spitzoid melanoma.
The authors stated that the gene signature assessed was intended to provide adjunctive information for the diagnosis of melanoma in ambiguous and difficult‐to‐diagnose lesions. The prospective cohort used in this study included numerous melanoma and nevus subtypes, including some types known to present significant diagnostic challenges in the clinical setting. However, the use of a triple‐concordant diagnostic reference standard did eliminate some of these cases. For example, desmoplastic and nevoid melanomas were not specifically excluded from the cohort, but none of the cases classified as either of these 2 particular melanoma subtypes received a triple‐concordant diagnosis by histopathology. The high frequency of discordance among reviewing dermato-pathologists in this study was similar to that observed in other assessments of clinical cohorts; and highlighted the need for adjunctive diagnostic tools. An evaluation of the gene signature against clinical outcomes would minimize cohort bias toward straightforward cases, and studies assessing test performance by comparison with clinical outcomes are currently underway.
Clarke et al. (2017) evaluated the utility of the myPath 23-gene expression signature as an ancillary diagnostic tool for distinguishing desmoplastic melanoma (DM) from benign desmoplastic melanocytic nevi. In a cohort of 50 diagnostically challenging cases, the gene expression test was positive ("likely malignant") in 15 of 20 DMs, indeterminate in 1, and negative in 4. Importantly, none of the 27 desmoplastic melanocytic nevi were positive; most were negative, with a few indeterminate results. The study also compared gene expression results with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis in a subset of DMs, finding some discordance and highlighting limitations in sensitivity for both methods. The investigators concluded that a positive gene expression score was specific for melanoma and not observed in benign nevi, supporting the use of this gene signature as a supportive ancillary test in the differential diagnosis of DM versus desmoplastic nevus. However, the study also documents that the test is not fully sensitive, as some DMs were negative or indeterminate, and thus it should be interpreted in the context of histopathology and other ancillary studies.
The main drawbacks of the study were limited sensitivity, small sample size, discordance with other molecular methods, retrospective design, and lack of outcome correlation. First, limited sensitivity was observed: 4 of 20 DMs were negative and 1 was indeterminate by gene expression testing, indicating that a negative result does not exclude DM. This is particularly relevant given the known molecular heterogeneity of DM, which may not always be captured by the gene panel used. Second, the sample size was relatively small (20 DMs and 27 desmoplastic nevi), which limits the generalizability of the findings and the ability to fully assess test performance across the spectrum of desmoplastic melanocytic lesions. Third, the study found discordance between gene expression results and SNP array analysis in a subset of cases, highlighting that neither method is fully sensitive or specific for DM, and that molecular results must be interpreted in the context of histopathology and other ancillary studies. Fourth, the study was retrospective and conducted at a single institution, which may introduce selection bias and limit external validity. Finally, the study did not correlate gene expression results with long-term clinical outcomes, so the clinical impact of false-negative or indeterminate results remains uncertain.
Ko et al (2017) noted that histopathologic examination alone can be inadequate for diagnosis of certain melanocytic neoplasms. A 23-gene expression signature was clinically validated as an ancillary diagnostic test to differentiate benign nevi from melanoma. These researchers examined the performance of this test in an independent cohort of melanocytic lesions against clinically proven outcomes. Archival tissue from primary cutaneous melanomas and melanocytic nevi was obtained from 4 independent institutions and tested with the gene signature. Cases were selected according to pre-defined clinical outcome measures. Malignant lesions were defined as stage I to III primary cutaneous melanomas that produced distant metastases (metastatic to sites other than proximal sentinel lymph node(s)) following diagnosis of the primary lesion. Melanomas that were metastatic at the time of diagnosis, all re-excisions, and lesions with less than 10 % tumor volume were excluded. Benign lesions were defined as cutaneous melanocytic lesions with no adverse long-term events reported. Of 239 submitted samples, 182 met inclusion criteria and produced a valid gene expression result. This included 99 primary cutaneous melanomas with proven distant metastases and 83 melanocytic nevi. Median time to melanoma metastasis was 18 months. Median follow-up time for nevi was 74.9 months. The gene expression score differentiated melanoma from nevi with a sensitivity of 93.8 % and a specificity of 96.2 %. The authors concluded that multiple lines of evidence suggested that the gene expression signature differentiated benign and malignant melanocytic lesions with a high degree of accuracy. The findings of this study showed that the gene signature had high diagnostic accuracy relative to long-term clinical outcomes. In combination with previous validations that used consensus histopathologic diagnosis as the reference standard, this supports the use of the gene signature as an adjunctive diagnostic test to enable the early and accurate diagnosis of melanoma. Additional studies on specific melanoma and nevus subtypes are ongoing and will provide additional insight regarding the performance characteristics of the test.
Cockerell et al. (2016) conducted a retrospective analysis to determine how a 23-gene expression signature (melanoma diagnostic score, MDS) affects the diagnosis and treatment recommendations of dermatopathologists when evaluating diagnostically challenging melanocytic tumors. Dermatopathologists first rendered a diagnosis, indicated their level of diagnostic confidence, and made a treatment recommendation based on histopathology alone. After receiving the MDS result, they repeated these assessments. The study found that the availability of the gene expression signature led to a 56.6% increase in definitive diagnoses among cases that were initially indeterminate. Additionally, treatment recommendations changed in 49.1% of cases after the MDS result was incorporated. In 76.6% of diagnostically challenging cases, the post-test treatment recommendation aligned with the gene expression result. The authors indicate that this study shows the potential of gene expression profiling to serve as a valuable adjunct to histopathology in ambiguous melanocytic lesions, but also notes the need for further data to clarify how these changes in diagnosis and management translate to clinical outcomes in practice.
The study had several drawbacks. The study was retrospective and survey-based, which introduces the potential for recall and reporting bias. There was no independent gold standard or long-term clinical outcome data to confirm whether changes in diagnosis or management improved patient outcomes or diagnostic accuracy. The study relied on dermatopathologists’ self-reported changes in diagnosis and recommendations, which may not reflect actual clinical practice or patient management. Additionally, the study did not address the sensitivity and specificity of the gene expression signature in ambiguous lesions, nor did it compare the test’s performance to other ancillary molecular or cytogenetic methods. The sample size and case selection may also limit generalizability, as only diagnostically challenging cases encountered in routine practice were included, and the impact in more typical or unequivocal cases remains unclear. Finally, the study acknowledged that more data are needed to fully understand how use of the gene expression signature translates from dermatopathology to clinical practice, particularly regarding patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Cockerell et al. (2017) conducted a prospective study to assess how a 23-gene expression signature influences the clinical management of diagnostically challenging melanocytic lesions. Pathologists submitted ambiguous melanocytic neoplasms for gene expression testing and, prior to receiving results, documented their intended treatment recommendations (such as re-excision or observation). After the gene expression results were available, the actual treatments performed by dermatologists were recorded and compared to the pretest recommendations. The study found that in 71.4% of cases (55/77), the actual treatment differed from the pretest recommendation, with most changes aligning with the gene expression test result. Specifically, when the gene expression signature indicated a benign lesion, there was an 80.5% reduction in biopsy site re-excisions (33 of 41 cases), indicating that clinicians were less likely to perform additional surgery when the molecular test supported a benign diagnosis. Conversely, when the test indicated malignancy, clinicians were more likely to proceed with further intervention.
The study, however, had a number of drawbacks, the most of which is the lack of long-term clinical outcome data; the study measured changes in management but did not assess whether these changes led to improved patient outcomes or diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, the study design was observational and non-randomized, introducing the potential for selection bias and observer bias in both the submission of cases and the interpretation of test results. Another limitation is the absence of a gold standard diagnostic comparator. The study did not systematically correlate gene expression results or management changes with definitive histopathologic consensus or clinical follow-up, so the appropriateness of altered management remains uncertain. The sample size was also relatively small, and the study was conducted in a real-world setting without standardized protocols for treatment decisions, which may limit generalizability. Finally, the gene expression test itself has known limitations in sensitivity and specificity, particularly in ambiguous lesions, as documented in other studies, and discordant results with other molecular and histopathologic methods have been reported. Therefore, the reduction in surgical procedures based on a benign test result may carry a risk of undertreatment in rare false-negative cases.
Ko et al (2019) stated that a 23-gene expression signature was recently developed as an adjunct to histopathology to differentiate melanocytic nevi from melanoma. The current study correlated the gene expression signature scores to actual clinical outcomes in cases from the first validation study. RNA was extracted from 127 archival FFPE tissue sections of melanocytic lesions. Gene expression was measured using quantitative RT-PCR, and a weighting algorithm was used to generate a numeric score. Gene expression test results were compared to histopathological diagnoses and development of local recurrence, sentinel lymph node metastases, and distant metastases. A total of 65 lesions were diagnosed histopathologically as melanoma -- 14 developed metastases. Gene expression test results were malignant in 61 of 65 (93.8 %) lesions (including all lesions that metastasized), indeterminate in 2 of 65 (3.1 %) lesions, and benign in 2 of 65 (3.1 %) lesions. The remaining 62 lesions were diagnosed as benign by histopathology. Gene expression test results were benign in 48 of 62 (77.4 %), indeterminate in 7 of 62 (11.3 %), and malignant in 7 of 62 (11.3 %). The authors concluded that there was a strong correlation between the gene expression signature test results and clinical outcomes. All lesions that metastasized were correctly identified by the test as malignant melanoma.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, none of the lesions in this cohort was classified as severely dysplastic nevi, nor were any of the 6 Spitz nevi considered “atypical” by the participating dermato-pathologists. Performance of the assay in these and other subtypes that may have “borderline” biological potential therefore warrants further study. Second, although all of the cases that metastasized were apparently correctly diagnosed histopathologically by the submitting dermato-pathologists, a rigorous analysis of their potential for ambiguity (such as a blinded review by 5 or more dermato-pathologists to calculate potential discordance) was not undertaken. As such, the potential for these lesions to generate diagnostic discordance or be considered ambiguous by histopathologic interpretation is unknown.
Castillo et al (2019) stated that melanoma ex blue nevus (MEBN) is a rare, aggressive, and potentially lethal neoplasm. Distinguishing MEBN from an atypical cellular blue nevus can be very challenging. These researchers reported a diagnostically difficult case of MEBN with lymph node metastases, in which single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) were used to arrive at the correct diagnosis. It was also analyzed by the recently-introduced proprietary 23-gene expression signature test (myPath melanoma). The authors concluded that to the best of their knowledge, this was the 2nd reported case of MEBN analyzed by the 23-gene expression signature, which provided a false-negative result. These researchers stated that more studies are needed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of this test in various melanocytic proliferations.
Fernandez-Flores and Cassarino (2019) noted that chondroid stromal change is very rare in melanocytic nevi. These investigators presented a severely atypical symmetrical Spitz tumor on the right arm of a 24-years old man. It showed maturation and occasional mitotic figures. The melanocytes were intermingled with cartilaginous stroma. The Ki67 proliferative rate was 5 %. It was weakly positive for p16 and negative for BRAF/V600E. BAP1 expression was preserved; and PCR for Myriad myPath® Melanoma test was also negative.
Clarke et al (2020) examined the accuracy of a 23-gene expression signature in differentiating benign nevi from melanoma by comparing test results with clinical outcomes. A total of 7 dermato-pathologists blinded to gene expression test results and clinical outcomes examined 181 lesions to identify diagnostically uncertain cases. Participants independently recorded diagnoses and responses to questions quantifying diagnostic certainty. Test accuracy was determined through comparison with clinical outcomes (sensitivity and percent negative agreement). A total of 125 cases fulfilled criteria for diagnostic uncertainty (69.1 %; 95 % CI: 61.8 % to 75.7 %). Test sensitivity and percent negative agreement in these cases were 90.4 % (95 % CI: 79.0 % to 96.8 %) and 95.5 % (95 % CI: 87.3 % to 99.1 %), respectively. The authors concluded that the 23-gene expression signature had high diagnostic accuracy in diagnostically uncertain cases when evaluated against clinical outcomes. These researchers stated that by aiding in improved diagnostic accuracy for this subset of lesions, the test may allow physicians and patients to more confidently develop appropriate treatment plans.
The authors stated that the results of this study should be interpreted within the context of its limitations, most of which were common to investigations of this type. The lack of access to complete clinical and demographic information and reliance on a single diagnostic slide were study parameters that may differ from the typical clinical environment. However, many melanocytic neoplasms encountered in the clinical setting were represented by a single slide accompanied by only the patient age, gender and anatomic location of the lesion. The study objective was to identify cases that were uncertain by histopathologic interpretation, and clinical information beyond that provided in the study was rarely necessary when the histopathologic findings were definitive. Furthermore, since even a diagnosis made via expert consensus may not accurately predict the biological behavior of some histopathologically ambiguous melanocytic neoplasms, documented clinical outcomes were an inclusion criterion for this study. Distant metastasis was required as evidence of malignancy because it is the most definitive and objective indication that a primary melanocytic neoplasm was indeed malignant melanoma (sentinel lymph node involvement alone is sometimes controversial as an indication of malignancy for atypical Spitz tumors). Adverse event (AE)-free follow-up was needed as evidence of benignity. While the absence of metastasis, regardless of follow-up duration, did not conclusively prove a lesion benign, it was nonetheless supportive of a benign diagnosis, particularly for larger lesions. Thus, while no reference standard is perfect, long-term clinical outcome is the most definitive means of determining the true nature (benign or malignant) of melanocytic neoplasms that are uncertain by histopathologic interpretation. The 7 participants recruited for this study were experienced dermato-pathologists, all of whom expressed high confidence in their diagnostic ability and 6 of whom serve as expert consultants for the histopathologic interpretation of unusual or difficult melanocytic neoplasms; thus, it was possible that dermato-pathologists with less experience or confidence would consider a greater percentage of the study cases diagnostically uncertain. As discussed above, clinical outcome was the only independent indication of a melanocytic neoplasm’s true nature (benign or malignant) and the most appropriate reference standard for cases that are uncertain by histopathologic interpretation. However, while metastasis proves malignancy, the absence of metastases does not prove benignity since not all melanomas metastasize and some may be “cured” by removal prior to metastasis.
Tschen et al (2021) stated that gene expression signature has been validated as an adjunct to traditional methods of differentiating malignant and benign melanocytic neoplasms, and its use in clinical practice warrants further study. This study followed patients whose melanocytic neoplasms were managed according to a benign result from the gene expression signature (n = 25). Eligible patients whose tested lesions were classified as benign by the gene expression signature and were subsequently treated as benign by their dermatology providers were observed for a mean follow-up period of 38.5 months. Results suggested that many patients with melanocytic neoplasms classified as benign by the gene expression signature may safely forego additional surgical excision. The authors concluded that ancillary methods are emerging as useful tools for the diagnostic evaluation of melanocytic neoplasms that cannot be assigned definitive diagnoses using traditional techniques alone. The findings of this study suggested that patients with ambiguous melanocytic neoplasms may benefit from diagnoses and treatment decisions aligned with the results of a gene expression test, and that for those with a benign result, simple observation may be a safe alternative to surgical excision. This expanded upon prior observations of the test’s influence on diagnoses and treatment decisions and supported its role as part of dermatopathologists’ and dermatologists’ decision-making process for histopathologically ambiguous melanocytic lesions.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. Obtaining meaningful patient outcome data is a common challenge in healthcare research due to the requisite length of follow-up and sometimes the lack of definitive evidence of AEs. This is especially difficult for melanocytic neoplasms because of an apparent inclination for patients with benign diagnoses to abandon follow-up and an increasing tendency for even minimal diagnostic uncertainty to prompt complete excision. Furthermore, the only definitive clinical outcome for melanocytic neoplasms is distant metastasis, which (fortunately for patients) is relatively rare. Not surprisingly, studies documenting clinical outcomes of patients with ambiguous melanocytic neoplasms tested prospectively with diagnostic adjuncts were scarce, and this study’s sample size and clinical follow-up compared favorably with the few that exist. Although most melanomas reveal themselves via recurrence or metastasis within several years of initial biopsy, some are clinically dormant for as long as 10 years following initial detection. This may be especially true for the small or early-stage lesions that now comprise the majority of biopsied neoplasms, and such events would go undetected by this study and many others. It also must be recognized that uneventful follow-up, regardless of duration, cannot prove that a biopsied melanocytic neoplasm was benign. Although only 5 patients had a follow-up time of less than 2 years (the time frame in which most recurrence or metastasis will occur), it cannot be definitively proven that a minimum of 2 years recurrence- or metastasis-free survival indicated a benign lesion. Many early-stage malignant melanomas are eradicated by complete excision or even by the initial biopsy if margins are uninvolved. Moreover, these investigators stated that because these limitations are intrinsic to melanocytic neoplasms and current management strategies, they pertain to all investigations seeking insights into biological potential via clinical outcomes. Similarly, all current diagnostic tools and procedures have the potential for sampling error, including histopathology. The rarity of adverse outcomes (recurrence and metastasis) in patients with benign test results within this cohort indicated that false-negative results are uncommon, which is further evidenced by a similar rarity of AEs in prior studies of the gene expression signature.
These investigators noted that it must be emphasized that the gene expression test, similar to other diagnostic adjuncts, is neither a replacement for histopathologic interpretation nor a substitute for judgment. As with all tests, it can produce false-positive and false-negative results; thus, it should always be interpreted within the constellation of the many other data points that must be considered when making a distinction between benign nevus and malignant melanoma, including but not limited to patient age, family and personal history of melanoma, anatomic location, clinical features, and histopathologic findings. As is the case for many diseases, careful consideration of all relevant input is needed to minimize the risk of misdiagnosis that might occur should any single data point prove inaccurate, including the results of adjunctive molecular tests.
NCCN guidelines on cutaneous melanoma (NCCN, 2025) states: "Based on the current evidence, the NCCN Melanoma Panel does not recommend incorporation of commercially available GEP tests into melanoma care. The use of GEP according to specific AJCC-8 melanoma stage (before or after SLNB) requires further prospective investigation in large, contemporary datasets of unselected patients."
NantHealth GPS Cancer Panels
NantHealth GPS Cancer is a unique molecular test that integrates quantitative targeted proteomics detected by mass spectrometry with whole genome (DNA) and whole transcriptome (RNA) sequencing, of both normal and cancer tissue. Thus, it not only analyzes the entire DNA sequence, but also the RNA sequence and proteins that are produced. However, there is a lack of evidence that data generated by this test would alter management of the cancers for which the testing is indicated such that clinical outcomes are improved.
NavDx for Surveillance of Cancer Recurrence in HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer
In a prospective, multi-center study, Chera, et al. (2019) identified a profile of circulating tumor human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA (ctHPVDNA) clearance kinetics that is associated with disease control following chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). This trial was carried out in 103 patients with p16-positive OPSCC; M0 disease; and receipt of definitive CRT. Blood specimens were collected at baseline, weekly during CRT, and at follow-up visits. Optimized multi-analyte digital PCR assays were used to quantify ctHPVDNA (types 16/18/31/33/35) in plasma. A control cohort of 55 healthy volunteers and 60 patients with non-HPV-associated malignancy was also analyzed. Baseline plasma ctHPVDNA had high specificity (97 %) and high sensitivity (89 %) for detecting newly diagnosed HPV-associated OPSCC. Pre-treatment ctHPV16DNA copy number correlated with disease burden, tumor HPV copy number, and HPV integration status. These investigators defined a ctHPV16DNA favorable clearance profile as having high baseline copy number (greater than 200 copies/ml) and greater than 95 % clearance of ctHPV16DNA by day 28 of CRT; 19 of 67 evaluable patients had a ctHPV16DNA favorable clearance profile, and none had persistent or recurrent regional disease after CRT. In contrast, patients with adverse clinical risk factors (T4 or greater than 10 total pack years [TPY]) and an unfavorable ctHPV16DNA clearance profile had a 35 % actuarial rate of persistent or recurrent regional disease after CRT (p = 0.0049). The authors concluded that a rapid clearance profile of ctHPVDNA may predict likelihood of disease control in patients with HPV-associated OPSCC patients treated with definitive CRT and may be useful in selecting patients for de-intensified therapy. These researchers stated that future studies assessing ctHPVDNA as an integral biomarker to guide treatment de-intensification are needed; and may facilitate personalized treatment decisions based on tumor biology in addition to clinical risk factors. Finally, prospective evaluation of ctHPVDNA as a biomarker in other HPV-associated malignancies (e.g., cervical and anal cancers) should be evaluated.
The authors stated that although this study included over 100 patients, it was under-powered due to low occurrence of disease persistence/recurrence and limited follow-up. Despite these limitations, these investigators observed an early trend in worse regional DFS (RDFS) in patients with greater than 10 TPY and unfavorable ctHPVDNA kinetics. Validation of these findings using a clinical-grade test in independent and larger patient cohorts is needed to confirm these findings.
Chera, et al. (2020) noted that plasma ctHPVDNA is a sensitive and specific biomarker of HPV-associated OPSCC. In a prospective, clinical trial, these investigators examined if longitudinal monitoring of ctHPVDNA during post-treatment surveillance could accurately detect clinical disease recurrence. This study was carried out in patients with non-metastatic HPV-associated (p16-positive) OPSCC. All patients were treated with curative-intent CRT. Patients underwent a 3-month post-CRT positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan and were thereafter clinically evaluated every 2 to 4 months (years 1 to 2), then every 6 months (years 3 to 5). Chest imaging was carried out every 6 months. Blood specimens were collected every 6 to 9 months for analysis of plasma ctHPVDNA using a multi-analyte digital PCR assay. The primary endpoint was to estimate the NPV and PPV of ctHPVDNA surveillance. A total of 115 patients were enrolled, and 1,006 blood samples were analyzed. After a median follow-up time of 23 months (range of 6.1 to 54.7 months), 15 patients (13 %) developed disease recurrence; 87 patients had undetectable ctHPVDNA at all post-treatment time-points, and none developed recurrence (NPV, 100 %; 95 % CI: 96 % to 100 %); 28 patients developed a positive ctHPVDNA during post-treatment surveillance, 15 of whom were diagnosed with biopsy-proven recurrence; 16 patients had 2 consecutively positive ctHPVDNA blood tests, 15 of whom developed biopsy-proven recurrence. Two consecutively positive ctHPVDNA blood tests had a PPV of 94 % (95 % CI: 70 % to 99 %). Median lead time between ctHPVDNA positivity and biopsy-proven recurrence was 3.9 months (range of 0.37 to 12.9 months). The authors concluded that post-treatment surveillance of cancer recurrence with plasma ctHPVDNA monitoring has exceptional NPV (100 %) and PPV (94 %) when using 2 consecutively positive ctHPVDNA tests as the criterion for positivity. Patients who have undetectable ctHPVDNA during clinical follow-up are unlikely to have recurrent disease and may be spared routine radiographic and in-office nasopharyngo-laryngoscopic surveillance. These researchers stated that future studies should examine if ctHPVDNA-based monitoring may help to reduce the financial toxicity of cancer survivorship and whether earlier detection of cancer relapse improves post-recurrence survival outcomes.
The authors stated that whether earlier detection of disease recurrence may positively impact survival outcomes in HPV-associated OPSCC remains an open question. ctHPVDNA-based monitoring may result in a higher rate of identifying oligo-recurrence and potentially a higher rate of salvage with surgery or radiotherapy. Therefore, clinical trials of early intervention after ctHPVDNA-based detection are needed. The findings described in this study were specific for the optimized multi-analyte ctHPVDNA assay and may not apply to alternative ctHPVDNA assays. In addition, detection of 2 consecutively positive ctHPVDNA tests to improve the PPV was not prospectively defined and warrants further validation. Consistent with NCCN guidelines, there is no “gold standard” for surveillance imaging. Therefore, these researchers opted to use a more stringent criterion of biopsy-proven recurrence to define a change in disease status. A shorter interval between ctHPVDNA testing (e.g., every 3 months) would more precisely define the extent of earlier detection. Several heterogenous clinical factors (intensity of treatment, tobacco pack-years, use of chemotherapy) may have impacted the pattern and frequency of disease recurrence in this study. Although this trial showed feasibility of ctHPVDNA-based surveillance for both distant and local-regional recurrences, more research is needed to examine potential differences in detection efficiency.
Misawa et al (2020) noted that HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is an independent tumor type with regard to cellular, biological, and clinical features. The use of non-invasive biomarkers such as ctDNA may be relevant in early diagnosis and eventually improve the outcomes of patients with HNSCC. Genome-wide discovery using RNA sequencing and reduced representation bi-sulfite sequencing yielded 21 candidates for methylation-targeted genes. A verification study (252 HNSCC patients) using quantitative methylation-specific PCR (Q-MSP) identified 10 genes (ATP2A1, CALML5, DNAJC5G, GNMT, GPT, LY6D, LYNX1, MAL, MGC16275, and MRGPRF) that showed a significant increase recurrence in methylation groups with OPC. Further investigation on ctDNA using Q-MSP in HPV-associated OPC showed that 3 genes (CALML5, DNAJC5G, and LY6D) had a high predictive ability as emerging biomarkers for a validation set, each capable of discriminating between the plasma of the patients from healthy individuals. Among the 42 ctDNA samples, methylated CALML5, DNAJC5G, and LY6D were observed in 31 (73.8 %), 19 (45.2 %), and 19 (45.2 %) samples, respectively. Among pre-treatment ctDNA samples, methylated CALML5, DNAJC5G, and LY6D were observed in 8/8 (100 %), 7/8 (87.5 %), and 7/8 (87.5 %) samples, respectively. Methylated CALML5, DNAJC5G, and LY6D were found in 2/8 (25.0 %), 0/8 (0 %), and 1/8 (12.5 %) of the final samples in the series, respectively. The authors presented the relationship between the methylation status of 3 specific genes and cancer recurrence for risk classification of HPV-associated OPC cases. These researchers concluded that ctDNA analysis has the potential to aid in determining patient prognosis and real-time surveillance for disease recurrences and could serve as an alternative method of screening for HPV-associated OPC.
The authors stated that currently the lack of an effective OPC screening program is because there are no identified OPC precursor lesions. The HPV-associated carcinogenesis initially arises in tonsillar crypts, which may be the most likely reason why the HPV prevalence in tonsillar cells is higher. In the future, these researchers think that highly sensitive and tissue-specific ctDNA biomarkers of HPV-associated OPC will be discovered, allowing early detection. This study, entailing human specimens and high-throughput profiling platforms, may be susceptible to measurement bias from various sources; accordingly, the use of methylation markers in clinical practice requires further testing in prospective studies with larger HNSCC cohorts. Finally, these efforts will lead to the identification of new oncological biomarkers for early detection and outcome prediction, which is a pre-requisite for realizing the advantages of precision medicine. This trial demonstrated the use of using parallel serial assessment of ctDNA methylation in the treatment evaluation of HPV-associated OPC.
Wuerdemann, et al. (2020) noted that g lobal incidences of OPSCC are rising due to an association with high-risk HPV. Although there is an improved OS of HPV-related OPSCC; up to 25 % of the patients develop recurrent or distant metastatic disease with a fatal outcomes. Biomarkers to monitor this disease are not established. In a meta-analysis, these investigators examined the role of cell-free HPV DNA in liquid biopsy (LB) as a biomarker for HPV-related OPSCC. PubMed, Livivo, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to August, 2020. All studies were analyzed by Meta-DiSc 1.4 and Stata 16.0 statistical software. A total of 16 studies were considered for systematic review, whereas 11 studies met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis, respectively. Pooled sensitivity of cfHPV-DNA at first diagnosis and during follow-up was 0.81 (95 % CI: 0.78 to 0.84) and 0.73 (95 % CI: 0.57 to 0.86), while pooled specificity was 0.98 (95 % CI: 0.96 to 0.99) and 1 (95 % CI: 0.99 to 1.00). The DOR at first diagnosis was 200.60 (95 % CI: 93.31 to 431.22) and 300.31 (95 % CI: 60.94 to 1479.88) during follow-up. The AUC of SROC was 0.99 at first diagnosis, and 1.00 during follow-up, respectively. The authors concluded that cfHPV-DNA in the blood of patients with HPV-related OPSCC presented a potential biomarker with high specificity at first diagnosis and during follow-up. Testing for cfHPV-DNA proved to be a promising application of liquid biopsy for early detection of primary OPSCC in high-risk groups such as immune-deficient patients. Moreover, these researchers stated that heterogeneity of sensitivity and NLR could be explained by different specimens and methods used for the detection of cfHPV-DNA, as well as variability in the estimation of HPV status in the primary. They noted that although publication bias was ruled out, the findings of this analyses suggested that additional studies with larger sample sizes and homogeneous study protocols are needed to increase sensitivity and to further examine proof diagnostic accuracy in patients with HPV-related OPSCC.
The authors stated that the drawbacks of this meta-analysis were the relatively small number of studies included with somewhat low patient and control numbers. In addition, these investigators only included studies written in the English language, which could yield selection bias for the language and populations studied. Furthermore, there was a high variability throughout study settings and material and methods used for the detection of cfHPV-DNA, which restricted the liability of conclusions drawn. These researchers stated that although publication bias was not significant and subgroup analysis was carried out to examine the cause of heterogeneity, the inclusion of only a few factors left the risk of not taking other relevant ones into account. Once a higher number of studies is available, a more thorough evaluation of the cause of heterogeneity will be possible to strengthen the role of cfHPV-DNA as a biomarker in HPV-related OPSCC.
Berger, et al. (2022) stated that despite generally favorable outcomes, 15 % to 25 % of patients with HPV-driven OPSCC will have recurrence. Current post-treatment surveillance practices rely on physical examinations and imaging and are inconsistently applied. In a retrospective, clinical case-series study, these researchers examined circulating tumor tissue modified viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA obtained during routine post-treatment surveillance among a large population of real-world patients. This trial included 1,076 consecutive patients across 108 U.S. sites who were 3 or more months post-treatment for HPV-driven OPSCC and who had 1 or more TTMV-HPV DNA tests (NavDx, Naveris Laboratories) obtained during surveillance between February 6, 2020, and June 29, 2021. Test results were compared with subsequent clinical evaluations. Circulating TTMV-HPV DNA was positive in 80 of 1,076 (7.4 %) patients, with follow-up available on all. At 1st positive surveillance testing, 21 of 80 (26 %) patients had known recurrence while 59 of 80 (74 %) patients were not known to have recurrent disease. Among these 59 patients, 55 (93 %) subsequently had a confirmed recurrence, 2 patients had clinically suspicious lesions, and 2 had clinically "no evidence of disease" (NED) at last follow-up. To-date, the overall PPV of TTMV-HPV DNA testing for recurrent disease was 95 % (n = 76/80). Furthermore, the point-in-time NPV was 95 % (n = 1,198/1,256). The authors concluded that these findings highlighted the clinical potential for circulating TTMV-HPV DNA testing in routine practice. As a surveillance tool, TTMV-HPV DNA positivity was the 1st indication of recurrence in the majority of cases, pre-dating identification by routine clinical and imaging exams. These researchers stated that these findings may inform future clinical and guideline-endorsed strategies for HPV-driven malignancy surveillance.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, the majority of patients (78 %) had a single surveillance test result obtained during the study period with more than half (55 %) greater than 12 months from completion of therapy. Sequential values obtained in this cohort over time would be of interest, as would baseline or pre-treatment and on-treatment test results. The vast majority of positive or detectable cases reflected HPV subtype 16 disease (93 %); therefore, further investigation is needed to validate these findings in non-HPV16 high-risk subtypes, although these investigators expect similar findings. Second, as this was a cross-sectional analysis of the NPV of the test, whether a negative TTMV-HPV DNA result remains predictive of the absence of recurrence 3, 6, or 12 months after a negative blood test is currently unknown. Further follow-up is needed to clarify this point and help further refine the role of TTMV-HPV DNA testing in the surveillance setting. Third, the length of time a negative test remains predictive is the subject of continued study as the cohort ages.
An accompanying commentary (Colevas, 2022) stated that "Lack of prospectively planned follow-up and minimal characterization of the patient population studied complicate interpretation of circulating human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA as a prognostic biomarker for patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with curative intent. Controlled clinical trials with embedded biomarkers will be necessary to optimize the utility of circulating tumor HPV DNA assays".
Rettig, et al. (2022) stated that circulating tumor tissue-modified viral (TTMV) HPV DNA is a dynamic, clinically relevant biomarker for HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Reasons for its wide pre-treatment inter-patient variability are not well understood. In a cross-sectional study, these researchers characterized clinicopathologic factors associated with TTMV HPV DNA. This study included patients evaluated for HPV-positive oropharyngeal SCC at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston, MA) between December 2019 and January 2022 and who were undergoing curative-intent treatment. Clinicopathologic characteristics included demographic variables, tumor and nodal staging, HPV genotype, and imaging findings. Main outcome measures entailed pre-treatment circulating TTMV HPV DNA from 5 genotypes (16, 18, 31, 33, and 35) assessed using a commercially available digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay, considered as either detectable/undetectable or a continuous score (fragments/ml). Among 110 included patients, 96 were men (87 %) and 104 were White (95 %), with a mean (SD) age of 62.2 (9.4) years. Circulating TTMV HPV DNA was detected in 98 patients (89 %), with a median (inter-quartile range [IQR]) score of 315 (47 to 2,686) fragments/ml (range of 0 to 60,061 fragments/ml). Most detectable TTMV HPV DNA was genotype 16 (n = 86 [88 %]), while 12 patients (12 %) harbored other genotypes. Circulating TTMV HPV DNA detection was most strongly associated with clinical N stage. Although few patients had clinical stage N0 disease, only 4 of these 11 patients (36 %) had detectable DNA compared with 94 of 99 patients (95 %) with clinical stage N1 to N3 disease (proportion difference, 59 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 30 % to 87 %). Among patients with undetectable TTMV HPV DNA, more than half (7 of 12 [58 %]) had clinical stage N0 disease. The TTMV HPV DNA prevalence and score increased with progressively higher clinical nodal stage, diameter of largest lymph node, and higher nodal maximum standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). In multi-variable analysis, clinical nodal stage and nodal maximum standardized uptake value were each strongly associated with TTMV HPV DNA score. Among 27 surgically treated patients, more patients with than without lympho-vascular invasion had detectable TTMV HPV DNA (12 of 12 [100 %] versus 9 of 15 [60 %]). The authors concluded that in this cross-sectional study, circulating TTMV HPV DNA was statistically significantly associated with nodal disease at HPV-positive OPSCC diagnosis. The few patients with undetectable levels had predominantly clinical stage N0 disease, suggesting assay sensitivity for diagnostic purposes may be lower among patients without cervical lymphadenopathy. These researchers stated that mechanisms underlying this association, and the use of this biomarker for surveillance of patients with undetectable baseline values, warrant further investigation.
Gunning, et al. (2023) noted that the blood test analyzes tumor tissue modified viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA to provide a reliable means of detecting and monitoring HPV-driven cancers. The test has been clinically validated in a large number of independent studies and has been integrated into clinical practice by over 1,000 healthcare providers at over 400 medical sites in the U.S. This Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), high complexity laboratory developed test, has also been accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the New York State Department of Health. These investigators reported a detailed analytical validation of the NavDx assay, including sample stability, specificity as measured by limits of blank (LOBs), and sensitivity illustrated via limits of detection and quantitation (LODs and LOQs). LOBs were 0 to 0.32 copies/μL, LODs were 0 to 1.10 copies/μL, and LOQs were less than 1.20 to 4.11 copies/μL, demonstrating the high sensitivity and specificity of data provided by NavDx. In-depth evaluations including accuracy and intra- and inter-assay precision studies were shown to be well within acceptable ranges. Regression analysis revealed a high degree of correlation between expected and effective concentrations, demonstrating excellent linearity (R2 = 1) across a broad range of analyte concentrations. The authors concluded that these findings showed that NavDx accurately and reproducibly detects circulating TTMV-HPV DNA, which has been shown to aid in the diagnosis and surveillance of HPV-driven cancers. It should be noted that all authors are employed by Naveris, Inc. and may hold equity or stock options in Naveris, Inc. S.K. is listed as an inventor on patents.
Hanna, et al. (2023) noted that HPV is causally linked to OPSCC. Consensus guidelines recommend clinical examinations and imaging in decreasing frequency as part of post-treatment surveillance for recurrence. Plasma TTMV-HPV DNA testing has emerged as a biomarker that could inform disease status during surveillance. In a retrospective, observational, cohort study, these researchers determined the NPV of TTMV-HPV DNA for recurrence when matched to physician-reported clinical outcome data (median follow-up time: 27.9 months; range of 4.5 to 154 months). This trial entailed 543 patients who completed curative-intent therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC between February 2020 and January 2022 at 8 U.S. cancer care institutions. The cohort included mostly men with a median age of 61 who had loco-regionally advanced disease. HPV status was determined by p16 positivity in 87 % of patients, with a positive HPV PCR/ISH among 55 %; while pre-treatment TTMV-HPV DNA status was unknown for most (79 %) patients. Patients had a mean of 2.6 tests and almost 50 % had 3 or more TTMV-HPV DNA results during surveillance. The per-test and per-patient sensitivity of the assay was 92.5 % (95 % CI: 87.5 to 97.5) and 87.3 % (95 % CI: 79.1 to 95.5), respectively. The NPV for the assay was 99.4 % (95 % CI: 98.9 to 99.8) and 98.4 % (95 % CI: 97.3 to 99.5), respectively. The authors concluded that TTMV-HPV DNA surveillance testing yielded few false negative results and few missed recurrences. These data could inform decisions on when to pursue reimaging following 1st disease re-staging and could inform future surveillance practice. Moreover, these researchers stated that further investigation of how pre-treatment TTMV-HPV DNA status would impact sensitivity for recurrence is needed.
The authors stated that the findings of this study further clarified the potential clinical utility of TTMV-HPV DNA as a blood-based tumor biomarker that can be incorporated into clinical practice for HPV OPSCC disease-related surveillance. Moreover, these investigators acknowledged the drawbacks of retrospective, observational studies; however, these real-world data reflected an important geographically diverse, multi-institutional cohort with a large sample representative of the broader HPV-positive OPSCC population across the U.S.
Zhang, et al. (2023) noted that plasma HPV circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analyses provided a promising, minimally invasive approach to examine tumor burden in patients with HPV-related oropharynx SCC (OPSCC). The authors stated that this case demonstrated the utility of using plasma ctDNA testing for early diagnosis of oligometastatic disease, which was able to be treated with surgical resection. Moreover, these researchers stated that further prospective studies are needed to guide evidence-based surveillance guidelines for patients with HPV-related OPSCC.
Ferrandino, et al. (2023) stated that there is growing interest in the use of circulating plasma tumor human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA for diagnosis and surveillance of patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Recent advances in the assays, combining the identification of circulating HPV tumor DNA and tumor DNA fragment analysis (tumor tissue-modified viral [TTMV]-HPV DNA), have been shown to be highly accurate. However, use of these newer techniques has been limited to small cohort studies and clinical trials. In a retrospective, observational study, these researchers attempted to establish the effectiveness of plasma TTMV-HPV DNA testing in the diagnosis and surveillance of HPV-associated OPSCC in a contemporary clinical setting. This trial included patients with OPSCC who underwent TTMV-HPV DNA testing between April 2020 and September 2022 during the course of routine clinical care. For the diagnosis cohort, patients with at least 1 TTMV-HPV DNA measurement before initiation of primary therapy were included. Patients were included in the surveillance cohort if they had at least 1 TTMV-HPV DNA test carried out after completion of definitive or salvage therapy. Main outcomes and measures included per-test performance metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), for TTMV-HPV DNA testing. Of 399 patients included in the analysis, 163 were in the diagnostic cohort (median [inter-quartile range (IQR)] age, 63 [56 to 68.5] years; 142 [87.1 %] men), and 290 were in the surveillance cohort (median [IQR] age, 63 [57 to 70] years; 237 [81.7 %] men). Of the 163 patients in the diagnostic cohort, 152 (93.3 %) had HPV-associated OPSCC; while 11 (6.7 %) had HPV-negative OPSCC. The TTMV-HPV DNA sensitivity in pre-treatment diagnosis was 91.5 % (95 % CI: 85.8 % to 95.4 % [139 of 152 tests]), and the specificity was 100 % (95 % CI: 71.5 % to 100 % [11 of 11 tests]). In the surveillance cohort, 591 tests conducted in 290 patients were evaluated. A total of 23 patients had molecularly confirmed pathologic recurrences. The TTMV-HPV DNA test demonstrated sensitivity of 88.4 % (95 % CI: 74.9 % to 96.1 % [38 of 43 tests]) and specificity of 100 % (95 % CI: 99.3 % to 100 % [548 of 548 tests]) in detecting the recurrences; PPV was 100 % (95 % CI: 90.7 % to 100 % [38 of 38 tests]), and NPV was 99.1 % (95 % CI: 97.9 % to 99.7 % [548 of 553 tests]). The median (range) lead time from positive TTMV-HPV DNA test to pathologic confirmation was 47 (0 to 507) days. The authors concluded that the findings of this cohort study showed that when evaluated in a clinical setting, the TTMV-HPV DNA assay showed 100 % specificity in both diagnosis and surveillance. However, the sensitivity was 91.5 % for the diagnosis cohort and 88.4 % for the surveillance cohort, signifying that nearly 1 in 10 negative tests among patients with HPV-associated OPSCC was a false negative. These investigators stated that additional research is needed to validate the assay's performance and, if validated, then further research into the implementation of this assay into standard clinical practice guidelines will be required. They stated that prospective studies are needed to determine he optimal timing of testing and how results should inform treatment decisions.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, the diagnostic cohort was subject to considerable ascertainment bias in that the testing was applied to patients with known or suspected OPSCC. While the sensitivity was very good (91.5 %), this trial was not powered or designed to examine its use as a screening tool in the general population. Second, with respect to surveillance, this was a retrospective cohort study in which the majority of patients did not have a pre-treatment TTMV-HPV DNA measurement, and as such, these researchers could not exclude the possibility that a false negative may be the result of the test being negative at baseline as opposed to below the level of detection. Third, the definition of a false negative recurrence using a 3-month time frame may be overly conservative and may have artificially lowered the calculated sensitivity of this test by classifying a patient who was truly disease-free at that point in time as a false negative. As such, the authors believed that prospective work with scheduled TTMV-HPV DNA testing alongside standard-of-care (SOC) imaging/clinical examinations will be critical for further elucidating the true sensitivity and appropriate testing interval for this test. Fourth, there was no standardized protocol for incorporating testing into the surveillance; thus, it was difficult to make accurate conclusions regarding lead time detection, as TTMV-HPV testing may have been prompted in some cases by clinical or radiographic findings. Fifth, while it was presumed that an earlier detection of disease may result in improved outcomes, it was beyond the scope of this study to make conclusions regarding how incorporation of TTMV-HPV DNA testing into practice may affect the overall survival (OS) as well as the financial and psychological health of patients.
In an invited commentary on the afore-mentioned study by Ferrandino, et al. (2023), Lango (2023) noted that Ferrandino and colleagues used data that were collected during the course of routine clinical care and at the discretion of the treating clinician. On average, patients had 1 to 2 TTMV-HPV DNA tests following treatment (591 tests in 290 patients), and it did not appear that testing was obtained according to a schedule. In addition, it was unclear if standardized surveillance imaging was used, which might have affected the time at which recurrences were clinically detected. Lango stated that the appropriate interval for surveillance testing remains unclear. Testing every 3 months in the 1st year, 4 in the next, and every 6 months subsequently -- intervals frequently employed for surveillance visits with or without imaging -- appeared reasonable. Baseline, pre-treatment testing is preferred but not mandatory if HPV-related disease is confirmed. Ferrandino and co-workers stated that a prospective clinical validation study is needed, Lango agreed with this sentiment, and noted that the use of this technology shows remarkable promise to transform the ability to identify and follow patients with HPV-related disease. The author stated that testing is likely to be increasingly used in routine clinical care, as it is commercially available. It is incumbent on researchers to establish evidence for strong and detailed surveillance guidelines to share among the cancer community.
Roof, et al. (2024) noted that clinical and imaging examinations often provide indeterminate findings during cancer surveillance, which can result in over-treatment and cause psychological as well as financial harm to the patient. In a retrospective study, these researchers examined the need to enhance diagnostic precision and decision-making in the management of HPV-associated OPC. This trial examined the use of TTMV-HPV DNA to resolve indeterminate disease status following definitive treatment for HPV-associated OPC. Participants included patients treated for HPV-associated OPC at 8 U.S. centers, and who received 1 or more TTMV-HPV DNA tests during post-treatment surveillance between February 2020 and January 2022. Among 543 patients, 210 patients (38.7 %; 210/543) experienced 1 or more clinically indeterminate findings (CIFs) during surveillance, with 503 CIFs recorded. Of those patients with an "indeterminate" disease status at a point during surveillance, 79 were associated with contemporaneous TTMV-HPV DNA testing. TTMV-HPV DNA testing showed high accuracy (97.5 %; 77/79) in correctly determining recurrence status. Patients whose disease status was "indeterminate" at the time of a positive TTMV-HPV DNA test were clinically confirmed to recur faster than those whose disease status was "no evidence of disease". Only 3 % of patients (17/543) experienced indeterminate TTMV-HPV DNA tests during surveillance. Discordance between TTMV-HPV DNA tests and clinical results was minimal, with only 0.6 % (3/543) of patients showing positive tests without recurrence. The authors concluded that these findings supported the use of circulating TTMV-HPV DNA in resolving indeterminate disease status and informing the subsequent clinical course.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, TTMV-HPV DNA testing was carried out at the discretion of treating clinicians. Second, the lack of a central review of imaging may reduce the consistency of these findings, although the distributed nature of the reviews more likely reflected daily practice. In addition, given the retrospective nature of the study, clinical uncertainty may be influenced by knowledge of the disease outcome, although this would likely result in fewer reported CIFs. Third, while this study revealed the potential for earlier detection of recurrence with TTMV-HPV DNA surveillance, it remained unclear if earlier detection could result in improved oncologic or survival outcomes, although opportunities to treat oligometastatic and low tumor burden disease may result in significant decreases in treatment-associated morbidity and increases in patient’s QOL; thus further research is needed to examine the clinical benefit of earlier detection of recurrence, which must be balanced with the healthcare costs associated with surveillance in general. Fourth, since not all patients received pre-treatment TTMV-HPV DNA testing, not at all tumors were tested for HPV via PCR or ISH, and not all tumors were HPV genotyped, there was a risk of including patients in this analysis whose tumors possessed HPV genotypes not covered by the assay or patients who had p16-positive but HPV-negative tumors. The inclusion of such patients could have increased the variability of the presented findings.
In a “Letter to the Editor” on the afore-mentioned study by Roof et al (2024), Daungsupawong and Wiwanitkit (2024) stated that the study’s drawbacks could be attributed to the cohort’s retrospective design and limited sample size. Moreover, the study did not identify the specific types of unclear results that patients experienced, which may have limited the generalizability of the results. In addition, neither the cost-effectiveness of TTMV-HPV DNA testing nor its potential implications for patients with OPC associated with HPV were addressed in the study. They stated that larger prospective studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of TTMV-HPV DNA testing in this patient population and studies examining the effect of TTMV-HPV DNA testing on patient outcomes, such as survival rates and QOL, may be the future paths for study. In addition, TTMV-HPV DNA testing’s cost-effectiveness and comparison to alternative surveillance tactics may offer important information for therapeutic decision-making regarding the treatment of HPV-associated OPC.
Hanna, et al. (2024) noted that HPV is causally linked to oropharyngeal SCC (OPSCC). Testing for plasma TTMV-HPV DNA has emerged as a biomarker strategy for post-treatment surveillance to identify recurrent disease. In a retrospective, observational study, these investigators examined the prognostic and predictive potential of TTMV-HPV DNA when monitoring patients who had developed recurrent or metastatic (R/M) HPV+OPSCC. This trial included 80 patients from 4 academic centers with R/M HPV+OPSCC if they had 1 or more plasma TTMV-HPV DNA test obtained at any point during their R/M disease course. Physician-reported clinical data and treatment history were captured in a centralized data-base, along with investigator-assessed response to therapy and survival. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests of association were used along with survival analyses (Kaplan-Meier method). A total of 16 (20 %) patients had 5 or more test results over time. Consecutive TTMV-HPV DNA tests were carried out a median of 73 days apart. Median TTMV-HPV DNA scores were higher with an increasing per-patient number of metastatic sites (less than 2 versus 2+; p < 0.01). Score changes over time were influenced by R/M treatment modality and became undetectable in 67 % (12/18) of patients who achieved a complete response to R/M therapy. Patients with detectable scores at last follow-up had significantly worse survival compared with those who were undetectable (log-rank test, p < 0.01). The authors concluded that TTMV-HPV DNA may be a useful tool for monitoring response to therapy in advanced HPV+OPC I the R/M setting. Moreover, these researchers stated that in the future, TTMV-HPV DNA could be examined as an exploratory clinical trial end-point in the metastatic setting.
Campo, et al. (2024) stated that HPV-related cancers of the oropharynx are rapidly increasing in incidence and may soon represent the majority of all head and neck cancers; therefore, improved monitoring and surveillance methods are an urgent need in public health. These researchers highlighted the current potential and limitations of liquid biopsy via a meta-analytic study on ctHPVDNA and TTMV-HPVDNA. They carried out a literature search on studies published until December 2023 using 3 different data-bases: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Studies that examined post-treatment ctHPVDNA and TTMV-HPVDNA in patients with HPV + OPSCC, studies reporting complete data on the diagnostic accuracy in recurrence, or in which the number of true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives was extractable, and methods of detection of viral DNA clearly defined were included. The meta-analysis was carried out according to the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guidelines. The objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ctHPVDNA and TTMV by ddPCR to define its effectiveness in clinical setting for the follow-up of HPV-OPSCC. The authors concluded that the 12 studies included in the meta-analysis provided a total of 1,311 patients for the analysis (398 evaluated with ctHPVDNA and 913 with TTMV-HPVDNA). Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 86 % (95 % CI: 78 % to 91 %) and 96 % (95 % CI: 91 % to 99 %), respectively; NLR and PLR were 0.072 (95 % CI: 0.057 to 0.093) and 24.7 (95 % CI: 6.5 to 93.2), respectively; pooled DOR was 371.66 (95 % CI: 179.1 to 918). The AUC was 0.81 (95 % CI: 0.67 to 0.91). Liquid biopsy for the identification of cell-free DNA might identify earlier recurrence in HPV + OPSCC patients. Moreover, these researchers stated that presently, liquid biopsy protocol needs to be standardized and liquid biopsy cannot yet be used in clinical setting. In the future, a multi-dimensional integrated approach which links multiple clinical, radiological, as well as laboratory data will contribute to obtain the best follow-up strategies for the follow-up of HPV-OPSCC. They stated that in the coming years, studies on larger and detailed patients’ cohorts and continued improvements in assay methodology and technology could allow the implementation of ctHPVDNA in routine clinical use.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Head and neck cancers” (Version 3.2024) does not mention circulating tumor DNA as a management tool.
Hutcheson, et al. (2025) noted that the NavDx+Gyn blood test detects and quantifies 14 HPV types in various sample types to provide a reliable means of detecting and monitoring HPV-driven gynecologic cancers. NavDx+Gyn is an extension of the NavDx assay, which identifies 5 high-risk HPV types. NavDx has been clinically validated in multiple independent studies for the surveillance of HPV-driven OP cancer and has been integrated into clinical practice by over 1,300 healthcare providers at over 500 medical sites in the US. The NavDx+Gyn assay incorporates an analysis of 9 additional high-risk HPV types. These researchers reported a detailed analytical validation of the NavDx+Gyn assay for use in cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer patients to detect 14 high-risk HPV types related to HPV-driven gynecologic cancers. Parameters include specificity as measured by limits of blank (LoBs) and sensitivity illustrated via limits of detection and quantitation (LoDs and LoQs). The LoBs were between 0 and 0.0926 copies/μL, LoDs were 0.1009 to 0.3147 copies/μL, and LoQs were 0.1009 to 0.3147 copies/μL, showing the high analytic sensitivity and specificity provided by NavDx+Gyn. In-depth evaluations, including accuracy and intra- and inter-assay precision studies, were shown to be within acceptable ranges. Regression analysis demonstrated a high degree of correlation between expected and effective concentrations, showing excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99) across a broad range of analyte concentrations. The authors concluded that these findings indicated that NavDx+Gyn accurately and reproducibly detected 14 types of high-risk HPV, which aids in the diagnosis and surveillance of the vast majority of HPV-driven gynecologic cancers. Moreover, these investigators stated that while reporting on the analytical validation of the NavDx+Gyn assay, this trial did not examine this test’s clinical utility for early diagnosis, treatment effectiveness, recurrence, intervention, or treatment changes. They stated that to examine its clinical utility, further investigations are needed to assess the assay’s performance across various patient groups and clinical environments. Current and forthcoming clinical trials are designed to address these issues, aiming to provide important data regarding sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and broader clinical impact.
Kabarriti, et al. (2025) stated that the incidence and mortality of anal SCC (ASCC) are rising, with more than 80 % of cases linked to HPV, mainly HPV16. Post-treatment surveillance can be challenging due to the limitations of anoscopy, digital anal rectal exam (DARE), and imaging. Plasma TTMV-HPV DNA has shown strong sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value in detecting the recurrence of HPV-driven OP cancer. In a retrospective, case-series study, these researchers examined the ability of TTMV-HPV DNA for the early recurrence detection of ASCC. This trial included 117 patients with HPV-driven ASCC across 7 U.S. centers, monitored with TTMV-HPV DNA during routine clinical care between March 2020 and June 2024. Physician-reported clinical data and biomarker testing data were combined to create a comprehensive, longitudinal data-set for examining test performance metrics. Patients had a median age of 63 years and median post-diagnosis follow-up of 19 months. HPV status was primarily confirmed by TTMV-HPV DNA (52 %) or p16 immunohistochemistry (39 %). Of those tested for TTMV-HPV DNA pre-treatment, 85 % had a positive result. TTMV-HPV DNA clearance during or within 3 months post-treatment was associated with significantly better RFS. The per-patient surveillance sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 82.8 %, 98.4 %, 96.0 %, and 92.5 %, respectively. Of 24 patients with a documented recurrence and a positive TTMV-HPV DNA test, the test was the 1st evidence of recurrence in 14 patients (58.3 %), with a median lead time of 59 days (range of 10 to 536 days). TTMV-HPV DNA accurately resolved 94.3 % of cases with indeterminate clinical findings. The authors concluded that TTMV-HPV DNA testing provided a sensitive and specific approach for detecting patients with recurrent ASCC and resolving the status of patients with indeterminate clinical findings. These investigators stated that this approach may refine current protocols and enhance patient outcomes by facilitating earlier detection and treatment of recurrences.
The authors stated that the drawbacks of this trial included the lack of standardized timing or frequency of testing across patients, introducing variability in evaluating the interval between positive test results and the subsequent detection of recurrence by clinical examination or imaging. Furthermore, some positive tests coincided with or were carried out shortly after clinical recurrence detection. While this provided data for assessing clinical validity metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV, it limited the ability to examine an earlier detection interval. In addition, HPV identification by means of the indirect method of p16 immunohistochemistry may result in a mis-classification of patients compared to the definitive HPV association using PCR or ISH. This has been reported, with agreement rates ranging from 79 % to 95 %. A patient who is HPV-negative on PCR or ISH but show positive p16 staining could be incorrectly classified as a “false negative” at baseline or recurrence if only p16 results were considered, potentially affecting the accuracy of the TTMV-HPV DNA test interpretations. Additionally, although positive test results are expected to prompt clinicians to quickly confirm recurrences using clinical examination, imaging, or biopsy -- based on the patterns observed in the test’s widespread use for recurrent HPV-driven OP cancer -- this behavior could not be directly documented in a retrospective study. These researchers stated that future studies may aid in refining the earlier detection interval. However, experience with OPSCC suggested that clinicians, aware of the test’s high PPV, are often reluctant to delay confirming recurrent disease, making such studies difficult to propose and challenging from an ethics and informed consent perspective.
Neo Comprehensive - Heme Cancers
The Neo Comprehensive - Heme Cancers (NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.) assay analyzes 433 genes to detect single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions and deletions, copy number variations (CNVs), and fusions utilizing DNA and RNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods to aid in the diagnostic impression, risk assessment and to identify potential therapeutic options and clinical trials relevant to most forms of hematologic malignancies from myeloid or lymphoid lineages, including but not limited to: acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and different types of lymphoma. Test reports include a summary interpretation of all results, as well as detailed variant analysis, clinical trial information, and clinical biomarker information.
There may be a recommendation by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Biomarkers Compendia for targeted testing of certain genes; however, testing the entire panel may not be necessary or actionable.
The multitude of variants and diverse cancer types obstruct the ability to ascertain the clinical validity of this panel as a whole. A significant issue regarding clinical validity is the ability to distinguish between mutations that contribute to cancer progression and genetic variants that lack clinical relevance. The use of panels containing several hundred markers is anticipated to result in a high frequency of variants of uncertain significance. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed published literature to support the sensitivity, specificity, or clinical utility of this specific test. Thus, the clinical utility of this expanded molecular panel for directing targeted cancer treatment remains unproven.
Neo Comprehensive - Myeloid Disorders
The Neo Comprehensive - Myeloid Disorders (NeoGenomics Laboratories, Inc.) assay analyzes 163 genes to detect single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions and deletions, copy number variations (CNVs), and fusions utilizing DNA and RNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods for the purpose of diagnostic evaluation, prognosis, risk stratification, and therapy guidance relevant to a wide spectrum of myeloid disorders, including but not limited to, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and gene rearrangement, mastocytosis, and histiocytic neoplasms. Specimen requirements include bone marrow aspirate, peripheral blood, or FFPE tissue. The test reports include a summary interpretation of all results together.
There may be a recommendation by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Biomarkers Compendia for targeted testing of certain genes; however, testing the entire panel may not be necessary or actionable.
The multitude of variants and diverse myeloid disorder types obstruct the ability to ascertain the clinical validity of this panel as a whole. A significant issue regarding clinical validity is the ability to distinguish between mutations that contribute to cancer progression and genetic variants that lack clinical relevance. The use of panels containing over hundred markers is anticipated to result in a high frequency of variants of uncertain significance. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed published literature to support the sensitivity, specificity, or clinical utility of this specific test. Thus, the clinical utility of this expanded molecular panel for directing targeted cancer treatment remains unproven.
NeoTYPE Breast Tumor Profile
NeoTYPE Breast Tumor Profile, a comprehensive CGP assay, characterizes primary or metastatic breast tumors of any histological subtype for the most significant genetic changes relevant to therapy decisions, prognosis, and clinical research. It is designed for use in patients with newly-diagnosed or recurrent advanced/metastatic breast cancer, and for patients with resistant disease to examine options in clinical trials. NeoTYPE Breast Tumor Profile analyzes 60 biomarkers via a combination of NGS, FISH, and IHC; it characterizes primary or metastatic breast tumors by analyzing 54 genes most frequently associated with breast cancer. This analysis will help in ascertaining prognosis, risk stratification, as well as therapeutic options.
Gonzalez-Angulo et al (2011) examined if there are differences in PIK3CA mutation status and PTEN protein expression between primary and matched metastatic breast tumors as this could influence patient management. Paraffin sections of 50 μm were used for DNA extraction and slides of 3 μm for IHC and FISH. Estrogen receptor, PR, and HER2 IHC were repeated in a central laboratory for both primary tumors and metastases. PTEN levels were evaluated by IHC and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway mutations were detected by a mass spectroscopy-based approach. Median age was 48 years (range of 30 to 83 years). Tumor subtype included 72 % hormone receptor positive/HER2 negative, 20 % HER2-positive, and less than 7.8 % triple receptor negative. Tissues were available for PTEN IHC in 46 primary tumors and 52 metastases. PTEN was lost in 14 (30 %) primary tumors and 13 (25 %) metastases. There were 5 cases of PTEN loss and 8 cases of PTEN gain from primary tumors to metastases (26 % discordance). Adequate DNA was obtained from 46 primary tumors and from 50 metastases for PIK3CA analysis. PIK3CA mutations were detected in 19 (40 %) of primary tumors and 21 (42 %) of metastases. There were 5 cases of PIK3CA mutation loss and 4 cases of mutation gain (18 % discordance). There was an increase of the level of PIK3CA mutations in 4 cases and decrease in 1 case from primary tumors to metastases. There was a high level of discordance in PTEN level, PIK3CA mutations, and receptor status between primary tumors and metastases that may influence patient selection and response to PI3K-targeted therapies. Moreover, these researchers stated that further investigations are needed to confirm these findings, and if they represent a true biological discordance as discussed before or the limitations of marker development such as the poor reproducibility of IHC, or pre-analytic variables including variation in processing and fixation of tumors, tumor hypoxia times, and tumor cellularity. However, the authors noted that it was important to emphasize that the MassArray approach employed to evaluate DNA mutations is highly robust and unlikely to show a significant false positive or negative rate and also to be able to detect relatively rare events in the tumor mass. These investigators stated that as new targeted therapies are brought into clinical trials using primary tumor signatures for patient selection may not represent the signature status in the metastatic disease that is being treated and this may have significant outcome implications. They stated that it may be necessary to develop approaches to examine predictive signatures present in metastatic disease to attain optimal outcomes. This could be accomplished via repeat biopsies, novel molecular imaging technologies, or potentially via analysis of circulating DNA, microRNA or tumor cells. Identification of robust biomarkers that can accurately assess driver aberrations and predict response to therapies, and that can be used widely with low inter-laboratory variability is crucial to successfully deliver personalized cancer therapy.
Janku et al (2012) stated that mutations of the PIK3CA gene may predict response to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. Concomitant mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway may mediate resistance. Tumors from patients with breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer referred to the Clinical Center for Targeted Therapy (Phase I Program) were analyzed for PIK3CA, KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations. Patients with PIK3CA mutations were treated, whenever feasible, with agents targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Of 140 patients analyzed, 25 (18 %) had PIK3CA mutations, including 5 of 14 patients with squamous cell cervical, 7 of 29 patients with endometrial, s6 of 29 patients with breast, and 7 of 60 patients with ovarian cancers. Of the 25 patients with PIK3CA mutations, 23 (median of 2 prior therapies) were treated on a protocol that included a PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor; 2 (9 %) of 23 patients had stable disease for more than 6 months, and 7 patients (30 %) had a partial response. In comparison, only 7 (10 %) of 70 patients with the same disease types but with wild-type PIK3CA treated on the same protocols responded (p = 0.04); 7 patients (30 %) with PIK3CA mutations had co-existing MAPK pathway (KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) mutations (ovarian cancer, n = 5; endometrial cancer, n = 2), and 2 of these patients (ovarian cancer) achieved a response. The authors concluded that PIK3CA mutations were detected in 18 % of tested patients. Patients with PIK3CA mutations treated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors showed a higher response rate than patients without mutations. A subset of patients with ovarian cancer with simultaneous PIK3CA and MAPK mutations responded to PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors, suggesting that not all patients exhibited resistance when the MAPK pathway was concomitantly activated.
Jai et al (2018) noted that the relevance of c-Met expression as a prognostic or predictive clinical indicator in chemotherapy-resistant BC remains unknown. These investigators examined the expression of c-Met in BC tissues and its association with expression of type II topoisomerase (TOPO II), including in patients who received NAC, and to examine chemotherapy resistance in-vitro in BC cell lines. Tissue samples from 255 patients with BC, with matched adjacent normal breast tissue, were used in tissue microarrays (TMAs). c-Met protein expression levels were determined using IHC. A total of 45 cases of BC treated with NAC were studied to examine the association between c-Met and TOPO II expression and clinical outcome. Chemotherapy resistance was examined in-vitro in the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 BC cell lines. Expression of c-Met protein was increased in BC tissue compared with normal breast tissue. In BC tissue samples, increased c-Met expression was significantly associated with increased Ki-67 expression, tumor size, tumor stage, and TOPO II expression, and with reduced OS rates. Increased c-Met expression and reduced TOPO II expression were associated with chemotherapy resistance. In BC cell lines, knock-down of c-Met expression induced TOPO II expression and increased tumor cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. The authors concluded that the findings of this study supported a role for c-Met as a clinical prognostic marker and for c-Met and TOPO II as predictive markers for response to chemotherapy in patients with BC. Moreover, these researchers stated that further large-scale, controlled studies are needed to validate these findings and further examine the role and mechanism of action of c-Met in chemotherapy-resistant BC.
Gao et al (2019) stated that long non-coding RNA PTENP1, the pseudogene of PTEN tumor suppressor, has been reported to exert its tumor suppressive function via modulation of PTEN expression in many malignancies, including BC; however, whether the PTENP1/miR-20a/PTEN axis exists and how it functions in BC progression remains elusive. The levels of PTENP1, PTEN and miR-20a were measured by qRT-PCR. In addition, the BC cells proliferation was further measured by CCK8 assay, colony formation assays, EDU and Ki67 staining. The migratory and invasive ability was determined by transwell assay. Flow cytometry, JC-1 and TUNEL assays were carried out to demonstrate the occurrence of apoptosis. Xenograft model was employed to show the tumorigenesis of BC cells. These researchers examined PTENP1 and PTEN levels in clinical BC samples and cell lines, and found that PTENP1 and PTEN were confirmed and closely correlated with the malignancy of BC cell lines and poor clinical prognosis. Moreover, alteration of PTENP1 affected BC cell proliferation, invasion, tumorigenesis and chemoresistance to adriamycin (ADR). Bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay predicted that PTENP1 was a direct target of miR-20a, which was clarified an alternative effect on BC aggressiveness phenotype. Furthermore, PTENP1 functioned as an endogenous sponge of miR-20a to regulate PTEN expression, which mediated BC cells proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance via activation the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or siAkt also prevented BC cells progression. The authors concluded that the findings of this study showed that PTENP1/miR-20a/PTEN axis involved in the malignant behaviors of BC cells, revealing the possible mechanism mediated by PTEN via PI3K/Akt pathway. These researchers stated that these findings suggested that PTENP1 may be used as a novel target for diagnostic and therapeutic applications of BC.
Kadamkulam Syriac et al (2024) noted that male BC (MaBC) has limited data on genomic alterations. In a retrospective study, these researchers compared MaBC's genomics with female BC (FBC) across subtypes. Using genomic data from Foundation Medicine, these investigators categorized 253 MaBC into ER-positive/HER2-negative (n = 210), ER-positive/HER2-positive (n = 22), and triple-negative (n = 20). One ER-negative/HER2-positive case was excluded due to n-of-1. The genomics of the final MaBC cohort (n = 252) were compared to a FBC cohort (n = 2,708) stratified by molecular subtype, with adjusted p-values. In the overall MaBC and FBC cohorts, these researchers compared mutational prevalence in cancer susceptibility genes (CSG) (ATM/BRCA1/BRCA2/CHEK2/PALB2). Comparing ER-positive/HER2-negative cases, MaBC had increased alterations in GATA3 (26.2 % versus 15.9 %, p = 0.005), BRCA2 (13.8 % versus 5.3 %, p < 0.001), MDM2 (13.3 % versus 6.14 %, p = 0.004) and CDK4 (7.1 % versus 1.8 %, p < 0.001); and decreased frequency of TP53 (11.0 % versus 42.6 %, p < 0.001) and ESR1 mutations (5.7 % versus 14.6 %, p < 0.001). Comparing ER-positive/HER2-positive cases, MaBC had increased short variants in ERBB2 (22.7 % versus 0.6 %, p = 0.002), GATA3 (36.3 % versus 6.2 %, p = 0.004), and MDM2 (36.3 % versus 4.9 %, p = 0.002); decreased frequency of TP53 alterations was observed in MaBC versus FBC (9.1 % versus 61.7 %, p < 0.001). Within triple-negative cases, MaBC had decreased alterations in TP53 compared to FBC (25.0 % versus 84.4 %, p < 0.001). MaBC had higher frequency of CSG variants than FBC (22.6 % versus 14.6 %, p < 0.05), with increased BRCA mutations in MaBC (14.6 % versus 9.1 %, p < 0.05). The authors concluded that when compared with FBC, MaBC has an increased frequency of alterations in GATA3 and MDM2 and fewer alterations in TP53. They also noticed increased rates of ERBB2 short variants, PIK3CA alterations, BRCA2 mutations, and other breast CSG alterations that were more common in MaBC. These researchers stated that the landscape of MaBC can aid in identifying targeted therapies and better understanding tumor biology.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, this trial was retrospective. Second, these researchers did not have patients’ clinical information including some demographics, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Some alteration frequencies reported may be impacted by the sample used for sequencing, as the mutational spectrum can change over time; in this regard, while the tissue sources were described, the lines of therapy that patients received before sample acquisition were unknown. This was an important limitation considering that previous treatments may alter alteration frequencies. Given the lack of information on some patient characteristics and prior treatments, there may be unmeasured differences between the male and female cohorts. Third, the sample size of HER2-positive and triple-negative MaBC was small, and these investigators had to exclude the 1 case that was ER-negative/HER2-positive. This under-representation was expected owing to the rarity of these subtypes in men; nonetheless, caution should be taken when interpreting the results from these smaller subgroups. Unfortunately, data on HER2-low classification was not available for the FBC cohort; thus, preventing comparisons with the findings of the MaBC cohort. Fourth, this trial lacked matched normal tissue to help examine if aberrations were germline or somatic, and lacked information on variant allele frequencies. Fifth, given that the authors were reporting on cases that were specifically submitted for genomic analysis, this trial had a selection bias and the study population may not be representative of the overall population of men with BC. To address this issue, the authors used a female cohort with the same inclusion criteria and from the same source, likely sharing the same degree of selection bias in the control group.
Chen et al (2024) stated that BC is a heterogeneous disease categorized based on molecular characteristics, including hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 expression levels. The emergence of profiling technology has showed multiple driver genomic alterations within each BC subtype, serving as biomarkers to predict treatment outcomes. In a retrospective study, these researchers examined the genomic landscape of BC in the Taiwanese population via CGP and identified diagnostic and predictive biomarkers. Targeted NGS-based CGP was carried out on 116 archived Taiwanese BC specimens, examining GAs, including SNVs, CNVs, fusion genes, TMB, and MSI status. Predictive variants for FDA-approved therapies were evaluated within each subtype. In the cohort, frequent mutations included PIK3CA (39.7 %), TP53 (36.2 %), KMT2C (9.5 %), GATA3 (8.6 %), and SF3B1 (6.9 %). All subtypes had low TMB, with no MSI-H tumors. Among HR + HER2- patients, 42 % (27/65) harbored activating PIK3CA mutations, implying potential sensitivity to PI3K inhibitors and resistance to endocrine therapies. HR + HER2- patients exhibited intrinsic hormonal resistance via FGFR1 gene gain/amplification (15 %), exclusive of PI3K/AKT pathway alterations. Aberrations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and FGFR pathways were implicated in chemoresistance, with a 52.9 % involvement in TNBC. In HER2+ tumors, 50 % harbored GAs potentially conferring resistance to anti-HER2 therapies, including PIK3CA mutations (32 %), MAP3K1 (2.9 %), NF1 (2.9 %), and copy number gain/amplification of FGFR1 (18 %), FGFR3 (2.9 %), EGFR (2.9 %), and AKT2 (2.9 %). The authors concluded that this study presented CGP findings for treatment-naïve Taiwanese BC, emphasizing its value in routine BC management, disease classification, and treatment selection.
The authors stated that the key drawbacks of this cohort study were its retrospective nature and relatively small sample size (n = 116). Furthermore, the short follow‐up duration restricted the analysis of other prognostic factors associated with genetic information. In addition, these investigators used a commercially available cancer panel to examine GAs, which meant their examination was confined to the pre-defined genes within this specific cancer panel; therefore, certain uncommon yet crucial genomic variations in BC might remain undetected using targeted NGS techniques. Nonetheless, these findings presented potential actionable variants and therapeutic approaches for Taiwanese patients with BC. This trial demonstrated the superior sensitivity of targeted panel NGS for detecting specific genomic variants, notably HER2 amplifications and PIK3CA mutations. In addition, the recent SAFIR02‐BREAST clinical trial reported that CGP can improve outcomes for patients with metastatic BC. In this prospective clinical trial, patients with ESCAT I/II genomic alterations exhibited improved PFS when receiving genomics‐matched therapy. Moreover, the existing literatures support the cost‐effectiveness of genetics‐based approaches in reducing BC risk. With advancements in sequencing technologies resulting in the identification of more drug targets and reduced sequencing costs, the cost‐effectiveness of CGP in clinical practice is expected to increase further. As a consequence, the importance of further research to enhance the practical application of NGS‐CGP in the clinical setting is clear, highlighting the need for clinical trials that compare outcomes between CGP analyses performed on tumor tissue and circulating tumor DNA. The use of NGS for liquid biopsies could revolutionize the timely assessment of tumor evolution and the tailoring of treatment plans. Furthermore, NGS technology is poised to revolutionize key fields such as single‐cell genomics, long‐read sequencing, epigenomics, and the integration of various omics technologies, paving the way for more comprehensive and individualized treatment approaches. The advent of real‐time sequencing and POC testing promises to drastically change how quickly and effectively BC is diagnosed and monitored. Moreover, advancements in bioinformatics and data analysis are critical for interpreting the vast amounts of data generated by NGS. The integration of AI is expected to greatly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of bioinformatic analyses, especially as the volume of data from multi‐omics research expands.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Breast Cancer” (Version 5.2024) does not mention comprehensive genomic profiling/CGP as a management tool.
NETest
NETest is a multianalyte algorithm PCR-based gene blood test that measures 51 neuroendocrine tumor specific gene transcripts in combination with molecular biomarkers which purportedly allows monitoring of neuroendocrine tumor gene activity levels.
Pęczkowska et al (2017) evaluated whether NETEST has clinical utility as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. The investigators conducted a prospective cohort study. Subjects included well-differentiated aragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (PPGLs) (n = 32), metastatic (n = 4); SDHx mutation (n = 25); 12 biochemically active, lanreotide treated (n = 4). Age- and gender-matched controls and GEP-NETs were compared. PPGL were NETest positive (100%). All exhibited higher scores than controls (55 ± 5% vs 8 ± 1%, P = 0.0001), similar to GEP-NETs (47 ± 5%). ROC analysis area under curve was 0.98 for differentiating PPGLs/controls (cut-off for normal: 26.7%). Mutation status was not directly linked to NETest. Genetic and molecular clustering was associated (P < 0.04) with NETest scores. Metastatic (80 ± 9%) and multicentric (64 ± 9%) disease had significantly (P < 0.04) higher scores than localized disease (43 ± 7%). Progressive disease (PD) had the highest scores (86 ± 2%) vs stable (SD, 41 ± 2%) (P < 0.0001). The area under the curve for PD from SD was 0.93 (cut-off for PD: 53%). Proliferation, epigenetic and somatostatin receptor gene expression was elevated (P < 0.03) in PD. Metabolic gene expression was decreased in SDHx mutations. Repeat NETest measurements defined clinical status in the 9 patients (6 SD and 3 PD). Amine measurement was non-informative. Multivariate analysis identified NETest >53% as an independent prognostic factor.
Pavel et al (2016) assessed the NETest as a predictive and prognostic marker of progression of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. GEP-NETs (n = 34) followed for a median 4 years (2.2-5.4) were evaluated. WHO tumor grade/stage grade 1: n = 17, grade 2: n = 14, grade 3: n = 1 (for 2, no grade was available); 31 (91%) were stage IV. Baseline and longitudinal imaging and blood biomarkers were available in all, and progression was defined per standard clinical protocols (RECIST 1.0). The NETest was measured by quantitative PCR of blood and multianalyte algorithmic analysis (disease activity scaled 0-100% with low <40% and high activity risk cutoffs >80%); chromogranin A (CgA) was measured by radioimmunoassay (normal <150 µg/l); progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed by Cox proportional-hazard regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. At baseline, 100% were NETest positive, and CgA was elevated in 50%. The only baseline variable (Cox modeling) associated with PFS was NETest (hazard ratio = 1.022, 95% confidence interval = 1.005-1.04; p < 0.012). Using Kaplan-Meier analyses, the baseline NETest (>80%) was significantly associated (p = 0.01) with disease progression (median PFS 0.68 vs. 2.78 years with <40% levels). The NETest was more informative (96%) than CgA changes (<under>></under>25%) in consistently predicting disease alterations (40%, p < 2 × 10-5, χ2 = 18). The NETest had an earlier time point change than imaging (1.02 ± 0.15 years). Baseline NETest levels >40% in stable disease were 100% prognostic of disease progression versus CgA (χ2 = 5, p < 0.03). Baseline NETest values <40% accurately (100%) predicted stability over 5 years (p = 0.05, χ2 = 3.8 vs. CgA).
Bodei et al (2016) assessed the accuracy of circulating NET transcripts as a measure of PRRT efficacy, and moreover to identify prognostic gene clusters in pretreatment blood that could be interpolated with relevant clinical features in order to define a biological index for the tumor and a predictive quotient for PRRT efficacy. NET patients (n = 54), M: F 37:17, median age 66, bronchial: n = 13, GEP-NET: n = 35, CUP: n = 6 were treated with (177)Lu-based-PRRT (cumulative activity: 6.5-27.8 GBq, median 18.5). At baseline: 47/54 low-grade (G1/G2; bronchial typical/atypical), 31/49 (18)FDG positive and 39/54 progressive. Disease status was assessed by RECIST1.1. Transcripts were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and multianalyte algorithmic analysis (NETest); CgA by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gene cluster (GC) derivations: regulatory network, protein:protein interactome analyses. The disease control rate was 72 %. Median PFS was not achieved (follow-up: 1-33 months, median: 16). Only grading was associated with response (p < 0.01). At baseline, 94 % of patients were NETest-positive, while CgA was elevated in 59 %. NETest accurately (89 %, χ(2) = 27.4; p = 1.2 × 10(-7)) correlated with treatment response, while CgA was 24 % accurate. Gene cluster expression (growth-factor signalome and metabolome) had an AUC of 0.74 ± 0.08 (z-statistic = 2.92, p < 0.004) for predicting response (76 % accuracy). Combination with grading reached an AUC: 0.90 ± 0.07, irrespective of tumor origin. Circulating transcripts correlated accurately (94 %) with PRRT responders (SD+PR+CR; 97 %) vs. non-responders (91 %).
Modlin et al (2016) examined whether a blood-based multianalyte neuroendocrine gene transcript assay (NETest) would define tumor cytoreduction and therapeutic efficacy. A total of 35 GEP-NETs in 2 groups were evaluated. I: after surgery (R0, n = 15; residual, n = 12); II: nonsurgery (n = 8: embolization with gel-foam alone [bland: n = 3]), transarterial chemoembolization (n = 2), and radiofrequency embolization (n = 3). Measurement (quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction) and chromogranin A (CgA; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were undertaken preoperatively and 1 month after treatment. NETest score was increased in 35 (100%) preoperatively; 14 (40%) had increased CgA (χ(2) = 30, P < 2 × 10(-8)). Resection reduced NETest from 80 ± 5% to 29% ± 5, (P < .0001). CgA decrease was insignificant (14.3 ± 1.6 U/L to 12.2 ± 1.7 U/L). NETest decreases correlated with diminished tumor volume (R(2) = 0.29, P = .03). Cytoreduction significantly reduced NETest from 82 ± 3% to 41% ± 6, P < .0001). CgA was not decreased (21.4 ± 5.5 U/L to 18.4 ± 10.1 U/L). Four (36%) of 11 R0s with increased NETest at 1 month developed positive imaging (sensitivity 100%, specificity 20%). One hundred percent (ablated group) were transcript- and image-positive.
Modlin et al (2015) reported the sensitivity and selectivity of the NETest to detect tumors with reference to other benign and malignant gastrointestinal diseases. A total of 179 cases (gastrointestinal tumors: n=81; pancreatic disease: n=98) were prospectively collected and assessed using the NETest or chromogranin A (CgA) to determine metrics for detecting small intestinal and pancreatic NETs. For intestinal carcinoids, the accuracy of the NETest was 93% (all NETs positive and 3 (12%) colorectal tumors were positive). CgA was positive in 80%, but 29% (n=7) of colorectal cancers were CgA positive. For pancreatic disease, the NETest accuracy was 94% (96% NETs positive, 2 (6%) of intraductal papillary ucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) were positive). The accuracy of CgA was 56% (29% of pancreatic NETs were CgA positive). Overall, the NETest was significantly more sensitive than CgA for the detection of small intestinal (area under the curve 0.98 vs. 0.75 P<0.0001) and pancreatic NETs (0.94 vs. 0.52, P<0.0001). NETest scores were elevated (P<0.05) in extensive disease and were more accurate (76-80%) than CgA levels (20-32%). The metrics of the multianalyte NETest met the performance criteria proposed by the National Institutes of Health for biomarkers, whereas CgA measurement did not.
Modlin et al (2014) evaluated a PCR-based 51 transcript signature (NETest) and compared it to chromogranin A (CgA), pancreastatin (PST) and neurokinin A (NKA). The multigene signature was evaluated in two groups: i) a validation set of 40 NETs and controls and ii) a prospectively collected group of NETs (n=41, 61% small intestinal, 50% metastatic, 44% currently treated and 41 age-sex matched controls). Samples were analyzed by a two-step PCR (51 marker genes) protocol and ELISAs for CgA, PST and NKA. Sensitivity comparisons included χ(2), non-parametric measurements, ROC curves and predictive feature importance (PFAI) analyses. NETest identified 38 of 41 NETs. Performance metrics were: sensitivity 92.8%, specificity 92.8%, positive predictive value 92.8% and negative predictive value 92.8%. Single analyte ELISA metrics were: CgA 76, 59, 65, and 71%; PST 63, 56, 59, and 61% and NKA 39, 93, 84, and 60%. The AUCs (ROC analysis) were: NETest: 0.96±0.025, CgA: 0.67±0.06, PST 0.56±0.06, NKA: 0.66±0.06. NETest significantly outperformed single analyte tests (area differences: 0.284-0.403, Z-statistic 4.85-5.9, P<0.0001). PFAI analysis determined NETest had most value (69%) in diagnosis (CgA (13%), PST (9%), and NKA (9%)). Test data were consistent with the validation set (NETest >95% sensitivity and specificity, AUC =0.98 vs single analytes: 59-67% sensitivity, AUCs: 0.58-0.63).
Chen et al (2017) commented that NETEST and other novel biomarkers are promising biomarkers in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with potential clinical benefit, but further research is needed before their clinical application.
NexCourse IHC4
NexCourse IHC4 by AQUA Technology is a test proposed to determine the risk of breast cancer recurrence by analyzing protein expression of estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR), HER2 and Ki67. Determination of ER/PR is performed routinely on all individuals with invasive breast cancer using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to select those individuals who are most likely to respond to hormone therapy.
Next-Generation Sequencing and Solid Cancers
Forouzanfar and associates (2017) noted that esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is one of the deadliest of all the cancers. Its metastatic properties portend poor prognosis and high rate of recurrence. A more advanced method to identify new molecular biomarkers predicting disease prognosis can be whole exome sequencing (WES). These researchers reported the most effective genetic variants of the Notch signaling pathway in esophageal SCC susceptibility by WES. These investigators analyzed 9 probands in unrelated familial esophageal SCC pedigrees to identify candidate genes. Genomic DNA was extracted and WES performed to generate information about genetic variants in the coding regions. Bioinformatics software applications were utilized to exploit statistical algorithms to demonstrate protein structure and variants conservation. Polymorphic regions were excluded by false-positive investigations. Gene-gene interactions were analyzed for Notch signaling pathway candidates. These researchers identified novel and damaging variants of the Notch signaling pathway through extensive pathway-oriented filtering and functional predictions, which led to the study of 27 candidate novel mutations in all 9 patients. Detection of the tri-nucleotide repeat containing 6B gene mutation (a slice site alteration) in 5 of the 9 probands, but not in any of the healthy samples, suggested that it may be a susceptibility factor for familial esophageal SCC. Noticeably, 8 of 27 novel candidate gene mutations (e.g., epidermal growth factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, MET) act in a cascade leading to cell survival and proliferation. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that the tri-nucleotide repeat containing 6B mutation may be a candidate predisposing gene in esophageal SCC. In addition, some of the Notch signaling pathway genetic mutations may act as key contributors to esophageal SCC.
Kyrochristos and colleagues (2017) stated that hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) cancers are associated with high cancer-related death rates. Surgery aiming for complete tumor resection (R0) remains the cornerstone of the treatment for HBP cancers. The current progress in the adjuvant treatment is quite slow, with gemcitabine chemotherapy available only for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). In the advanced and metastatic setting, only 2 targeted drugs have been approved by the FDA, which are sorafenib for hepatocellular carcinoma and erlotinib for PDA. It is a pity that multiple phase III randomized control trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness of targeted agents have negative results. Failure in the development of effective drugs probably reflects the poor understanding of genome-wide alterations and molecular mechanisms orchestrating therapeutic resistance and recurrence. In the post-ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) era, cancer is referred to as a highly heterogeneous and systemic disease of the genome. The unprecedented potential of NGS technologies to accurately identify genetic and genomic variations has attracted major research and clinical interest. The applications of NGS include targeted NGS with potential clinical implications, while WES and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) focus on the discovery of both novel cancer driver genes and therapeutic targets. These advances dictate new designs for clinical trials to validate biomarkers and drugs. The authors discussed the findings of available NGS studies on HBP cancers and the limitations of genome sequencing analysis to translate genome-based biomarkers and drugs into patient care in the clinic. They concluded that the validity of NGS technologies to identify tumor heterogeneity-associated therapeutic resistance and relapse gives rise to high expectations for translating these advances into patient-centric trials and clinical benefit. In the medium-term, targeted NGS enables the conduction of umbrella and basket clinical trials. The identification of mutated or amplified gene-based patient subgroups and the subsequent tumor-guided treatment with targeted drugs from the list of available FDA-approved agents, matching these specific genetic alterations, could improve personalized patient care. By contrast, the discovery of novel therapeutic targets by WES and WGS studies raises much higher expectations to substantially broaden the targeted drugs catalogue with a long-term perspective. However, this concept requires evaluation and confirmation by appropriately designed large-scale clinical trials. These researchers stated that targeted NGS, WES, and WGS could enable the development of robust biomarkers for tailored treatment; and translational NGS research represents a top prospect for faster progress than any other available technology to achieve precision oncology.
Lianos and co-workers (2017) noted that by identifying cancer driver genes involved in tumorigenesis, WES analyses enable the development of robust biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets to reach precision oncology. In this study, WES analyses were performed in matched gastric cancer-normal gastric tissues from 2 patients. These researchers compared genes highlighted with those of a database and recent WES/WGS studies. They identified 32 highlighted gastric cancer genes, 2 of these (DEFB118 and RNF43) may provide future potential clinical implications. The authors concluded that definitive evidence on extensive genetic heterogeneity suggested the need for large-scale NGS studies to validate gastric cancer driver genes catalog. This list represents the foundation for developing genome-based biomarkers to guide precision gastric cancer treatment.
Northstar Response and Northstar Select
Northstar Response (BillionToOne, Inc) is a tissue-free, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based test that evaluates over 500 genomic loci uniquely methylated in cancer cells for monitoring treatment response. Essentially, the test measures the number of methylated, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) molecules in each blood sample, reflecting the patient’s tumor burden. The test uses an algorithm to report quantitative measurement of methylation as a correlate of tumor fraction.
Northstar Select (BillionToOne, Inc) is a liquid biopsy test that evaluates 84 genes (82 genes for single nucleotide variants (SNVs) / indels, 19 genes for copy number amplification, 5 genes for copy number loss and 9 genes for fusions) from a blood sample using NGS. This test aims to provide insight into what therapies may be appropriate for a patient with stage III or IV cancer.
In an abstract presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (ASCO24), BillionToOne reported on outcomes of a head-to-hed comparison of Northstar Select with commercially available assays. BillionToOne analyzed clinical samples from 182 patients with advanced forms of solid tumors using its NorthStar Select or comparator assays. The company found its device detected 43% more pathogenic variants when controlled for matched coverage regions (Barrie, 2024).
OmniSeq Advance DNA and RNA sequencing (OmniSeq and LabCorp)
OmniSeq Advance is an assay that combines targeted therapy and immune-oncology biomarkers into a single clinical test. The OmniSeq Advance Assay uses two different testing methodologies: IHC and DNA-sequencing, RNA-sequencing and MSI performed by NGS. The components of this assay include PD-L1, CD8 by IHC, microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutational burden (TMB), RNA-sequencing of over 50 critical immune markers to characterize the tumor micro-environment (TME), and somatic genomic profiling of 144 genes. The assay combines these tests from fixed-formalin paraffin embedded patient samples. The assay is expected to provide benefits for the treatment of patients with solid tumor cancers and the development of new precision therapies. Utilizing data from patients tested with both OmniSeq Comprehensive and OmniSeq Immune Report Card, the company projects that the OmniSeq Advance test will report clinically actionable results for 99% of tested patients.
OncoAssure Prostate
OncoAssure Prostate (DiaCarta, Inc) is a biopsy-based molecular test designed to identify patients with low-risk prostate cancer who can be managed with active surveillance. The test applies mRNA gene-expression profiling by real-time RT-PCR of 6 genes (FOXM1, MCM3, MTUS1, TTC21B, ALAS1, and PPP2CA). utilizing formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. The test combines the molecular data from these genes with clinical parameters in the form of an algorithm to report a risk score to assess a patient's risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
In a retrospective study, Krzyzanowska et al (2023) aimed to develop and validate a gene signature that adds independent prognostic information to clinical parameters for better treatment decisions and management to predict aggressive prostate cancer. The author state that molecular signatures in prostate cancer (PCa) tissue can provide useful prognostic information to improve the understanding of a patient’s risk of harboring aggressive disease. Thus, expression of 14 genes was evaluated in radical prostatectomy (RP) tissue from an Irish cohort of PCa patients (n = 426). A six-gene molecular risk score (MRS) was identified with strong prognostic performance to predict adverse pathology (AP) at RP or biochemical recurrence (BCR). The MRS was combined with the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score, to create a molecular and clinical risk score (MCRS), and validated in a Swedish cohort (n = 203). The primary AP outcome was assessed by the likelihood ratio statistics and area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) from logistic regression models. The authors state that six-gene signature was significantly (p < 0.0001) prognostic and added significant prognostic value to clinicopathological features for AP and BCR outcomes. For both outcomes, both the MRS and the MCRS increased the AUC/C-index when added to European Association of Urology (EAU) and CAPRA scores. The authors concluded that six-gene signature has strong performance for the prediction of AP and BCR in an independent clinical validation study. MCRS improves prognostic evaluation and can optimize patient management after RP. The authors report that their next step will be to validate their signature in biopsy tissue, which would allow for an estimation of risk for aggressive disease at the time of PCa diagnosis to help clinicians and patients confidently select the most appropriate treatment plan at the biopsy stage.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for "Prostate cancer" (Version 4.2024) does not provide a recommendation for OncoAssure Prostate as a management tool. Furthermore, NCCN Biomarkers Compendium (2024) for prostate cancer does not provide a recommendation for evaluating FOXM1, MCM3, MTUS1, TTC21B, ALAS1, and PPP2CA.
OncobiotaLUNG
Micronoma (San Diego, CA), a biotech company, developed OncobiotaLUNG assay for early cancer detection with a microbiome-driven liquid biopsy platform. On January 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a breakthrough device designation for OncobiotaLUNG assay. The device categorizes lung nodule samples into those that are considered high or low-risk for malignancy based off of a blood draw from the patient. An analysis of proteins and circulating tumor microbial DNA (ctmbDNA) is performed and then this data is run through proprietary machine learning algorithms to report the findings to the healthcare provider (Micronoma, 2023).
Currently, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed literature to support the sensitivity or specificity of this test.
Oncomine Dx Target Test
The Oncomine Dx Target Test (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc, Carlsbad, CA) is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test that uses targeted high-throughput, parallel-sequencing technology to detect sequence variations in 23 genes in DNA and RNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor (FFPE) tissue samples from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using the Ion PGM Dx System. In June 2017, the FDA granted premarket approval for Oncomine Dx, the first next-generation sequencing (NGS) –based test, that simultaneously screens tumor samples for biomarkers within four days, and are associated with three genes that are associated with FDA-approved therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Three of the markers provide an aid in selecting patients for approved targeted therapies, while others are currently being investigated in clinical trials and are potentially actionable in the future. Results from analysis of these three genes can be used to identify patients who may be eligible for treatment with one of the following: the combined therapy of Tafinlar® and Mekinist®, XALKORI®, or IRESSA®. The test became available in the United States in July 2017 (Thermo Fisher, 2017).
OncoOmicDx Targeted Proteomic Assay
Zhang and colleagues (2017) noted that in breast cancer, p53 could be functionally compromised by interaction with several proteins. Among those proteins, MDM2 serves as a pivotal negative regulator and counteracts p53 activation. Therefore, the ability to quantitatively and accurately monitor the changes in level of p53-MDM2 interaction with disease state can enable an improved understanding of this protein-protein interaction (PPI), provide a better insight into cancer development and allow the emergence of advanced treatments. However, rare studies have evaluated the quantitative extent of PPI including p53-MDM2 interaction so far. In this study, a LC-MS/MS-based targeted proteomics assay was developed and coupled with co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) for the quantification of p53-MDM2 complex. A p53 antibody with the epitope residing at 156 to 214 residues achieved the greatest IP efficiency. 321KPLDGEYFTLQIR333 (p53) and 327ENWLPEDK334 (MDM2) were selected as surrogate peptides in the targeted analysis. Stable isotope-labeled synthetic peptides were used as internal standards. An LOQ (limit of quantification) of 2 ng/ml was obtained. Then, the assay was applied to quantitatively detect total p53, total MDM2 and p53-MDM2 in breast cells and tissue samples. Western blotting was performed for a comparison. Finally, a quantitative time-course analysis in MCF-7 cells with the treatment of nutlin-3 as a PPI inhibitor was also monitored. These researchers stated that liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based targeted proteomics has shown its potential to study biomolecules because of its high sensitivity, high selectivity and wide dynamic range. In this study, the author made an effort to develop a LC-MS/MS-based targeted proteomics assay for the quantitative detection of p53-MDM2 interaction in breast cells and tissue samples.
Jiang and associates (2018) stated that abnormal expression of C-terminal p53 isoforms α, β, and γ can cause the development of cancers including breast cancer. To-date, much evidence has demonstrated that these isoforms can differentially regulate target genes and modulate their expression. Therefore, quantification of individual isoforms may help to link clinical outcome to p53 status and to improve cancer patient treatment. However, there are few studies on accurate determination of p53 isoforms, probably due to sequence homology of these isoforms and also their low abundance. In this study, a targeted proteomics assay combining molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and LC-MS/MS was developed for simultaneous quantification of C-terminal p53 isoforms. Isoform-specific surrogate peptides (i.e., KPLDGEYFTLQIR (peptide-α) for isoform α, KPLDGEYFTLQDQTSFQK (peptide-β) for isoform β, and KPLDGEYFTLQMLLDLR (peptide-γ) for isoform γ) were first selected and used in both MIPs enrichment and mass spectrometric detection. The common sequence KPLDGEYFTLQ of these 3 surrogate peptides was used as single template in MIPs. In addition to optimization of imprinting conditions and characterization of the prepared MIPs, binding affinity and cross-reactivity of the MIPs for each surrogate peptide were also evaluated. As a consequence, a LOQ of 5 nM was attained, which was greater than 15-fold more sensitive than that without MIPs. Finally, the assay was validated and applied to simultaneous quantitative analysis of C-terminal p53 isoforms α, β, and γ in several human breast cell lines (i.e., MCF-10A normal cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, and drug-resistant MCF-7/ADR cancer cells). The authors concluded that this study was among the 1st to use single template MIPs and cross-reactivity phenomenon to select isoform-specific surrogate peptides and enable simultaneous quantification of protein isoforms in LC-MS/MS-based targeted proteomics.
Burat and co-workers (2019) noted that in the field of quantitative proteomics, the Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ) technology has demonstrated efficacy for proteome monitoring despite its lack of a consensus for data handling. In the present study, after peptide and protein identification, these researchers compared the widespread quantitation method based on the calculation of LC-MS/MS reporter ion peaks areas ratios (ProteinPilot) to the alternative method based on the calculation of ratios of the sum of peak intensities (jTRAQx [Quant]) and they processed output data with the in-house Customizable iTRAQ Ratios Calculator (CiR-C) algorithm. Quantitation based on peak area ratios displayed no significant linear correlation with Western blot quantitation. In contrast, quantitation based on the sum of peak intensities displayed a significant linear association with Western blot quantitation (non-zero slope; Pearson correlation coefficient test, r = 0.296, p = 0.010) with an average bias of 0.087 ± 0.500 and 95 % limits of agreement from -0.893 to 1.068. The authors proposed the Mascot-jTRAQx-CiR-C strategy as a simple yet powerful data processing adjunct to the iTRAQ technology.
OncoSignal Test for Analysis of Solid Tumors
According to Protean BioDiagnostics, OncoSignal is a new way to analyze breast cancer and other cancers. The OncoSignal test uses an advanced molecular and bioinformatics system to measure mRNA expression patterns and calculate the specific activity of 7 key oncogenic driver signal pathways, which include ER (estrogen receptor), AR (androgen receptor), PI3K (Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase), HH (Hedgehog pathway), NOTCH (notch signal pathways), TGFbeta (transforming growth factor receptor beta), and MAPK (mitogen activated protean kinase). The pathways measure key oncogenic drivers of numerous distinct cancer types including but not limited to breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, lymphoma and more.
van de Stolpe et al (2021) stated that precision treatment of cancer requires knowledge on active tumor driving signal transduction pathways (STPs) to select the optimal effective targeted treatment. Currently, only a subset of patients derives clinical benefit from mutation-based targeted therapy, due to intrinsic and acquired drug resistance mechanisms. Phenotypic assays to identify the tumor driving pathway based on protein analysis are difficult to multiplex on routine pathology samples. In contrast, the transcriptome contains information on signaling pathway activity and can complement genomic analyses. These researchers presented the validation and clinical application of a new knowledge-based mRNA-based diagnostic assay platform (OncoSignal) for measuring activity of relevant signaling pathways simultaneously and quantitatively with high resolution in tissue samples and circulating tumor cells, specifically with very small specimen quantities. The approach uses mRNA levels of a pathway's direct target genes, selected based on literature for multiple proof points, and used as evidence that a pathway is functionally activated. Using these validated target genes, a Bayesian network model has been built and calibrated on mRNA measurements of samples with known pathway status, which is used next to calculate a pathway activity score on individual test samples. Translation to RT-qPCR assays enables broad clinical diagnostic applications, including small analytes. A large number of cancer samples have been analyzed across a variety of cancer histologies and benchmarked across normal controls. Assays have been used to characterize cell types in the cancer cell microenvironment, including immune cells in which activated and immunotolerant states can be distinguished. Results supported the expectation that the assays provide information on cancer driving signaling pathways, which is difficult to derive from next generation DNA sequencing analysis. The authors concluded that clinical diagnostic applications of STP analysis for prediction of prognosis and response to therapy, including identification of resistance pathways, are currently being further developed in clinical studies. Prospective, clinical validation studies in various cancer types and basket studies are being initiated with clinical partners, predominantly making use of RT-qPCR-based STP analysis on formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples with considerations toward low quantity specimens including circulating tumor cells. These researchers stated that in the future, an important focus will lie on measuring the host immune response to cancer, both in blood as well as in cancer tissue samples. Taken together, measurement of STP activity in cancer, complementary to DNA mutation analysis, is expected to enable development of novel therapies, improve prediction of therapy response and resistance, and improve clinical outcome for a variety of tumor types and treatments, including targeted drugs and immunotherapy.
Oncotype DX AR-V7 Nucleus Detect Assay for Men with Metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer
The Oncotype DX nuclear-localized androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) Nuclear Detect test is a circulating tumor cell-based, liquid biopsy test, which detects patients with CTCs who have nuclear expression of the AR-V7 truncated protein and is intended to provide information that can help guide treatment selection in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). It has been hypothesized that the that detection of androgen-receptor splice variant 7 messenger RNA (AR-V7) in CTCs from men with advanced prostate cancer is associated with resistance to enzalutamide and abiraterone.
Antonarakis et al (2014) used a quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction assay to evaluate AR-V7 in circulating tumor cells from prospectively enrolled patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who were initiating treatment with either enzalutamide or abiraterone. The investigators examined associations between AR-V7 status (positive vs. negative) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rates (the primary end point), freedom from PSA progression (PSA progression-free survival), clinical or radiographic progression-free survival, and overall survival. A total of 31 enzalutamide-treated patients and 31 abiraterone-treated patients were enrolled, of whom 39% and 19%, respectively, had detectable AR-V7 in circulating tumor cells. Among men receiving enzalutamide, AR-V7-positive patients had lower PSA response rates than AR-V7-negative patients (0% vs. 53%, P=0.004) and shorter PSA progression-free survival (median, 1.4 months vs. 6.0 months; P<0.001), clinical or radiographic progression-free survival (median, 2.1 months vs. 6.1 months; P<0.001), and overall survival (median, 5.5 months vs. not reached; P=0.002). Similarly, among men receiving abiraterone, AR-V7-positive patients had lower PSA response rates than AR-V7-negative patients (0% vs. 68%, P=0.004) and shorter PSA progression-free survival (median, 1.3 months vs. not reached; P<0.001), clinical or radiographic progression-free survival (median, 2.3 months vs. not reached; P<0.001), and overall survival (median, 10.6 months vs. not reached, P=0.006). The association between AR-V7 detection and therapeutic resistance was maintained after adjustment for expression of full-length androgen receptor messenger RNA. The investigators concluded that detection of AR-V7 in circulating tumor cells from patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer may be associated with resistance to enzalutamide and abiraterone. They stated that these findings require large-scale prospective validation. An accompanying editoral (Nelson, et al., 2014) agreed that "the small number of patients in the study by Antonarakis and colleagues mandates validation. The proprietary combination of antibodies used to capture circulating tumor cells is a potential limitation. Whether other methods of isolating prostate-cancer cells would yield similar results should be determined."
Antonarakis et al (2015) investigated whether AR-V7-positive patients would retain sensitivity to taxane chemotherapy and whether AR-V7 status would have a differential impact on taxane-treated men compared with enzalutamide- or abiraterone-treated men. The investigators examined CTCs for AR-V7 mRNA using a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. From January 2013 to July 2014, the investigators prospectively enrolled patients with metastatic CRPC initiating taxane chemotherapy (docetaxel or cabazitaxel) at a single academic institution. Their prespecified statistical plan required a sample size of 36 taxane-treated men. The investigators evaluated associations between AR-V7 status and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rates, PSA progression-free survival (PSA PFS), and clinical and/or radiographic progression-free survival (PFS). After incorporating updated data from the above study of 62 patients treated with enzalutamide or abiraterone, they also investigated the interaction between AR-V7 status (positive or negative) and treatment type (taxane vs enzalutamide or abiraterone). Of 37 taxane-treated patients enrolled, 17 (46%) had detectable AR-V7 in CTCs. Prostate-specific antigen responses were achieved in both AR-V7-positive and AR-V7-negative men (41% vs 65%; P = .19). Similarly, PSA PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.7, 95% CI, 0.6-5.0; P = .32) and PFS (HR, 2.7, 95% CI, 0.8-8.8; P = .11) were comparable in AR-V7-positive and AR-V7-negative patients. A significant interaction was observed between AR-V7 status and treatment type (P < .001). Clinical outcomes were superior with taxanes compared with enzalutamide or abiraterone therapy in AR-V7-positive men, whereas outcomes did not differ by treatment type in AR-V7-negative men. In AR-V7-positive patients, PSA responses were higher in taxane-treated vs enzalutamide- or abiraterone-treated men (41% vs 0%; P < .001), and PSA PFS and PFS were significantly longer in taxane-treated men (HR, 0.19 [95% CI, 0.07-0.52] for PSA PFS, P = .001; HR, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.07-0.59] for PFS, P = .003). The investigators concluded that detection of AR-V7 in CTCs from men with metastatic CRPC was not associated with primary resistance to taxane chemotherapy. In AR-V7-positive men, taxanes appeared to be more efficacious than enzalutamide or abiraterone therapy, whereas in AR-V7-negative men, taxanes and enzalutamide or abiraterone may have comparable efficacy. The investigators suggested that circulating tumor cell-based AR-V7 detection may serve as a treatment selection biomarker in CRPC. An accompanying editorial (Taplin and Balk, 2015) noted that "An obvious implication of these AR-V7 studies is that men with AR-V7–positive CRPC, particularly if they have also been treated previously with abiraterone or enzalutamide, are more likely to respond to taxanes than to an alternative AR-targeted therapy, but this needs to be confirmed in further studies using validated assays." They noted that, although the difference in response to taxane chemotherapy was not statistically significant, confidence intervals were wide, and there was a 24% difference (AR-V7–positive men less likely to respond) and a larger trial would be needed to accurately quantitate any difference.
Luo (2016) stated that prostate cancer cells demonstrate a remarkable "addiction" to androgen receptor (AR) signaling in all stages of disease progression. As such, suppression of AR signaling remains the therapeutic goal in systemic treatment of prostate cancer. A number of molecular alterations arise in patients treated with AR-directed therapies. These molecular alterations may indicate the emergence of treatment resistance and may be targeted for the development of novel agents for prostate cancer. The presence of functional androgen receptor splice variants may represent a potential explanation for resistance to abiraterone and enzalutamide, newer AR-directed agents developed to treat mCRPC. In the last 8 years, many androgen receptor splice variants have been identified and characterized. Among these, androgen receptor splice variant-7 (AR-V7) has been investigated extensively. In AR-V7, the entire COOH-terminal ligand-binding domain of the canonical AR is truncated and replaced with a variant-specific peptide of 16 amino acids. Functionally, AR-V7 is capable of mediating constitutive nuclear localization and androgen receptor signaling in the absence of androgens, or in the presence of enzalutamide. Methods have been developed to detect AR-V7 in clinical mCRPC specimens. The author concluded that AR-V7 can be reliably measured in both tissue and CTCs derived from mCRPC patients, making it possible to conduct both cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical correlative studies; current evidence derived from studies focusing on detection of AR-V7 in mCRPC support its potential clinical utility as a treatment selection marker.
Ciccarese and co-workers (2016) noted that AR plays a key role in progression to mCRPC. Despite the recent progress in targeting persistent AR activity with the next-generation hormonal therapies (abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide), resistance to these agents limits therapeutic efficacy for many patients. Several explanations for response and/or resistance to abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide are emerging, but growing interest is focusing on importance of AR splice variants (AR-Vs) and in particular of AR-V7. Increasing evidences highlighted the concept that variant expression could be used as a potential predictive biomarker and a therapeutic target in advanced prostate cancer. The authors concluded that understanding the mechanisms of treatment resistance or sensitivity can help to achieve a more effective management of mCRPC, increasing clinical outcomes and representing a promising and engaging area of prostate cancer research.
In a cross-sectional, cohort study, Scher and colleagues (2016) determined if pre-therapy nuclear AR-V7 protein expression and localization on CTCs is a treatment-specific marker for response and outcomes between androgen receptor signaling (ARS) inhibitors and taxanes. A total of 265 men with progressive mCRPC undergoing a change in treatment were considered; 86 were excluded because they were not initiating ARS or taxane therapy; and 18 were excluded for processing time constraints, leaving 161 patients for analysis. Between December 2012 and March 2015, blood was collected and processed from patients with progressive mCRPC immediately prior to new line of systemic therapy. Patients were followed-up to 3 years. Main outcome measures were (PSA response, time receiving therapy, radiographic PFS (rPFS), and OS. Overall, of 193 prospectively collected blood samples from 161 men with mCRPC, 191 were evaluable (128 pre-ARS inhibitor and 63 pre-taxane). AR-V7-positive CTCs were found in 34 samples (18 %), including 3 % of 1st-line, 18 % of 2nd-line, and 31 % of 3rd- or greater line samples. Patients whose samples had AR-V7-positive CTCs before ARS inhibition had resistant post-therapy PSA changes (PTPC), shorter rPFS, shorter time on therapy, and shorter OS than those without AR-V7-positive CTCs. Overall, resistant PTPC were seen in 65 of 112 samples (58 %) without detectable AR-V7-positive CTCs prior to ARS inhibition. There were statistically significant differences in OS but not in PTPC, time on therapy, or rPFS for patients with or without pre-therapy AR-V7-positive CTCs treated with a taxane. A multi-variable model adjusting for baseline factors associated with survival showed superior OS with taxanes relative to ARS inhibitors when AR-V7-positive CTCs were detected pre-therapy (HR, 0.24; 95 % CI: 0.10 to 0.57; p = 0.035). The authors concluded that these findings validated CTC nuclear expression of AR-V7 protein in men with mCRPC as a treatment-specific biomarker that is associated with superior survival on taxane therapy over ARS-directed therapy in a clinical practice setting. Moreover, they stated that continued examination of this biomarker in prospective studies will further aid clinical utility. Moreover, they stated that given the magnitude of sub-stratification and outcome specificity of the nuclear specific AR-V7 protein test in CTCs, a diagnostic-grade test that informs the selection of ARS inhibitors or taxanes has the potential to significantly improve outcomes, by enabling patients to receive treatments to which they are most likely to respond while avoiding the toxic effects and costs associated with an ineffective treatment. These investigators stated that prospective trials to validate these findings and further elucidate clinical utility are currently in development. An accompanying editorial (Montgomery and Plymate, 2016) noted that the assay used in this study may be less sensitive and specific than the assay used in the previously described studies by Antonorakis, et al. The editorialist observed that there was a lower proportion of patients with AR-V7–positive CTCs at each line of therapy using the protein-based assay used by Sher, et al. compared with the mRNA-based assay used by Antonorakis, et al. Although the patient groups were not entirely identical, this difference in detection may have reflected a greater sensitivity provided by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used by Antonorakis versus antibody detection systems used by Sher, et al. The editorialist also noted that issues of specificity of antibodies versus PCR are clearly different. The editorialist cited studies showing that AR-V7 antibodies can react with nonprostate tissue and cell lines in which no AR-V7 can be identified.
In a cross-sectional, cohort study, Scher and colleagues (2017) evaluated if expanding the positivity criteria to include both nuclear and cytoplasmic AR-V7 localization ("nuclear-agnostic") identifies more patients who would benefit from a taxane over an androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSi) such as abiraterone acetate, apalutamide, and enzalutamide. Between December 2012 and March 2015,a total of 193 pre-therapy blood samples, 191 of which were evaluable, were collected and processed from 161 unique mCRPC patients before starting a new line of systemic therapy for disease progression at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The association between two AR-V7 scoring criteria, post-therapy PTPC and OS following ARSi or taxane treatment, was explored. One criterion required nuclear-specific AR-V7 localization, and the other required an AR-V7 signal but was agnostic to protein localization in CTCs. Correlation of AR-V7 status to PTPC and OS was investigated. Relationships with survival were analyzed using multi-variable Cox regression and log-rank analyses. A total of 34 (18 %) samples were AR-V7-positive using nuclear-specific criteria, and 56 (29 %) were AR-V7-positive using nuclear-agnostic criteria. Following ARSi treatment, none of the 16 nuclear-specific AR-V7-positive samples and 6 of the 32 (19 %) nuclear-agnostic AR-V7-positive samples had greater than or equal to 50 % PTPC at 12 weeks. The strongest baseline factor influencing OS was the interaction between the presence of nuclear-specific AR-V7-positive CTCs and treatment with a taxane (HR 0.24, 95 % CI: 0.078 to 0.79; p = 0.019). This interaction was not significant when nuclear-agnostic criteria were used. The authors stated that the results highlighted an important limitation of mRNA-based approaches in CTCs: the inability to determine whether the AR-V7 message has been translated into protein and, if so, whether the protein is present in the nucleus, where it is known to function as an oncogenic driver of tumor growth. A prospective clinical trial testing the predictive capacity of pooled CTC AR-V7 mRNA and nuclear-specific AR-V7 protein in matched samples is ongoing. They concluded that to reliably inform treatment selection using an AR-V7 protein biomarker in CTCs, nuclear-specific localization is needed. In an accompanying editorial, Lamb, et al. (2017) noted that a criticism of the study by Sher, et al. is that the ‘‘nuclear’’ or ‘‘agnostic’’ status could be assigned based on a single CTC. "We await further data to confirm whether a single cell really can reflect the predominant disease burden of an individual. In addition, it will be important to establish the biological explanation for these findings."
Bernemann et al (2017) found that a subgroup of patients can benefit from abiraterone and/or enzalutamide despite detection of AR-V7 splice variants in their CTCs. The investigators assessed the response in a cohort of 21 AR-V7 PCR positive castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who had received therapy with abiraterone or enzalutamide. The investigators detected a subgroup of six AR-V7 positive patients showing benefit from either abiraterone or enzalutamide. Their progression free survival was 26 days (censored) to 188 days. Four patients displayed a prostate-specific antigen decrease of >50%. When analyzing prior therapies, the investigators noticed that only one of the six patients had received next-generation ADT prior to CTC collection. As a result, the investigators concluded that AR-V7 status in CTC cannot entirely predict nonresponse to next generation ADT, and AR-V7-positive patients should not be systematically denied abiraterone or enzalutamide treatment, especially as effective alternative treatment options are still limited.
Scher et al (2018) examined if a validated assay for the AR-V7 protein in circulating tumor cells could determine differential OS among patients with mCRPC treated with taxanes versus ARSi. This blinded, correlative study conducted from December 31, 2012, to September 1, 2016, included 142 patients with histologically confirmed mCRPC and who were treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Royal Marsden, or the London Health Sciences Centre. Blood samples were obtained prior to administration of ARS inhibitors or taxanes as a 2nd-line or greater systemic therapy for progressing mCRPC. Main outcome measures were OS after treatment with an ARSi or taxane in relation to pre-therapy AR-V7 status. Among the 142 patients in the study (mean [SD] age of 69.5 [9.6] years), 70 were designated as high-risk by conventional prognostic factors. In this high-risk group, patients positive for AR-V7 who were treated with taxanes had superior OS relative to those treated with ARSi (median OS, 14.3 versus 7.3 months; HR, 0.62; 95 % CI: 0.28 to 1.39; p = 0.25). Patients negative for AR-V7 who were treated with ARSi had superior OS relative to those treated with taxanes (median OS, 19.8 versus 12.8 months; HR, 1.67; 95 % CI: 1.00 to 2.81; p = 0.05). The authors concluded that the findings of this study suggested that nuclear-localized AR-V7 protein in circulating tumor cells could identify patients who may live longer with taxane chemotherapy versus ARSi treatment. Moreover, these researchers stated that a limitation of this study was that patients were not prospectively randomized to treatment based on the biomarker results, addressed in part through the use of risk scores in the analysis to mitigate confounding between treatment and underlying patient risk for which latent, unknown imbalances might not be captured by the included features.
An editorial accompanying the study by Sher et al noted a number of challenges that remain. The stated that intrapatient heterogeneity with contemporaneous AR-V7–positive and ARV7–negative CTCs is an issue; follow up tissue studies need to explore intermetastatic and intrametastatic AR-V7 positivity as AR-V7–positive patients may still have a sensitive cell population subset. The editorialists also stated that confidence in false-negative rates will require concurrent evaluation of CTC AR-V7 positivity in men with AR-V7–positive tumor biopsies. Such studies must take into account the fact that many patients with CRPC, especially if they are chemotherapy naive, do not have CTCs in their blood, which is a cause of false-negative results. The editorialists stated that, in addition, there is a need to determine whether the AR-V7 assay is prognostic or predictive. Studies must correlate response to treatment with assay positivity, and not just survival data, to ensure that the assay is not simply a prognostic biomarker. The editorialists noted that AR-V7 positivity, in the study by Sher, et al, was associated with higher LDH, alkaline phosphatase, and PSA levels, suggesting a higher disease burden in the taxane arm. This finding indicates that AR-V7 positivity by this assay may be more prognostic, associated with disease burden, than predictive. Finally, this assay used by Sher, etal. is an antibody to AR-V7 cryptic exon 3 reported to be nonspecific, increasing the risk of false-positive results. This concern could be reduced by comparing this CTC AR-V7 protein assay used by Sher et al. with the CTC AR-V7 mRNA assay used in other studies.
NCCN's clinical practice guideline on prostate cancer (2019) stated that: "These clinical experiences suggest that AR-V7 assays are promising predictors of aberaterone and and enzalutamine resistance. Furthermore, the prevalance of AR-V7 positivity is only 3 % in patients prior to treatment with enzalutamide, abiraterone, and taxanes, so the panel believes that AR-V7 detection would not be useful to inform treatment decisions in the naive setting. On the other hand, the prevalence of AR-V7 positivity is higher after progression on abiraterone or enzalutamide (19 % - 39%), but data have already shown that abiraterone / enzalutamide cross-over therapy is rarely effective and taxanes are more effective in this setting. The panel recommends the use of AR-V7 tests can be considered to help guide selection of therapy in the post abiraterone / ensalutamide metastatic CRPC setting."
Armstrong et al (2019) noted that AR-V7 results in a truncated receptor, which leads to ligand-independent constitutive activation that is not inhibited by anti-androgen therapies, including abiraterone or enzalutamide. Given that previous reports suggested that circulating tumor cell (CTC) AR-V7 detection is a poor prognostic indicator for the clinical efficacy of secondary hormone therapies, these researchers conducted a prospective multi-center validation study. PROPHECY is a multi-center, prospective-blinded study of men with high-risk metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) starting abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide treatment. The primary objective was to validate the prognostic significance of baseline CTC AR-V7 on the basis of radiographic or clinical PFS by using the Johns Hopkins University modified-AdnaTest CTC AR-V7 mRNA assay and the Epic Sciences CTC nuclear-specific AR-V7 protein assay; OS and PSA responses were secondary end-points. These researchers enrolled 118 men with mCRPC who were starting abiraterone or enzalutamide treatment; AR-V7 detection by both the Johns Hopkins and Epic AR-V7 assays was independently associated with shorter PFS (HR, 1.9 [95 % CI: 1.1 to 3.3; p = 0.032] and 2.4 [95 % CI: 1.1 to 5.1; p = 0.020], respectively) and OS (HR, 4.2 [95 % CI: 2.1 to 8.5] and 3.5 [95 % CI: 1.6 to 8.1], respectively) after adjusting for CTC number and clinical prognostic factors. Men with AR-V7-positive mCRPC had fewer confirmed PSA responses (0 % to 11 %) or soft tissue responses (0 % to 6 %). The observed percentage agreement between the 2 AR-V7 assays was 82 %. The authors concluded that detection of AR-V7 in CTCs by 2 blood-based assays was independently associated with shorter PFS and OS with abiraterone or enzalutamide, and such men with mCRPC should be offered alternative treatments.
Boeriggter et al (2019) noted that the study by Armstrong, et al. has some important limitations. First, the number of AR-v7 positive patients was relatively small and no alternative treatments were tested. Second, there were discrepancies in AR-v7 positive results between both tests. Eleven patients tested positive for AR-v7 with the Epic Sciences (antibody) test platform, while 28 patients were AR-v7 positive tested using the AdnaTest (PCR test). "Taken together, AR-v7 detection is a promising predictive biomarker. Detection of AR-v7 in CTCs might be predictive for response to enzalutamide and abiraterone treatment, and it seems that for these patients taxane treatment should be preferred. However, large prospective clinical trials are needed to validate the AdnaTest and Epic Sciences platform to confirm their clinical utility for mCRPC patients."
Sciarra et al (2019) sought to critically analyze: frequency of the AR-V7 expression in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cases-impact of AR-V7 expression on abiraterone, enzalutamide, and taxane therapy. The authors searched in the Medline and Cochrane Library database from the literature of the past 10 years. The authors critically evaluated the level of evidence according to the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. Twelve clinical trials were selected. The authors said that the determination of AR-V7 in peripheral blood using circulating tumor cells mRNA seems to be the preferred method. At baseline, the mean percentage of cases with AR-V7 positivity was 18.3% (range 17.8%-28.8%). All data on mCRPC submitted to enzalutamide or abiraterone reported a significantly (P <.05) lower clinical progression-free survival (CPFS) and overall survival (OS) in AR-V7+ than AR-V7- cases (CPFS hazard ratio [HR]: 2.3; 95% CI 1.1-4.9; OS HR: 3.0; 95% CI 1.4-6.3). In mCRPC cases submitted to chemotherapies data are not homogeneous and some studies showed no association between CPFS or OS and AR-V7 status (OS HR 1.6; 95% CI 0.6-4.4; P = .40). The authors concluded that the suggestion is that taxane therapy is more efficacious than abiraterone or enzalutamide for men with AR-V7+ CRPC. The authors found, on the contrary, that clinical outcomes did not seem to differ significantly on the basis of the type of therapy used among AR-V7- cases.
Oncotype Dx Breast
Oncotype Dx (Genomic Health, Inc., Redwood City, CA) is a diagnostic laboratory-developed assay that quantifies the likelihood of breast cancer recurrence in women with newly diagnosed, stage I or II, node negative, estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, who will be treated with tamoxifen. The assay analyzes the expression of a panel of 21 genes, and is intended for use in conjunction with other conventional methods of breast cancer analysis. Together with staging, grading, and other tumor marker analyses, Oncotype Dx is intended to provide greater insight into the likelihood of systemic disease recurrence. Clinical studies have evaluated the prognostic significance of the Oncotype Dx multigene assay in breast cancer (Paik et al, 2004; Esteva et al, 2003).
Oncotype Dx analyses the patterns of 21 genes is being applied as a quantification tool for likelihood of breast cancer recurrence within 10 years of newly diagnosed, stage I or II, lymph node-negative, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in women who will be treated with tamoxifen (Raman, et a., 2013). Oncotype is being applied as a quantification tool for likelihood of breast cancer recurrence in 10 years in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. It is also intended to assist in making decisions regarding adjuvant chemotherapy based on recurrence likelihood.
There currently is a lack of evidence from prospective clinical studies of the impact of this test on the management of women with breast cancer demonstrating improvements in clinical outcomes (Lopez, et al., 2010; Romeo, et al., 2010; Tiwana, et al., 2013; IETS, 2013), Bast and Hortobagyi (2004) commented that "[b]efore use of the recurrence score [from the Oncotype Dx multigene assay] is applied to general patient care, however, additional studies are needed." The National Cancer Institute is sponsoring a prospective, randomized controlled clinical study, the TAILORx study, using the Oncotype Dx assay to help identify a group of patients with a mid-range risk of recurrence to determine whether treating patients with hormonal therapy only is equivalent to treating them with hormonal therapy in combination with adjuvant chemotherapy.
However, there is indirect evidence of the clinical utility of the Oncotype Dx. Paik et al (2006) used banked tumor samples from previous clinical studies of tamoxifen and adjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer to assess the performance of the Oncotype Dx multigene assay in predicting response to adjuvant chemotherapy. These investigators examined tumor samples from subjects enrolled in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) B20 trial to determine whether there is a correlation between the recurrence score (RS) determined by Oncotype Dx in tumor samples and subsequent response to adjuvant chemotherapy. A total of 651 patients were assessable (227 randomly assigned to tamoxifen and 424 randomly assigned to tamoxifen plus chemotherapy). The test for interaction between chemotherapy treatment and RS was statistically significant (p = 0.038). Patients with high-RS (RS greater than or equal to 31) tumors (ie, high risk of recurrence) had a large benefit from chemotherapy (relative risk, 0.26; 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.53; absolute decrease in 10-year distant recurrence rate: mean, 27.6%; standard error, 8.0%). Patients with low-RS (less than 18) tumors derived minimal, if any, benefit from chemotherapy treatment (relative risk, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.46 to 3.78; absolute decrease in distant recurrence rate at 10 years: mean, -1.1%; standard error, 2.2%). The investigators found that patients with intermediate-RS tumors did not appear to have a large benefit, but the investigators concluded that the uncertainty in the estimate cannot exclude a clinically important benefit.
One limitation of the study by Paik et al (2006) is that the NASBP B20 trial was conducted before the advent of important advances in breast cancer chemotherapy, including the introduction of trastuzumab (Herceptin), which has been demonstrated to improve overall and disease-free survival in breast cancer patients with HER2 positive tumors. Current guidelines recommend the use of trastuzumab adjuvant chemotherapy in women with metastatic HER2 positive breast cancer, and women with HER2 positive nonmetastatic breast cancers 1 cm or more in diameter. Thus, the Oncotype Dx score would not influence the decision to use adjuvant trastuzumab in women with HER2 positive tumors 1 cm or more in diameter.
Commenting on an early report of this study by Paik et al, of the Oncotype Dx presented in abstract form, the BlueCross BlueShield Association Technology Evaluation Center assessment stated that "additional studies in different populations are needed to confirm whether risk prediction is sufficiently accurate for physicians and patients to choose with confidence whether to withhold adjuvant chemotherapy."
An international consensus group (Azim, et al., 2013) found the available evidence on the analytical and clinical validity of Oncotype Dx Breast to be convincing. However, neither the Oncotype Dx or none of the other genomic tests the evaluated demonstrated robust evidence of clinical utility: they stated that it was not clear from the current evidence that modifying treatment decisions based on the results of a given genomic test could result in improving clinical outcome.
The selection criteria for the TailorRx prospective trial of OncotypeDx state that candidates should have negative axillary nodes as determined by a sentinel lymph node biopsy and/or axillary dissection as defined by the American Joint Committee on Cancer 6th Edition Staging System (NCI, 2009). The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 6th Edition criteria redefined isolated tumor cells as node negative (the prior version of the criteria, AJCC 5th Edition, classified isolated tumor cells as node positive). "Isolated tumor cells (single cells or cell deposits) will now be defined as tumor cell deposits no larger than 0.2 mm in diameter that may or may not (but usually do not) show histologic evidence of malignant activity. Pending further information, isolated tumor cells will be classified as node-negative, because it is believed that the unknown benefits of providing treatment for these small lesions would not outweigh the morbidity caused by the treatment itself." (Singletary, et al., 2002). However, the banked tumor samples used in the study by Paik, et al. (2006) to validate the OncotypeDx were classified based on AJCC 5th Ed. criteria. In addition, there is new evidence demonstrating that women with isolated tumor cells are at a significantly increased risk of breast cancer. Investigators from the Netherlands found an association between isolated tumor cells and micrometastases in regional lymph nodes and clinical outcome of breast cancer (de Boer, et al., 2009). These investigators identified all patients in the Netherlands who underwent a sentinel-node biopsy for breast cancer before 2006 and had breast cancer with favorable primary-tumor characteristics and isolated tumor cells or micrometastases in the regional lymph nodes. Patients with node-negative disease were randomly selected from the years 2000 and 2001. The primary end point was disease-free survival. The investigators identified 856 patients with node-negative disease who had not received systemic adjuvant therapy (the node-negative, no-adjuvant-therapy cohort), 856 patients with isolated tumor cells or micrometastases who had not received systemic adjuvant therapy (the node-positive, no-adjuvant-therapy cohort), and 995 patients with isolated tumor cells or micrometastases who had received such treatment (the node-positive, adjuvant-therapy cohort). The median follow-up was 5.1 years. The adjusted hazard ratio for disease events among patients with isolated tumor cells who did not receive systemic therapy, as compared with women with node-negative disease, was 1.50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15 to 1.94); among patients with micrometastases, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.56 (95% CI, 1.15 to 2.13). Among patients with isolated tumor cells or micrometastases, the adjusted hazard ratio was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.45 to 0.73) in the node-positive, adjuvant-therapy cohort, as compared with the node-positive, no-adjuvant-therapy cohort. The investigators concluded that isolated tumor cells or micrometastases in regional lymph nodes were associated with a reduced 5-year rate of disease-free survival among women with favorable early-stage breast cancer who did not receive adjuvant therapy. In patients with isolated tumor cells or micrometastases who received adjuvant therapy, disease-free survival was improved.
The Medical Advisory Panel of the BlueCross BlueShield Association Technology Evaluation Center (BCBCA, 2014) concluded that use of Oncotype DX to determine recurrence risk for deciding whether to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy in women with unilateral, nonfixed, hormone receptor‒positive, lymph node‒negative breast cancer who will receive hormonal therapy meets the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center (TEC) criteria. A technology assessment by the BlueCross BlueShield Association (2014) stated: "Technical performance of the assay is well documented and is unlikely to be a major source of variability; rather, tissue sampling is likely the greatest source of variability. Retrospective epidemiologic analyses indicated strong, independent associations between Oncotype DX recurrence score (RS) result and distant disease recurrence or death from breast cancer. The evidence identified a subset of conventionally classified, high-risk patients who are at sufficiently low risk of recurrence by Oncotype DX that they might reasonably decide that the harms (toxicity) of chemotherapy outweigh the very small absolute benefit. Two studies of the original validation data, in which conventionally classified patients were reclassified by Oncotype DX result, indicated that the test provides significant recurrence risk information in addition to conventional criteria for individual patient risk classification. Additional evidence indicated that Oncotype DX results are significantly associated with breast cancer death in a community-based patient population, and that RS high-risk patients benefit from chemotherapy, whereas benefits for other RS categories were not statistically significant. Thus, the evidence was judged sufficient to permit conclusions regarding probable health outcomes."
The Oncotype Dx has also been promoted for use in women with node-positive, ER-positive breast cancer. An assessment by the BlueCross BlueShield Association (2010) concluded that it has not yet been demonstrated whether use of the Oncotype Dx for selecting adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with lymph-node-positive breast cancer improves health outcomes. The report explained that the evidence for not selecting chemotherapy for women with low RS values is based on low event rates and wide confidence intervals that include the possibility of benefit from chemotherapy. Because the data allow for a possible benefit of chemotherapy in patients with low RS results, it is unknown if health outcomes would be improved, the same, or worse, if chemotherapy was withheld in these women. The report stated that, due to the lack of clear and sufficient information, there is a need for a second, confirmatory study. The report stated that the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will conduct a nationwide, NCI-sponsored, Phase III clinical trial to determine the predictive ability of the Oncotype Dx to identify which patients with lymph-node-positive breast cancer will benefit from chemotherapy.
The clinical evidence base for OncotypeDX is considered to be the most robust. There was some evidence on the impact of the test on decision-making and to support the case that OncotypeDX predicts chemotherapy benefit; however, few studies were UK based and limitations in relation to study design were identified. OncotypeDX has a more robust evidence base, but further evidence on its impact on decision-making in the UK and the predictive ability of the test in an estrogen receptor positive (ER+), lymph node negative (LN-), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) population receiving current drug regimens is needed.
Guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, 2015) state that "the 21-gene RT-PCR assay recurrence score can be considered in select patients with 1-3 involved ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes to guide the addition of combination chemotherapy to standard hormone therapy. A retrospective analysis of a prospective randomized trial suggests that the test is predictive in this group similar to its performance in node-negative disease." The NCCN guidelines (2015) explained: "Unplanned, retrospective subset analysis from a single randomized clinical trial in post-menopausal, ALN-positive, ER-positive breast cancer found that the 21-gene RT-PCR assay may provide predictive information for chemotherapy in addition to tamoxifen [citing Albain, et al., 2010]. Patients with a high score in the study benefited from chemotherapy, whereas patients with a low score did not appear to benefit from the addition of chemotherapy regardless of the number of positive lymph nodes. Patient selection for assay use remains controversial." "The RxPONDER trial will confirm the SWOG-8814 trial data for women with ER-positive, node-positive disease treated with endocrine therapy with or without chemotherapy based on risk scores."
Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2013) stated: "Oncotype DX is recommended as an option for guiding adjuvant chemotherapy decisions for people with estrogen ER+, LN- and HER2- early breast cancer if: The person is assessed as being at intermediate risk; and information on the biological features of the cancer provided by Oncotype DX is likely to help in predicting the course of the disease and would therefore help when making the decision about prescribing chemotherapy; and the manufacturer provides Oncotype DX to National Health Service (NHS) organisations according to the confidential arrangement agreed with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE encourages further data collection on the use of Oncotype DX in the NHS."
An assessment by the Belgian Healthcare Knowledge Center (KCE) (San Miguel, et al., 2015) concluded that "the evidence for Oncotype DX is more robust than the evidence for other tests." The KCE Report noted, however, that important evidence gaps are still present. The KCE review mostly identified studies supporting the prognostic ability (clinical validity) of the test. The KCE judged these studies to be of moderate to high quality. The KCE found no prospective studies reporting on the impact of Oncotype DX on long-term outcomes such as overall survival, while four studies indicated that Oncotype DX leads to changes in decision making. The KCE identified two studies on the predictive benefit of the test, one for lymph node patients. The KCE reported also noted that the first evidence relating to improvements in quality of life and reductions in patient anxiety as a result of using the test has been reported, but this is based on small patient numbers and further evidence is required.
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) state: "If a patient has ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-negative) breast cancer, the clinician may use the 21-gene recurrence score (RS; Oncotype DX; Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA) to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic chemotherapy." This is a strong recommendation based upon high quality evidence. The ASCO guidelines recommend against OncotypeDx Breast to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic chemotherapy for patients with ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-positive) breast cancer. The guidelines also recommend against the use of OncotypeDx Breast in women with HER2-positive breast cancer or TN breast cancer. The guidelines recommended against the use of OncotypeDx Breast to guide decisions on extended endocrine therapy for patients with ER/PgR-positive, HER-2 negative (node-negative) breast cancer who have had 5 years of endocrine therapy without evidence of recurrence.
Acceptance of 21-gene recurrence score assays as tools for clinical decision making in women or men with early stage breast cancer is controversial due to the lack of prospective validation studies, nevertheless, 2007 guidelines from an expert panel convened by ASCO on tumor markers in breast cancer concluded that multiparameter gene expression analysis (i.e., Oncotype Dx assay) can be used to predict the risk of recurrence in women with newly diagnosed, node-negative, ER-positive breast cancer. Although it is reasonable to consider the use of a 21-gene recurrence score assay in males, none of the data generated to date have been in men with breast cancer (Gradishar, 2010).
A 2009 abstract that looked at cases of male breast cancer (BC) with Oncotype Dx, concluded, "This large genomic study of male BC reveals a heterogeneous biology as measured by the standardized quantitative oncotype Dx breast cancer assay, similar to that observed in female BC. Some differences, which may reflect the differences in hormone biology between males and females, were noted and deserve further study." (Shak et al, 2009).
Oncotype Dx Colon
The Oncotype Dx Colon has been promoted for use in colorectal cancer. However, there is a lack of evidence establishing the clinical utility of this test in colorectal cancer.
The results of the Quick and Simple and Reliable Study (QUASAR) were published by Gray et al (2011). The purpose of the QUASAR study was develop quantitative gene expression assays to assess recurrence risk and benefits from chemotherapy in patients with stage II colon cancer. Recurrence score (RS) and treatment score (TS) were calculated from gene expression levels of 13 cancer-related genes and from five reference genes. The results of the study showed risk of recurrence to be significantly associated with RS (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.11 to 1.74; p = 0.004). Recurrence risks at 3 years were 12 %, 18 %, and 22 % for predefined low, intermediate, and high recurrence risk groups, respectively. Continuous RS was associated with risk of recurrence (p = 0.006), but there was no trend for increased benefit from chemotherapy at higher TS (p = 0.95). The continuous 12-gene RS has been validated in a prospective study for assessment of recurrence risk in patients with stage II colon cancer after surgery. RS was also found to provide prognostic value that complements T stage and mismatch repair.
Yamanaka et al (2016) evaluated the 12-gene Recurrence Score assay for stage II and III colon cancer without chemotherapy to reveal the natural course of recurrence risk in stage III disease. A cohort-sampling design was used. From 1,487 consecutive patients with stage II to III disease who had surgery alone, 630 patients were sampled for inclusion with a 1:2 ratio of recurrence and nonrecurrence. Sampling was stratified by stage (II v III). The assay was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary cancer tissue. Association of the Recurrence Score result with recurrence-free interval (RFI) was assessed by using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression. Overall, 597 of 630 patients were analyzable-247 patients had stage II, and 350 had stage III colon cancer. The continuous Recurrence Score was significantly associated with RFI after adjustment for disease stage (hazard ratio for a 25-unit increase in Recurrence Score, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.47 to 2.86; P < .001). With respect to prespecified subgroups, as defined by low (< 30), intermediate (30 to 40), and high (≥ 41) Recurrence Score risk groups, patients with stage II disease in the high-risk group had a 5-year risk of recurrence similar to patients with stage IIIA to IIIB disease in the low-risk group (19% v 20%), whereas patients with stage IIIA to IIIB disease in the high-risk group had a recurrence risk similar to that of patients with stage IIIC disease in the low-risk group (approximately 38%).
The authors concluded that this study provides the first validation of the 12-gene Recurrence Score assay in stage III colon cancer without chemotherapy and showed the heterogeneity of recurrence risks in stage III as well as in stage II colon cancer.
The NCCN’s clinical practice guideline on "Colon cancer" (Version 2.2015) states that there are insufficient data to recommend the use of multi-gene assays (e.g., the Oncotype DX colon cancer assay) to determine adjuvant therapy.
An assessment prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Meleth,, 2014) stated: "For CRC, evidence did not adequately support added prognostic value for Oncotype DX Colon. evidence either did not support added prognostic value or we found no studies with sufficiently low RoB to support a conclusion about prognostic value."
The Institut national d’excellence en santé et services sociaux (INESSS) (Boily, et al., 2016) reviewed the data on Oncotype Dx Colon, noting that the Oncotype Dx Colon has prognostic value in stage II colon cancer, but is not currently reimbursed in Quebec.
Oncotype Dx Prostate
The Oncotype DX test for prostate cancer (Genomic Health) is a genomic test that determines the risk of the cancer before treatment begins (Raman, et al., 2013). The test predicts how likely it is that the cancer is low risk and contained within the prostate, or higher risk and more likely to grow and spread. With this information, the patient and their doctor can choose the most appropriate treatment option. For example, a lower risk prostate cancer with more favorable pathology, one that may not need invasive treatment and can be safely managed through close and careful monitoring – a treatment approach called active surveillance. This genomic test measures biology through the expression of 17 genes across multiple key biological pathways in prostate cancer which can predict the aggressiveness of prostate cancer providing an individualized risk assessment.
Oncotype Dx Prostate Cancer Assay (Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA) is used to quantify expression levels of 12 cancer-related and 5 reference genes to generate a Genomic Prostate Score (GPS). In the final analysis, the cell cycle progression (CCP) score (median 1.03, interquartile range 0.41 to 1.74) and GPS (range of 0 to 100) are combined in proprietary algorithms with clinical risk criteria (PSA, Gleason grade, tumor stage) to generate new risk categories (i.e., reclassification) intended to reflect biological indolence or aggressiveness of individual lesions, and thus inform management decisions.
Klein et al (2014) sought to identify and validate a biopsy-based gene expression signature that predicts clinical recurrence, prostate cancer (PCa) death, and adverse pathology. Gene expression was quantified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for three studies-a discovery prostatectomy study (n=441), a biopsy study (n=167), and a prospectively designed, independent clinical validation study (n=395)-testing retrospectively collected needle biopsies from contemporary (1997-2011) patients with low to intermediate clinical risk who were candidates for active surveillance (AS). The main outcome measures defining aggressive PCa were clinical recurrence, PCa death, and adverse pathology at prostatectomy. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association between gene expression and time to event end points. Results from the prostatectomy and biopsy studies were used to develop and lock a multigene-expression-based signature, called the Genomic Prostate Score (GPS); in the validation study, logistic regression was used to test the association between the GPS and pathologic stage and grade at prostatectomy. Decision-curve analysis and risk profiles were used together with clinical and pathologic characteristics to evaluate clinical utility. Of the 732 candidate genes analyzed, 288 (39%) were found to predict clinical recurrence despite heterogeneity and multifocality, and 198 (27%) were predictive of aggressive disease after adjustment for prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score, and clinical stage. Further analysis identified 17 genes representing multiple biological pathways that were combined into the GPS algorithm. In the validation study, GPS predicted high-grade (odds ratio [OR] per 20 GPS units: 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-3.7; p<0.001) and high-stage (OR per 20 GPS units: 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0; p=0.003) at surgical pathology. GPS predicted high-grade and/or high-stage disease after controlling for established clinical factors (p<0.005) such as an OR of 2.1 (95% CI, 1.4-3.2) when adjusting for Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment score. A limitation of the validation study was the inclusion of men with low-volume intermediate-risk PCa (Gleason score 3+4), for whom some providers would not consider AS.
Cullen et al (2015) used a racially diverse cohort of men (20% African American [AA]) to evaluate the association of the clinically validated 17-gene Genomic Prostate Score (GPS) with recurrence after radical prostatectomy and adverse pathology (AP) at surgery. Biopsies from 431 men treated for National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) very low-, low-, or intermediate-risk PCa between 1990 and 2011 at two US military medical centers were tested to validate the association between GPS and biochemical recurrence (BCR) and to confirm the association with AP. Metastatic recurrence (MR) was also evaluated. Cox proportional hazards models were used for BCR and MR, and logistic regression was used for AP. Central pathology review was performed by one uropathologist. AP was defined as primary Gleason pattern 4 or any pattern 5 and/or pT3 disease. GPS results (scale: 0-100) were obtained in 402 cases (93%); 62 men (15%) experienced BCR, 5 developed metastases, and 163 had AP. Median follow-up was 5.2 yr. GPS predicted time to BCR in univariable analysis (hazard ratio per 20 GPS units [HR/20 units]: 2.9; p<0.001) and after adjusting for NCCN risk group (HR/20 units: 2.7; p<0.001). GPS also predicted time to metastases (HR/20 units: 3.8; p=0.032), although the event rate was low (n=5). GPS was strongly associated with AP (odds ratio per 20 GPS units: 3.3; p<0.001), adjusted for NCCN risk group. In AA and Caucasian men, the median GPS was 30.3 for both, the distributions of GPS results were similar, and GPS was similarly predictive of outcome.
Dall'Era et al (2015) performed a retrospective chart review to assess the impact of incorporating the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score on treatment recommendations and decisions for men with newly diagnosed low risk prostate cancer in community urology practices. A total of 24 urologists who ordered the Oncotype DX prostate cancer assay soon after launch (May 2013) were invited to participate in the study. Clinicopathological data, Genomic Prostate Score results and treatment related information were retrieved from medical records. Data also were collected for a pre-Genomic Prostate Score baseline group diagnosed from May 2012 to April 2013. Descriptive analyses were performed to evaluate the proportion of men for whom active surveillance was recommended and used before and after the availability of Genomic Prostate Score. Overall 15 physicians contributing 211 patients (Genomic Prostate Score group 124, baseline group 87) participated in the chart review. Patients in the Genomic Prostate Score and baseline groups had comparable risk based on traditional clinical pathological features, with 82% with NCCN® very low or low risk disease. With Genomic Prostate Score the relative increase in active surveillance recommended was 22% (baseline 50% and Genomic Prostate Score 61%, absolute increase of 11%) and the relative increase in use of active surveillance was 56% (baseline 43% and Genomic Prostate Score 67%, absolute increase of 24%). Treatment recommendations for active surveillance were directionally consistent with assay reported risk.
Badani et al (2015) performed a prospective study to assess the impact of incorporating Oncotype Dx GPS into treatment recommendations in 3 high volume urology practices. Men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer meeting specific NCCN criteria were prospectively enrolled in the trial. Biopsy tissue was analyzed. Urologists indicated treatment recommendations on questionnaires administered before and after GPS. The primary study objectives were to assess all changes in treatment modality and/or treatment intensity after GPS. A total of 158 men were included in analysis, including 35, 71 and 52 at NCCN very low, low and low-intermediate risk. Biological risk predicted by GPS differed from NCCN clinical risk alone in 61 men (39%). Overall 18% of recommendations between active surveillance and immediate treatment changed after GPS. The relative increase in recommendations for active surveillance was 24% (absolute change 41% to 51%). In 41 of 158 men (26%) modality and/or intensity recommendations changed after GPS, including 25, 14 and 2 in whom recommendation intensity decreased, increased and were equivocal, respectively. All changes were directionally consistent with GPS. The NCCN low risk group showed the greatest absolute recommendation change after GPS (37%). In 17 of 57 men (30%) the initial recommendation of radical prostatectomy was changed to active surveillance after GPS. Urologists indicated greater confidence and found that incorporating GPS was useful in 85% and 79% of cases, respectively, including when biological risk confirmed the clinical risk category.
Brand et al (2016) performed a patient-specific meta-analysis (MA) of two independent clinical validation studies of a 17-gene biopsy-based genomic assay (Oncotype Dx Prostate) as a predictor of favorable pathology at radical prostatectomy. Patient-specific MA was performed on data from 2 studies (732 patients) using the Genomic Prostate Score (GPS; scale 0-100) together with Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score or National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk group as predictors of the likelihood of favorable pathology (LFP). Risk profile curves associating GPS with LFP by CAPRA score and NCCN risk group were generated. Decision curves and receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated using patient-specific MA risk estimates. Patient-specific MA-generated risk profiles ensure more precise estimates of LFP with narrower confidence intervals than either study alone. The investigators stated that GPS added significant predictive value to each clinical classifier. A model utilizing GPS and CAPRA provided the most risk discrimination. In decision-curve analysis, greater net benefit was shown when combining GPS with each clinical classifier compared with the classifier alone. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve improved from 0.68 to 0.73 by adding GPS to CAPRA, and 0.64 to 0.70 by adding GPS to NCCN risk group. The proportion of patients with LFP >80% increased from 11% using NCCN risk group alone to 23% using GPS with NCCN. Using GPS with CAPRA identified the highest proportion-31%-of patients with LFP > 80%.
In a prospective study, Albala et al (2016) evaluated the clinical utility and economic impact of the Oncotype DX Prostate GPS in patients with low-risk prostate cancer. The study was conducted at a single large urology group practice and enrolled patients with a single insurance carrier. The insurance carrier calculated cost data from the first 180 days after diagnosis (including the cost of the diagnostic biopsy) and provided the average treatment cost per patient from their analysis, and compared management patterns and costs from a baseline, untested population to a similar prospective, GPS-tested population. The primary endpoint of the study was the net percentage difference in prospective treatment decisions with use of Oncotype DX Prostate GPS as compared with the baseline treatment patterns without use of GPS. Of the 71 men in the baseline group who were NCCN very low risk and low risk, 27 (38%) were managed with AS, 25 (35%) had RP, 18 (25%) were managed with IMRT and 1 (1%) had whole-gland cryoablation. In the 51 GPS-tested NCCN very-low-risk and low-risk patients, 30 (59%) were managed with AS, 13 (25%) had an RP, 6 (12%) were managed with IMRT, 1 (2%) was managed with multimodal therapy (IMRT and brachytherapy), and 1 (2%) chose focal cryoablation. AS utilization was 21% higher in the prospective GPS-tested cohort of very-low-risk and low-risk men compared with the baseline cohort of risk-group-matched men. The rate of RP was 10% lower and the rate of IMRT was 14% lower in the prospective cohort of very-low-risk and low-risk men when GPS was incorporated into treatment decisions compared with the baseline cohort of risk group-matched men In the 29 GPS untested NCCN intermediate-risk patients, 5 (17.2%) were managed by AS, 12 (41.4%) by RP, 11 (37.9%) by IMRT, and 1 (3.4%) by CyberKnife radiosurgery. In the 29 GPS-tested NCCN favorable intermediate-risk patients, no patient chose AS, 14 (48%) chose RP, 11 (38%) chose RT, 1 (3%) chose brachytherapy, and 3 (10%) chose multimodal treatment. AS utilization decreased and RP slightly increased in NCCN favorable intermediate-risk group patients after using GPS. IMRT usage remained unchanged between the baseline and prospective groups. Comparing payer costs in the first 180 days after diagnosis for the entire NCCN risk population (n = 80), there was an average cost addition of $1023 per patient, including the cost of the GPS at $4520 (total net addition of $81,855 for the entire GPS-tested population). Comparing payer costs in the first 180 days after diagnosis for th baseline and prospective NCCN very-low-risk and low-risk populations, there was an average savings per patient of $2286, including the cost of the GPS.
An assessment by the BlueCross BlueShield Technology Evaluation Center (TEC, 2014) concluded that direct evidence is insufficient to establish the analytic validity, clinical validity, or clinical utility of the Oncotype Dx Prostate.
The BlueCross BlueShield Technology Evaluation Center’s assessment on "Gene Expression Analysis for Prostate Cancer Management" (BCBSA, 2015) concluded that "Evidence is insufficient to determine whether . . . Oncotype Dx Prostate testing improves health outcomes in the investigational setting. Based on the above, neither the Prolaris nor Oncotype Dx Prostate array-based gene expression test meets the TEC criteria". The assessment stated: Published evidence is sparse and insufficient to draw conclusions on the . . . clinical validity or utility of Oncotype Dx Prostate in patients under active surveillance program."
An assessment by Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (Ellery, et al., 2014) concluded that "there is uncertainty about the clinical utility" of the Oncotype Dx Prostate and the Prolaris tests, "even when taking into account the highest level of evidence available" The assessment stated that it remains to be verified whether genetic expression of the unique gene panels involved are robust to heterogeneous sampling of prostate tissue at the time of biopsy. Also, the need for tissue which has previously been fixed for histological analysis is of some concern. The assessment observed that this is the most obvious reason for the relatively high number of patients for whom a valid test results could not be obtained.
European Association of Urology (2015) prostate cancer guidelines state that genomics on the tissue samping appear "promising," but "further study data will be needed before such markers can be used in standard clinical practice."
NCCN guidelines on prostate cancer (NCCN, 2016) state: "These molecular tests listed have been developed with extensive industry support, guidance, and involvement and have been marketed under the less rigorous FDA regulatory pathway for biomarkers. Although full assessment of their clinical utility requires prospective, randomized clinical trials, which are unlikely to be done, the panel believes that men with clinically localized disease may consider the use of tumor-based molecular assays at this time. Future comparative effectiveness research may allow these tests and others like them to gain additional evidence regarding their utility for better risk stratification of men with prostate cancer."
More recently, NCCN guidelines on prostate cancer (NCCN, 2019) state: "These molecular biomarker tests have been developed with extensive industry support, guidance, and involvement, and have been marketed under the less rigorous FDA regulatory pathway for biomarkers. Although full assessment of their clinical utility requires prospective, randomized clinical trials, which are unlikely to be done, the panel believe that men with low or favorable intermediate risk disease may consider the use of Decipher, Oncotype Dx Prostate, Prolaris, or ProMark during initial risk stratification. . . . Future comparative effectiveness research may allow these tests and others like them to gain additional evidence regarding their utility for better risk stratification of men with prostate cancer."
Clinical practice guidelines from the American Urological Association (AUA)/American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)/Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) state that among men with low-risk prostate cancer, tissue-based genomic biomarkers have not shown a clear role in the selection of candidates for active surveillance (Bekelman, et al., 2018; Sanda, et al., 2018a; Sanda, et al., 2018b).
Guidelines on prostate cancer from the European Association of Urology (EAU), the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR), and the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) (Mottet, et al., 2018) state that the Oncotype Dx Prostate has been shown in prospective studies to provide prognostic information in men with clinically localized prostate cancer, additional to conventional clinico-pathological parameters, including pathologic grade and PSA level. "The results of prospective multicentre studies are awaited before a recommendation can be made regarding their routine application."
A guideline from the American Society for Clinical Oncology on active surveillance of prostate cancer (Chen, et al., 2016) stated that "[u]se of ancillary tests beyond DRE, PSA, and biopsy to improve patient selection or as part of monitoring in an AS regimen remains investigational. Although there is a potential for genomic tests that use biopsy tissue to predict patients who are more rather than less likely to have disease progression and cancer-specific mortality and for multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to guide biopsies to find more clinically aggressive disease, prospective validation of these tests is needed to assess their impact on patient outcomes such as survival. Selective use of these ancillary tests in patients with discordant clinical and/or pathologic findings may be appropriate."
Guidelines on localized prostate cancer from the American Urologic Association (Sanda, et al., 2017) state based upon expert opinion that, among most low-risk localized prostate cancer patients, the Oncotype Dx Prostate and other tissue based genomic biomarkers have not shown a clear role in the selection of candidates for active surveillance. The guidelines also indicate that tissue based genomic biomarkers are not necessary for followup. The guidelines state that the Oncotype Dx Prostate test has not been validated as providing substantial benefit in the active surveillance population.
In a prospective, multi-institutional study, Eure et al (2017) studied the impact of genomic testing in shared decision-making for men with clinically low-risk PCa. Patients with clinically low-risk PCa were enrolled in this study of a validated 17-gene tissue-based reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay (Genomic Prostate Score [GPS]). These investigators reported on outcomes in the first 297 patients enrolled in the study with valid 17-gene assay results and decision-change data. The primary end-points were shared decision on initial management and persistence on active surveillance (AS) at 1 year post-diagnosis; AS utilization and persistence were compared with similar end-points in a group of patients who did not have genomic testing (baseline cohort). Secondary end-points included perceived utility of the assay and patient decisional conflict before and after testing; 1-year results were available on 258 patients. Shift between initial recommendation and shared decision occurred in 23 % of patients. Utilization of AS was higher in the GPS-tested cohort than in the untested baseline cohort (62 % versus 40 %). The proportion of men who selected and persisted on AS at 1 year was 55 % and 34 % in the GPS and baseline cohorts, respectively. Physicians reported that GPS was useful in 90 % of cases. Mean decisional conflict scores declined in patients after GPS testing. The authors concluded that patients who received GPS testing were more likely to select and persist on AS for initial management compared with a matched baseline group. They stated that these data indicated that GPS help guide shared decisions in clinically low-risk PCa.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. This study was based on an interim analysis of the first 297 patients enrolled in a large (n = 1,200), multi-center prospective trial, and should thus be considered preliminary. There were marked differences between participating practices in terms of baseline utilization of AS; this may impact change rates in a meaningful fashion. Definitive surgical pathology was not available in patients who chose AS. The high rates of initial decision for AS in the GPS-tested cohort could be partly due to a Hawthorne effect; providers may have over-stated their utilization of AS at baseline in this study that was focused on a test for AS decision-making. The actual rate of AS in routine practice could be lower than what had been collected on the study. They stated that despite these limitations, this analysis highlighted the potential benefits of incorporating genomic testing into individualized risk estimation and shared decision-making for PCa patients in a real-world setting.
Steven and colleagues (2017) stated that many men with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) receive definitive treatment despite recommendations that have been informed by 2 large, randomized trials encouraging active surveillance (AS). These researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Optum Research Database (Eden Prairie, MN) of electronic health records (EHR)and administrative claims data to assess AS use for patients tested with a 17-gene Genomic Prostate Score (GPS; Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA) assay and/or prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). De-identified records were extracted on health plan members enrolled from June 2013 to June 2016 who had greater than or equal to 1 record of PCa (n = 291,876). Inclusion criteria included age greater than or equal to 18 years, new diagnosis, American Urological Association low-risk PCa (stage T1 to T2a, PSA less than or equal to 10 ng/ml, Gleason score = 6), and clinical activity for at least 12 months before and after diagnosis. Data included baseline characteristics, use of GPS testing and/or MRI, and definitive procedures. GPS or MRI testing was performed in 17 % of men (GPS, n = 375, 4 %; MRI, n = 1,174, 13 %). AS use varied from a low of 43 % for men who only underwent MRI to 89 % for GPS tested men who did not undergo MRI (p < 0.001). At 6-month follow-up, AS use was 31.0 % higher (95 % CI: 27.6 % to 34.5 %; p < 0.001) for men receiving the GPS test only versus men who did not undergo GPS testing or MRI; the difference was 30.5 % at 12-month follow-up. The authors concluded that in a large US payer system, the GPS assay was associated with significantly higher AS use at 6 and 12 months compared with men who had MRI only, or no GPS or MRI testing.
The authors stated that "Several limitations were inherent to a study design with an EHR and claims database. First, some patients followed to 6 months had no follow-up data at 12 months, which may be due to patients seeking care elsewhere, an insurance change, or a small risk of mortality between This definition likely captured the majority of AS patients, but may have permitted some misclassification (some selected patients may not have truly undergone guideline-based AS). Finally, physicians who ordered the GPS test may have had different, unmeasurable, perspectives toward adoption of emerging medical technologies compared with those who did not order the test and thus may not be representative of the field at large".
Van Den Eeden et al (2018) stated that a 17-gene biopsy-based reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay, which provides a Genomic Prostate Score (GPS-scale 0 to 100), has been validated as an independent predictor of adverse pathology and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) in men with low- and intermediate-risk PCa. In a retrospective study, these researchers evaluated GPS as a predictor of PCa metastasis and PCa-specific death (PCD) in a large cohort of men with localized PCa and long-term follow-up. A stratified cohort sampling design was performed in a cohort of men treated with RP within Kaiser Permanente Northern California; RNA from archival diagnostic biopsies was assayed to generate GPS results. The se researchers assessed the association between GPS and time to metastasis and PCD in pre-specified uni- and multi-variable statistical analyses, based on Cox proportional hazard models accounting for sampling weights. The final study population consisted of 279 men with low-, intermediate-, and high-risk PCa between 1995 and 2010 (median follow-up of 9.8 years), and included 64 PCD and 79 metastases. Valid GPS results were obtained for 259 (93 %). In uni-variable analysis, GPS was strongly associated with time to PCD, hazard ratio (HR)/20 GPS units = 3.23 (95 % CI: 1.84 to 5.65; p < 0.001), and time to metastasis, HR/20 units = 2.75 (95 % CI: 1.63 to 4.63; p < 0.001). The association between GPS and both end-points remained significant after adjusting for NCCN, AUA, and Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) risks (p < 0.001). No patient with low- or intermediate-risk disease and a GPS of less than 20 developed metastases or PCD (n = 31). In receiver operating characteristic analysis of PCD at 10 years, GPS improved the c-statistic from 0.78 (CAPRA alone) to 0.84 (GPS + CAPRA; p < 0.001). The authors concluded that GPS is a strong independent predictor of long-term outcomes in clinically localized PCa in men treated with RP and may improve risk stratification for men with newly diagnosed disease.
The authors stated that it is important to note that all patients in the cohort had undergone definitive therapy with RP, and thus a limitation of the study was that it did not assess outcomes in patients managed with AS or radiation therapy (RT). Another drawback of the study was that patients were treated during an era when definitive treatment was standard of care with little adoption of active surveillance.
Canfield et al (2018) stated that many men with low-risk PCa receive definitive treatment despite recommendations that have been informed by 2 large, randomized trials encouraging AS. These researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Optum Research Database (Eden Prairie, MN) of electronic health records and administrative claims data to assess AS use for patients tested with a 17-gene GPS (Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA) assay and/or prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). De-identified records were extracted on health plan members enrolled from June 2013 to June 2016 who had greater than or equal to 1 record of PCa (n = 291,876). Inclusion criteria included age greater than or equal to 18 years, new diagnosis, AUA low-risk PCa (stage T1 to T2a, prostate-specific antigen less than or equal to 10 ng/ml, Gleason score 5 6), and clinical activity for at least 12 months before and after diagnosis. Data included baseline characteristics, use of GPS testing and/or MRI, and definitive procedures. GPS or MRI testing was performed in 17 % of men (GPS, n = 375, 4 %; MRI, n = 1,174, 13 %). AS use varied from a low of 43 % for men who only underwent MRI to 89 % for GPS tested men who did not undergo MRI (P < 0.001). At 6-month follow-up, AS use was 31.0 % higher (95 % CI: 27.6 % to 34.5 %; p < 0.001) for men receiving the GPS test only versus men who did not undergo GPS testing or MRI; the difference was 30.5 % at 12-month follow-up. The authors concluded that in a large US payer system, the GPS assay was associated with significantly higher AS use at 6 and 12 months compared with men who had MRI only, or no GPS or MRI testing.
The authors noted that several limitations were inherent to a study design with an EHR and claims database. First, some patients followed to 6 months had no follow-up data at 12 months, which may be due to patients seeking care elsewhere, an insurance change, or a small risk of mortality between 6 and 12 months. Second, because no unique CPT code for AS exists, these researchers defined it as no definitive therapy during the observation period. This definition likely captured the majority of AS patients, but may have allowed some misclassification (some selected patients may not have truly undergone guideline-based AS). Finally, physicians who ordered the GPS test may have had different, unmeasurable, perspectives toward adoption of emerging medical technologies compared with those who did not order the test, and thus may not be representative of the field at large.
Lynch et al (2018) compared management strategies for PCa at 6 Veterans Affairs' medical centers (VAMCs) before and after introduction of the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score (GPS) assay. These investigators reviewed records of patients diagnosed with PCa between 2013 and 2014 to identify management patterns in an untested cohort. From 2015 to 2016, these patients received GPS testing in a prospective study. Charts from 6 months post-biopsy were reviewed for both cohorts to compare management received in the untested and tested cohorts. Men who just received their diagnosis and had NCCN very low-, low-, and select cases of intermediate-risk PCa were eligible for this study. Patient characteristics were generally similar in the untested and tested cohorts. Active surveillance (AS) utilization was 12 % higher in the tested cohort compared with the untested cohort. In men younger than 60 years, utilization of AS in tested men was 33 % higher than in untested men; AS in tested men was higher across all NCCN risk groups and races, particular in low-risk men (72 % versus 90 % for untested vs tested, respectively). Tested veterans exposed to Agent Orange (AO) received less AS than untested veterans. Tested non-exposed veterans received 19 % more AS than untested veterans. Median GPS results did not significantly differ as a factor of race or AO exposure. The authors concluded that men who received GPS testing are more likely to utilize AS within the year post-diagnosis, regardless of age, race, and NCCN risk group. Median GPS was similar across racial groups and AO exposure groups, suggesting similar biology across these groups. They stated that GPS assay may be a useful tool to refine risk assessment of PCa and increase rates of AS among clinically and biologically low-risk patients, which is in line with guideline-based care. Moreover, they stated that future studies showing the persistence on AS and longer-term outcomes should be considered to further support the utility of the GPS assay.
This study has several drawbacks. The untested cohort included a significantly larger proportion of intermediate-risk patients. Although this may be construed to imply that the greater utilization of AS in the tested cohort was driven by lower baseline risk, within group changes indicated that there was higher AS utilization in tested patients regardless of baseline risk group; this change was most pronounced for the NCCN low-risk category; but was present in NCCN very-low and intermediate-risk patients. The authors considered any patients who did not receive a definitive treatment within 6 months of biopsy as undergoing AS. Hence, some patients classified as receiving AS may have been simply delaying planned definitive management. The untested patients were seen in the VA in the 2 years prior to enrollment of the tested patients. Practice patterns are evolving in the direction of higher AS rates across all practice settings, and some of this shift may be related to temporal tends. However, these researchers believed it unlikely that the differences between groups in this study would have been achieved in a 1- to 2-year period, particularly since the institutions and providers were the same and the baseline rate of AS was already very high.
Hu et al (2018) noted that tissue-based GECs may assist with management decisions in patients with newly diagnosed PCa. These investigators evaluated the current use of GEC tests and determined how the test results were associated with primary disease management. In this observational study, patients diagnosed with localized PCa were tracked through the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative registry. The utilization and results of 3 GECs (Decipher Prostate Biopsy, Oncotype DX Prostate, and Prolaris) were prospectively collected. Practice patterns, predictors of GEC use, and effect of GEC results on disease management were examined. Of 3,966 newly diagnosed patients, 747 (18.8 %) underwent GEC testing. The rate of GEC use in individual practices ranged from 0 % to 93 %, and patients undergoing GEC testing were more likely to have a lower PSA level, lower Gleason score, lower clinical T stage, and fewer positive cores (all p < 0.05). Among patients with clinical favorable risk of cancer, the rate of AS differed significantly among patients with a GEC result above the threshold (46.2 %), those with a GEC result below the threshold (75.9 %), and those who did not undergo GEC (57.9 %; p < 0.001 for comparison of the 3 groups). This resulted in an estimate that, for every 9 men with favorable risk of cancer who undergo GEC testing, 1 additional patient may have their disease initially managed with AS. On multi-variable analysis, patients with favorable-risk PCa who were classified as GEC low risk were more likely to be managed on AS than those without testing (OR, 1.84; p = 0.006). The authors concluded that there is large variability in practice-level use and GEC tests ordered in patients with newly diagnosed, localized PCa. In patients with clinical favorable risk of cancer, GEC testing significantly increased the use of AS. These researchers stated that additional follow-up will help examine if incorporation of GEC testing into initial patient care favorably affects clinical outcomes.
Kornberg et al (2019) stated that the OncotypeDx GPS (Genomic Prostate Score) is a 17-gene RNA expression assay intended to help guide treatment decisions in men diagnosed with PCa. The PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) version 2 was developed to standardize the risk stratification of lesions identified on multi-parametric prostate MRI. These researchers examined if these tests are associated with an increased risk of biopsy up-grading in men on AS. They identified all patients on AS at the University of California-San Francisco who had low /intermediate risk PCa (PSA of 20 ng/ml or less and clinical stage T1/T2) and Gleason score 6 disease who underwent multiple biopsies and had a GPS available and/or had undergone multi-parametric prostate MRI with an available PI-RADS version 2 score. The primary study outcome was biopsy up-grading, defined as an increase in the Gleason score from 3 + 3 to 3 + 4 or greater, which was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression. Of the men 140 had only GPS test findings, 169 had only a PI-RADS version 2 score and 131 had both data. Each 5-unit increase in the GPS was associated with an increased risk of biopsy up-grading (HR 1.28, 95 % CI: 1.19 to 1.39, p < 0.01). PI-RADS scores of 5 versus 1-2 (HR 4.38, 95 % CI: 2.36 to 8.16, p < 0.01) and 4 versus 1-2 (HR 2.62, 95 % CI 1.45 to 4.76, p < 0.01) were also associated with an increased risk of a biopsy up-grade. On sub-analysis of patients with GPS and PI-RADS version 2 scores the GPS was associated with biopsy up-grading, adding value to the clinical co-variates (partial likelihood ratio p = 0.01). The authors concluded that a higher GPS or a PI-RADS version 2 score of 4 or 5 was associated with an increased risk of biopsy up-grading.
Eggener et al (2019) validated the 17-gene Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score (GPS) biopsy-based gene expression assay as a predictor of adverse pathology (AP, Gleason score [pGS] greater than or equal to 4+3 and/or greater than or equal to pT3) in a prospectively enrolled cohort. Between July 2014 and September 2015, a total of 1,200 men with very low-, low-, and favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) enrolled in a multi-institutional prospective study of the GPS assay. The subset who proceeded to immediate radical prostatectomy (RP) after GPS testing was included in a pre-specified sub-analysis of GPS on biopsy and its association with surgical AP on RP using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves. The effect of GPS testing on physicians' and patients' attitudes about decision-making was assessed with the Decisional Conflict Scale. A total of 114 patients (treated by 59 physicians from 19 sites) elected RP and 40 (35 %) had AP; GPS result was a significant predictor of AP (odds ratio per 20 GPS units [OR/20 units]: 2.2; 95 % CI: 1.2 to 4.1; p = 0.008) in uni-variable analysis and remained significant after adjustment for biopsy Gleason score, clinical T-stage, and logPSA (OR/20 units: 1.9; 95 % CI: 1.0 to 3.8; p = 0.04), or NCCN risk group (OR/20 units: 2.0; 95 % CI: 1.1 to 3.7; p = 0.02). Mean pre-GPS Decisional Conflict Scale score was 27 (95 % CI: 24 to 31), which improved significantly after GPS testing to 14 (95 % CI: 11 to 17) (p < 0.001). The authors concluded that in this real-world multi-institutional study, the GPS assay was prospectively confirmed as an independent predictor of AP at surgery; GPS testing was associated with reduced patient decisional conflict.
The authors stated that the data presented were not without limitations; RP was performed by 59 surgeons from 19 centers and providers were not coached on how to address PCa decision-making in a uniform fashion. In addition, biopsy and prostatectomy specimens were evaluated locally without central review. While the lack of standardization across sites introduced the potential for site-specific variation and inter-observer variability in grading/staging, the fact that these results were derived from diverse practices may increase the external validity and relevance of these findings for routine use of GPS testing in practice. Although there were only 40 AP events, there was a strong and significant association between the GPS result and AP and it was unlikely additional data points would have substantively modified the result. This study did not include patients managed with initial AS or radiation therapy; assessments of the GPS assay in men managed with initial AS or radiation therapy are ongoing. These researchers stated that despite these limitations, this prospective analysis highlighted the added value of GPS testing for prediction of AP in a contemporary, AS-eligible PCa cohort. The added potential for genomic testing to inform management decisions may help to increase the pool of men who are eligible and appropriate for AS, while identifying men with more aggressive disease who may consider definitive treatment.
An accompanying editorial asked "how do we know that similar improvements in decisional conflict could not have been achieved through the use of free, publically-available decision aids?" (Singhal, et al., 2019). The editorialists noted that the authors acknowledged that this study did not include men who elected active surveillance. "While men electing treatment could be expected to experience some level of relief after simply making this decision, the more pertinent question may be how GPS impacts patients pursuing a less definitive, more anxiety-associated approach such as surveillance." The editorialists noted that the study reported on the odds ratio and the overall range of GPS scores, but noted that it is difficult to capture the clinical significance of the odds ratio without a clear illustration of the GPS distribution. Odds ratios considered strong in the research setting are not adequate for discriminating between subjects who do and do not experience the outcome at an individual level. The editorialists also observed that once challenge to tests such as Oncotype Dx Prostate that report on a continuum of risk is the lack of a clear, singular threshold that can rule in or rule out the projected outcome. The editorialist suggested that future studies report threshold values with very high specificity and sensitivity observed in the study population. "Clinical utility in this setting will continue to be challenged by a need to identify such thresholds for reliable, individual-level decision making." The editorialists concluded: "Additional studies will help to clarify the optimal clinical scenarios for implementing this test and others in this rapidly-evolving arena."
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Prostate cancer" (Version 4.2019) recommends coverage of "Decipher", "Oncotype DX Prostate", "Prolaris", and "ProMark" (Category 2A). Oncotype DX Prostate: For post-biopsy based on NCCN very-low-, low-risk, and favorable intermediate-risk patients with greater than 10 year life expectancy who have not received treatment for prostate cancer and are candidates for active surveillance or definitive therapy.
Oncotype MAP PanCancer and Oncomap ExTra
The Oncotype MAP PanCancer Tissue Test (Paradigm Diagnostics, Inc., Phoenix, AZ) is an NGS-based test that is used to identify genetic alterations among 257 genes to match appropriate targeted therapy for tumor mutation burden of solid tumors. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to support its clinical value.
Kuipers and co-workers (2018) noted that large-scale genomic data highlight the complexity and diversity of the molecular changes that drive cancer progression. Statistical analysis of cancer data from different tissues could guide drug re-positioning and the design of targeted therapies. These researchers developed an improved Bayesian network model for tumor mutational profiles and applied it to 8,198 patient samples across 22 cancer types from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). For each cancer type, these investigators identified the interactions between mutated genes, capturing signatures beyond mere mutational frequencies. When comparing mutation networks, they found genes that interact both within and across cancer types. To detach cancer classification from the tissue type , these researchers carried out de-novo clustering of the PanCancer mutational profiles based on the Bayesian network models. They found 22 novel clusters that significantly improved survival prediction beyond clinical information. The authors concluded that the models highlighted key gene interactions for each cluster potentially allowing genomic stratification for clinical trials and identifying drug targets.
Li et al (2019) stated that how the immune micro-environment changes during neoadjuvant chemotherapy of primary breast cancer is not well understood. These researchers analyzed pre- and post-treatment samples from 60 patients using the NanoString PanCancer IO360 assay to measure the expression of 750 immune-related genes corresponding to 14 immune cell types and various immune functions, and assessed tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) counts and PD-L1 protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Treatment associated changes in gene expression levels were compared using t-test with Bonferroni correction. TIL count, PD-L1 protein and immune metagenes were compared using Wilcoxon test. Baseline immune markers were correlated with pCR using estrogen receptor (ER) and treatment arm adjusted logistic regression. At baseline, high TIL counts and high expression of chemoattractant cytokines (CCL21, CCL19) and cytotoxic T cell markers were associated with higher pCR rate. High expression of stromal genes (VEGFB, TGFB3, PDGFB, FGFR1, IGFR1), mast and myeloid inflammatory cell metagenes, stem cell related genes (CD90, WNT11, CTNNB1) and CX3CR1, and IL11RA were associated with residual disease (RD). After treatment, in cases with pCR, TIL counts and most immune genes decreased significantly. Among RD cases, TIL counts and PD-L1 expression did not change but cellular stress and hypoxia associated genes (DUSP1, EGR1), and IL6, CD36, CXCL2, CD69 and the IL8/VEGF metagene increased. The authors concluded that their analysis suggested that CCL19, CCL21 and IL7 signaling play an important role in attracting and activating immune cells in the breast cancer micro-environment and might help convert immune cold cancers to immune hot. The presence of activated cytotoxic T cells with granzyme and granulysin expression were important for achieving pCR with chemotherapy. The expression of CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL2, CCL20, and IL6 were enriched in residual cancer and were associated with lesser response the chemotherapy when highly expressed at baseline. These molecules represented potential novel targets to increase pCR rates and improve outcome in patients with residual cancer following chemotherapy.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. The small sample size prevented them from adequately powered analysis by ER groups, which possess different immunologic characteristics and chemotherapy sensitivities. Several other potentially important subset analyses that these investigators performed had limited power. They observed no significant difference in survival among residual disease cases that showed increase in TIL count from baseline compared to those that had a decline. Furthermore, they failed to detect significant association between baseline PD-L1 expression and pCR, as they reported earlier in larger cohorts; these findings most likely reflected under-powered analyses. These investigators also recognized that their pre- and post-treatment sample comparisons may be influenced by unavoidable sampling bias and treatment-related shifts in tumor cellularity. All baseline tissues were from core needle biopsies and all post-treatment samples were from surgically resected tissues and post-treatment samples generally had lower tumor cellularity even in cases with residual disease.
Vishwakarma and colleagues (2020) stated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of non-protein-coding RNAs that are longer than 200 nucleotides. LncRNAs play important roles in epigenetic modification, transcription and post-transcriptional regulation, maintenance of normal tissue development and differentiation. LncRNA could serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis as well as a molecular target for therapy in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). These researchers examined the expression profile of 5-lncRNAs; namely UCA1, TUG1, HOTAIR, MALAT1, and H19 by quantitative real-time PCR in tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissue of 32 patients with OSCC. To determine the expression, methylation status and genomic alterations in lncRNAs across pancancer, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets were analyzed by UALCAN, MEXPRESS and cBioPortal database. Then, these investigators examined the association between lncRNA expression and clinicopathological attributes of patients by Spearman's rank test. Expression of UCA1 and TUG1 genes was up-regulated in 54.83 % and 53.12 % OSCC tumors, respectively. More importantly, expression of MALAT1 and H19 was down-regulated in tumor tissues of 62.5 % and 81.25 %, respectively of patients with OSCC. Except for MALAT1, these experimental data showed concordance with the TCGA analysis. Expression of HOTAIR in OSCC tumors was positively correlated with tumor volume, whereas MALAT1 and H19 negatively correlated with the smoking status of patients.
The authors state that the Indian subcontinent represents one of the major contributors to oral cancer cases; however, only a few studies have compared the expression of lncRNAs with oral cancer in the Indian subcontinent. In a study, Linc-RoR has been shown to be over-expressed in undifferentiated oral tumors and showed a strong association with tumor recurrence and poor therapeutic response. The same group has also shown that OIP5-AS1 lncRNA was over-expressed in oral tumors and in tumors of epithelial origin from the TCGA database. As only limited data is available in the International Consortium for lncRNA expression in OSCC from India patients, further studies are needed to ascertain their prognostic role in OSCC.
Vijayashree Priyadharsini and Paramasivam (2020) noted that abnormalities in the antioxidant pathway are usually associated with inflammatory conditions, followed by tissue damage. Cancer is one such disease where there is a build-up of reactive oxygen species leading to pathological consequences. These researchers identified the alteration in genes and proteins associated with the common antioxidant pathways among patients with head and neck SCC (HNSCC). The study design followed a retrospective approach and employed computational tools to analyze the possible role of genes involved in the anti-oxidation pathways in patients with HNSCC. The TCGA PanCancer Atlas dataset was employed for the analysis. The Oncoprint data were analyzed further to obtain information on the type of gene alterations encountered in the HNSCC cases. Gene amplification and deletions were commonly observed in genes of the thiol reductase pathway, whereas substitutions leading to missense, frameshifts were found in the other pathways assessed. Gene encoding ceruloplasmin was found to harbor nucleotide variations in approximately 10 % of the patients with OSCC. The authors concluded that an exhaustive knowledge of the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the pathways identified could open new avenues in selecting candidate genes that can be used as therapeutic targets against HNSCC. This study identified and nominated crucial genes from the antioxidant system for further in-vitro experiments.
Jordan and colleagues (2020) stated that mutations in the MAP kinase pathway (KRAS, NRAS, BRAF) are common in low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC). The effect of these and other mutations on RNA transcription in this disease is poorly understood. These researchers described patterns of somatic mutations and gene transcription in a racially diverse population with LGSOC. By means of an institutional tumor registry, patients with LGSOC were identified and charts were reviewed. RNA was extracted from available tumor tissue. Commercial tumor profiling results were analyzed with PanCancer pathway nanoString mRNA expression data. Along with nanoString n-Solver software, Chi-squared, Fishers Exact, and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analysis, with significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 39 patients were identified – 20 % Black, 43 % Hispanic, and 36 % non-Hispanic White; 18 patients had commercial somatic DNA test results, and 23 had available tumor tissue for RNA extraction and nanoString analysis. The most common somatic alterations identified was KRAS (11 patients, 61 %), followed by ERCC1 and TUBB3 (9 each, 50 %). KRAS mutations were less common in smokers (14.3 % versus 90.9 %, p = 0.002). RNA expression analysis demonstrated a greater than 2-fold decrease in expression of HRAS in tumors from older patients (p = 0.04), and a greater than 2-fold decrease in the expression of HRAS in recurrent tumors (p = 0.007). No significant differences were observed in somatic testing results, RNA expression analysis, or PFS between different racial and ethnic cohorts. The authors concluded that clinical and molecular understanding of LGSOC continues to rapidly evolve. Similarities in outcomes and molecular characteristics shared between races and ethnicities in this cohort are encouraging for the applicability of therapeutic strategies across a diverse patient population. These researchers stated that broader analyses of germline, somatic, and RNA expression data will provide insight into potential therapeutic targets tailored to individual patients and their cancers.
The authors stated that the findings of this study are hypothesis-generating, highlighting the need for more research into gene expression alterations in LGSOCs. Using a commercial NGS database or establishing a large prospective study to analyze a large cohort of known LGSOCs would allow for greater statistical power in comparing somatic NGS data with mRNA expression analysis. A large tumor registry would facilitate evaluation of primary and recurrent tumors from each patient, allowing direct genetic and mRNA expression analysis between tumors in distinct clinical settings. Protein expression analysis using tissue microarrays would allow for further characterization of the trends these researchers reported in RNA expression. Finally, repeating this study using a larger cohort of samples from multiple institutions would provide greater statistical power to detect the clinical implications of differences in mRNA expression across tumors, as well as between racial and ethnic groups.
Finn and associates (2021) noted that in the REFLECT study, lenvatinib demonstrated an effect on OS by confirmation of non-inferiority to sorafenib in unresectable HCC. This analysis examined correlations between serum or tissue biomarkers and efficacy outcomes from the REFLECT study. Serum biomarkers (VEGF, ANG2, FGF19, FGF21, and FGF23) were measured by ELISA. Gene expression in tumor tissues was measured by the nCounter PanCancer Pathways Panel. Pharmacodynamic changes in serum biomarker levels from baseline, and associations of clinical outcomes with baseline biomarker levels were evaluated. A total of 407 patients were included in the serum analysis set (lenvatinib n = 279, sorafenib n = 128); 58 patients were included in the gene-expression analysis set (lenvatinib n = 34, sorafenib n = 24). Both treatments were associated with increases in VEGF; only lenvatinib was associated with increases in FGF19 and FGF23 at all timepoints. Lenvatinib-treated responders had greater increases in FGF19 and FGF23 versus non-responders at C4D1 (FGF19: 55.2 % versus 18.3 %, p = 0.014; FGF23: 48.4 % versus 16.4 %, p = 0.0022, respectively). Higher baseline VEGF, ANG2, and FGF21 correlated with shorter OS in both treatment groups; OS was longer for lenvatinib than sorafenib (median of 10.9 versus 6.8 months, respectively; HR, 0.53; 95 % CI: 0.33 to 0.85; p = 0.0075; p-interaction = 0.0397) with higher baseline FGF21. In tumor tissue biomarker analysis, VEGF/FGF enriched groups showed improved OS with lenvatinib versus the intermediate VEGF/FGF group (HR 0.39; 95 % CI: 0.16 to 0.91; p = 0.0253). The authors concluded that serum biomarker and gene-expression levels appeared to correlate with survival outcomes among patients with evaluable samples from the REFLECT study. This analysis was limited by the small number of patients with evaluable samples, and the variation in baseline characteristics between the gene-expression analysis set and the ITT population. However, the differences in baseline characteristics between these groups were understandable and most likely due to the small size of the gene-expression analysis set. Despite these limitations, multi-variate analysis of important clinical prognostic factors in HCC supports these findings. Of note, data were analyzed by mRECIST per a blinded independent review. In patients with unresectable HCC who had not received prior systemic therapy for advanced disease, lenvatinib demonstrated clinical activity based on a mechanism of action that is distinct from sorafenib. Specifically, lenvatinib demonstrated clinical evidence of FGFR inhibition and stronger inhibition of angiogenesis pathways (VEGFR and TIE-2/ANG2). ANG2 and TIE-2 are selectively expressed on endothelial cells and are increased with enhanced tumor angiogenesis. Lenvatinib could lead to decreases in both ANG2 and TIE-2, without direct TIE-2 inhibition, based on its potent angiogenesis inhibition and resultant decrease in endothelial cells. These researchers stated that these findings suggested that the inhibitory activity of lenvatinib against FGFR may contribute to the increased tumor response, and FGF21 may be a candidate biomarker predictive of longer OS with lenvatinib. Interestingly, it appeared that Lenvatinib may perform better in the poor prognosis sub-groups independent of the specific pathway, due to its increased activity overall and similarity to the overall study population results. These results are hypothesis-generating and warrant further study. The ongoing phase-III LEAP-002 study (NCT03713593), evaluating lenvatinib versus lenvatinib and pembrolizumab in advanced HCC will provide further material for investigation.
The Oncomap ExTra (Exact Sciences Inc., Genomic Health Inc.), formerly known as Oncotype Map and GEM ExTra, respectively, is an oncology (neoplasia) test that conducts exome and transcriptome sequence analysis for sequence variants, gene copy number amplifications and deletions, gene rearrangements, microsatellite instability and tumor mutational burden utilizing DNA and RNA from tumor with DNA from normal blood or saliva for subtraction. This test is aimed to report clinically significant mutation(s) with therapy associations.
Oncuria Detect, Oncuria Monitor, and Oncuria Predict Tests for Bladder Cancer
Oncuria is an urine-based molecular diagnostic test that is employed for ruling out the presence of bladder cancer (BCa); thus, it may reduce both unnecessary invasive and non-invasive diagnostics.
Grossman et al (2005) noted that a combination of methods is used for diagnosis of bladder cancer (BCa) because no single procedure detects all malignancies. While urine tests are frequently part of an evaluation, they have either been non-specific for cancer or required specialized analysis at a laboratory. These researchers examined if a point-of-care (POC) proteomic test that measures the nuclear matrix protein NMP22 in voided urine could enhance detection of malignancy in patients with risk factors or symptoms of BCa. A total of 23 academic, private practice, and veterans' facilities in 10 states prospectively enrolled consecutive patients from September 2001 to May 2002. Participants included 1,331 patients at elevated risk for BCa due to factors such as history of smoking or symptoms including hematuria and dysuria. Patients at risk for malignancy of the urinary tract provided a voided urine sample for analysis of NMP22 protein and cytology before cystoscopy. The diagnosis of BCa, based on cystoscopy with biopsy, was accepted as the reference standard. The performance of the NMP22 test was compared with voided urine cytology as an aid to cancer detection. Testing for the NMP22 tumor marker was conducted in a blinded manner; BCa was diagnosed in 79 patients. The NMP22 assay was positive in 44 of 79 patients with cancer (sensitivity, 55.7 %; 95 % CI: 44.1 % to 66.7 %), whereas cytology test results were positive in 12 of 76 patients (sensitivity, 15.8 %; 95 % CI: 7.6 % to 24.0 %). The specificity of the NMP22 assay was 85.7 % (95 % CI: 83.8 % to 87.6 %) compared with 99.2 % (95 % CI: 98.7 % to 99.7 %) for cytology. The proteomic marker detected 4 cancers that were not visualized during initial endoscopy, including 3 that were muscle invasive and 1 carcinoma in-situ. The authors concluded that the NMP22 assay may be a useful adjunct to cystoscopy for diagnosing BCa. Moreover, these researchers stated that studies in different patient populations are needed to further define the role of this assay in patients with risk factors and symptoms suggestive of possible BCa.
Shimizu et al (2016) stated that urine-based assays that can non-invasively detect BCa have the potential to reduce unnecessary and invasive procedures. These researchers developed a multiplex immunoassay that could accurately and simultaneously monitor 10 diagnostic urinary protein biomarkers for use as a non-invasive test for detection of BCa. A customized electro-chemiluminescent multiplex assay was constructed (Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC, Rockville, MD) to detect the following urinary proteins; IL8, MMP9, MMP10, ANG, APOE, SDC1, A1AT, PAI1, CA9 and VEGFA. Voided urine samples from 2 cohorts were collected before cystoscopy and samples were analyzed blinded to the clinical status of the participants. Means (± SD) and ROC curve analysis were used to compare assay performance and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the diagnostic signature. Comparative diagnostic performance analyses revealed an AUROC value of 0.9258 for the multiplex assay and 0.9467 for the combination of the single-target ELISA assays (p = 0.625); thus, there was no loss of diagnostic utility for the MSD multiplex assay. Analysis of the independent 200-sample cohort using the multiplex assay achieved an overall diagnostic sensitivity of 0.85, specificity of 0.81, PPV of 0.82 and NPV of 0.84. The authors concluded that it was technically feasible to simultaneously monitor complex urinary diagnostic signatures in a single assay without loss of performance. The described protein-based assay has the potential to be developed for the non-invasive detection of BCa.
Goodison et al (2016) noted that BCa is among the most commonly diagnosed malignancies globally, and due to the high recurrence of post-operative disease, it is one of the most prevalent in many countries. The development of non-invasive molecular assays that could accurately detect and monitor BCa would be a major advance, benefiting both patients and healthcare systems. These researchers have previously identified a urinary protein biomarker panel that is being developed for use in at-risk patient cohorts. These investigators examined the potential utility of the multiplex assay in a Japanese cohort. The Japanese study cohort collected from urology clinics at 2 institutions was comprised of a total of 288 subjects. The protein biomarker panel (IL8, MMP9, MMP10, ANG, APOE, SDC1, A1AT, PAI1, CA9, VEGFA) was monitored in voided urine samples collected before cystoscopy using a custom multiplex ELISA assay. The diagnostic performance of the biomarker panel was evaluated using ROCs, predictive modeling and descriptive statistics. Urinary biomarker concentrations were significantly elevated in cases versus controls, and in cases with high-grade and muscle-invasive tumors. The AUC for the 10-biomarker assay was 0.892 (95 % CI: 0.850 to 0.934), with an overall diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 0.85 and 0.81, respectively. A predictive model trained on the larger institutional cohort correctly identified 99 % of the cases from the 2nd institution. The authors concluded that urinary levels of a 10-biomarker panel enabled discrimination of patients with BCa. These investigators stated that this multiplex urinary diagnostic assay has the potential to be developed for the non-invasive detection of BCa in at-risk Japanese patients. They stated that the diagnostic assay achieved encouraging performance values and will be the focus of ongoing studies to examine the potential added value of the multiplex assay if integrated into clinical decision-making.
The authors stated that this study had 2 main drawbacks. First, the cohort was comprised of greater than 50 % cases, but disease prevalence was typically considerably lower in routine urologic practice. While it was important to initially test enough cases to achieve statistical significance, it will be necessary to perform additional studies that reflect urology clinic presentation to examine predictive value of the assay. It will also be necessary to include more diverse controls that may be under-represented in this study cohort. To address these issues, these researchers have launched a prospective, multi-center clinical trial, which will assess the multiplex diagnostic assay in subjects with gross hematuria, microscopic hematuria and history of BCa on tumor surveillance. Such a study would minimize selection bias, better represent urological disease prevalence, and evaluate potential confounding co-morbidities in the study population. Second, these investigators focused only on subjects with primary BCa, however, they had previously reported that the multiplex assay was also accurate for the detection of recurrent BCa (sensitivity 79 %, specificity 88 %), outperforming the Urovysion cytogenetic assay and VUC. The inclusion of Japanese patients on routine surveillance following primary BCa treatment will be an additional objective and will enable evaluation of potential prognostic use of the assay. These researchers have initiated the development of BCa diagnostic nomograms that incorporate biomarker data with relevant clinical information (e.g., age, sex, race, and tobacco history) in U.S. cohort studies, and this can also be extended to future Japanese cohort studies.
Furuya et al (2020) examined the analytical performance of a multiplex assay (Oncuria) to quantify protein biomarkers towards a BCa-associated diagnostic signature in voided urine. By means of the Luminex xMAP technology, a custom immunoassay was developed to measure the concentrations of 10 urinary analytes (angiogenin, ANG; apolipoprotein E, APOE; alpha-1 antitrypsin, A1AT; carbonic anhydrase 9, CA9; interleukin 8, IL8; matrix metallopeptidase 9, MMP9; matrix metallopeptidase 10, MMP10; plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, PAI1; syndecan 1, SDC1; vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF). Selectivity, sensitivity, specificity, precision, linearity, dynamic range, and detection threshold were assessed using recombinant proteins and human urine samples. Analytical variability with respect to batch size, run, day, operator, and interference were also evaluated. Analytical evaluation demonstrated that all antigen cross-reactivity was noted to be less than 1 % of the tested concentration; minimal detected dose ranged from 0.295 pg/ml in IL8 to 31.1 pg/ml in APOE; highly reproducible and accurate noting coefficient of variation (CV) and relative error (RE) values of below 15 % for all analytes; and minimal interference. The assay could be completed in less than 5 hours using as little as 150 μl of voided urine. The authors concluded that to their knowledge, this was the 1st multiplex bead-based immunoassay for the non-invasive detection of BCa that has been analytically validated as a tool with the potential to help clinicians manage patients at risk of harboring BCa. These investigators stated that implementing the assay clinically is a necessary 1st step to improve on current diagnostic approaches and to demonstrate the clinical utility of advanced molecular diagnostic testing.
Hirasawa et al (2021) noted that due to insufficient accuracy, urine-based assays currently have a limited role in the management of patients with BCa. The identification of multiplex molecular signatures associated with disease has the potential to address this deficiency and to assist with accurate, non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring. These researchers examined the performance of Oncuria, a multiplex immunoassay for bladder detection in voided urine samples. The test was examined in a multi-center cohort of 362 prospectively collected subjects presenting for BCa evaluation. The parallel measurement of 10 biomarkers (A1AT, APOE, ANG, CA9, IL8, MMP9, MMP10, PAI1, SDC1 and VEGFA) was carried out in an independent clinical laboratory. The ability of the test to identify patients harboring BCa was assessed; BCa status was confirmed by cystoscopy and tissue biopsy. The association of biomarkers and demographic factors was evaluated using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and predictive models were derived using supervised learning and cross-validation analyses. Diagnostic performance was assessed using ROC curves. The combination of the 10 biomarkers provided an AUROC 0.93 [95 % CI: 0.87 to 0.98], outperforming any single biomarker. The addition of demographic data (age, sex, and race) into a hybrid signature improved the diagnostic performance AUROC 0.95 [95 % CI: 0.90 to 1.00]. The hybrid signature achieved an overall sensitivity of 0.93, specificity of 0.93, PPV of 0.65 and NPV of 0.99 for BCa classification. Sensitivity values of the diagnostic panel for high-grade BCa, low-grade BCa, muscle invasive BCa (MIBCa) and non-muscle invasive BCa (NMIBCa) were 0.94, 0.89, 0.97 and 0.93, respectively. The authors concluded that the development of an accurate and robust urinary test for the detection of BCa would benefit both patients and healthcare systems. In a multi-center study, the multiplex Oncuria test achieved highly encouraging diagnostic performance. The test uses established technology enabling rapid uptake in clinical laboratories around the world. These researchers stated that additional studies are underway to examine the potential added value of the test in clinical decision-making.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, as tertiary-care facilities, they tended to see more high-grade, high-stage disease, which was reflected in this study cohort. To further confirm the robustness of the multiplex assay, subsequent studies must evaluate larger cohorts that include more subjects with low-grade, low-stage disease. Second, these researchers did not have complete smoking data for all subjects in the cohort; thus, an association with smoking history was not possible. Third, processed, banked urines were analyzed. Urines were centrifuged and separated into cellular pellet and supernatant before storage at – 80 °C. It is feasible that freshly voided urine samples may provide different results. These investigators are currently investigating the performance of the test in urines processed via a number of different protocols, including freshly voided urines. To address these issues, the Oncuria test is currently being evaluated in 3 large, international, prospective, multi-center clinical trials. These trials will include 1st-event diagnosis and disease recurrence monitoring.
In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Soputro et al (2022) examined the diagnostic performance of FDA-approved urinary biomarkers in the evaluation of primary hematuria for investigation of BCa. The scientific databases Medline, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science were searched to collect studies. Studies that examined the diagnostic performance of FDA-approved urinary biomarkers in investigating patients with primary hematuria without a prior history of BCa were included. Quality of studies was assessed using the JBI Criteria. Bi-variate mixed-effects regression model was used to calculate pooled sensitivities and specificities for each biomarker. A total of 18 studies were included in the analysis. The biomarkers assessed in these studies were CxBladder, AssureMDx, Bladder Tumor Antigen (BTA), NMP22, UroVysion and Immunocyt/uCyt+. Several biomarkers, such as AssureMDx, CxBladder and Immunocyt, were shown to have better diagnostic performance based on their sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), as well as PLR and NLR. Across the 6 biomarkers, sensitivity ranged from 0.659 to 0.973, and the specificity ranged between 0.577 and 0.833. The authors concluded that despite certain biomarkers demonstrated better performance, current diagnostic abilities of the FDA-approved biomarkers remain insufficient for their general application as a rule out test for BCa diagnosis and as a triage test for cystoscopy in patients with primary hematuria. These researchers stated that high-quality prospective studies are needed to further analyze this and also analyze the correct scenario in which urinary biomarkers may be best used.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, some urinary marker results were based on limited number of studies. Sample size of most studies were also limited and varying, ranging from only 1 histologically proven BCa to 245. Therefore, one might question the reproducibility of the results in larger studies with potentially more heterogenous cohort. Moreover, despite most diagnostic algorithms involved the use of cystoscopy and histopathological confirmation shortly following sample collection and up to 3 months, there may appear to be some heterogeneity in the cystoscopic evaluations that is dependent on technique, imaging modality, and inter-observer variability. Furthermore, given current evidence that BCa more likely to present with gross hematuria and that microscopic hematuria more likely to be attributed to false positive results, this analysis only included a sub‐group of BCa patients presenting with primary macrohematuria. Further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of the different biomarkers in setting of microscopic as well as macroscopic hematuria for work‐up of BCa.
Chen et al (2022) noted that BCa is a biologically heterogeneous disease with variable clinical presentations, outcomes and responses to therapy; therefore, the clinical use of single biomarkers for the detection and prediction of biological behavior of BCa is limited. These researchers have previously identified and validated a BCa diagnostic signature composed of 10 biomarkers, which has been incorporated into a multiplex immunoassay bladder cancer test, Oncuria. In a pilot study, these investigators examined if these 10 biomarkers could assist in the prediction of BCa clinical outcomes. Tumor gene expression and patient survival data from BCa cases from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed. Alignment between the mRNA expression of 10 biomarkers and the TCGA 2017 subtype classification was assessed. Kaplan-Meier analysis of multiple gene expression datasets indicated that high expression of the combined 10 biomarkers correlated with a significant reduction in OS. The analysis of 3 independent, publicly available gene expression datasets confirmed that multiplex prognostic models outperformed single biomarkers. In total, 8 of the 10 biomarkers from the Oncuria test were significantly associated with either luminal or basal molecular subtypes; therefore, the test has the potential to assist in the prediction of clinical outcome. These researchers stated that future investigation may enable the construction of algorithms that can define and weigh specific biomarkers for the stratification of patients for clinical management.
The authors noted that as a pilot study, a number of drawbacks were evident. While the use of concise multiplex signatures for prognosis and subtyping is promising, as a retrospective study leveraging publicly available databases, interpretation requires caution. For example, the treatments that patients have received will influence outcomes and were highly heterogeneous and incomplete across cohorts; therefore, these investigators could not include this information in their analysis. Improving these aspects for future in-depth studies will enable comprehensive evaluation of the value of multiplex signatures in predicting clinical outcomes.
In a pilot study, Murakami et al (2022) examined if Oncuria would influence physicians' use of non-invasive and invasive diagnostic tests for microhematuria, gross hematuria, and BCa surveillance. These researchers carried out a survey-based study to evaluate physician management of 9 clinical scenarios involving real-world data from patients with gross hematuria, microhematuria, and BCa on surveillance. They randomly sampled 15 practicing urologists and generated data including 135 patient-by-urologist interactions and 2,160 decision points. Urologists recommended a selection of diagnostic tests and procedures before and after Oncuria results were provided. These investigators examined changes in provider use of non-invasive and invasive diagnostic tests after Oncuria results were provided. Over 90 % of all urologists changed their diagnostic behavior in at least 1 patient case with the addition of Oncuria results. The total number of diagnostic procedures was reduced by 31 % following the disclosure of a negative Oncuria test and 27 % following the disclosure of a positive Oncuria test. The authors concluded that the Oncuria urine-based test, a highly promising actionable molecular diagnostic capable of ruling out the presence of bladder cancer, can reduce the number of unnecessary invasive and non-invasive diagnostics recommended by physicians, which has the potential to lower healthcare costs and improve outcomes for patients.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, the study sample of 15 randomly selected urologists may not be representative of a national sample of urologists. Second, the current clinical vignettes presented in this study have not been tested for validity and reliability. Third, there was a limitation when aggregating data on disparate clinical scenarios. Despite these drawbacks, the information generated in this study will be helpful to direct future studies. Such future studies should focus on the longitudinal assessment of changes in the Oncuria risk score, as such changes may give insight into the risk associated with the development of BCa. Indeed, a movement toward risk-based counseling and decision-making holds the promise of personalizing medicine in a heterogeneous and complex clinical entity such as BCa.
Papavasiliou et al (2023) stated that evidence on the use of biomarkers to detect BCa in the general population is scarce. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, these investigators examined the evidence on the diagnostic performance of biomarkers that might be suitable for use in community and primary care settings. Database searches on Medline and Embase from January 2000 to May 2022 resulted in 4,914 unique citations, 44 of which met inclusion criteria. Included studies reported on 112 biomarkers and combinations. Heterogeneity of designs, populations and outcomes allowed for the meta-analysis of 3 biomarkers identified in at least 5 studies (NMP-22, UroVysion, uCyt+). These 3 biomarkers showed similar discriminative ability (adjusted AUC estimates ranging from 0.650 to 0.707), although for NMP-22 and UroVysion there was significant unexplained heterogeneity between included studies. Narrative synthesis revealed the potential of these biomarkers for use in the general population based on their reported clinical utility, including effects on clinicians, patients, and the healthcare system. These investigators identified some promising novel biomarkers and biomarker combinations (n of less than 3 studies for each biomarker/combination) with NPVs of 90 % or higher. The authors concluded that these biomarkers have potential for use as a triage tool in community and primary care settings for reducing unnecessary specialist referrals. Moreover, these researchers stated that despite promising emerging evidence, further validation studies in the general population are needed at different stages within the diagnostic pathway.
OptiSeq Colorectal Cancer NGS Panel
OptiSeq Colorectal Cancer NGS Panel (DiaCarta, Inc) is a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test that uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) for mutation detection in 43 genes and methylation pattern in 45 genes from blood and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. The OptiSeq NGS Targeted Sequencing technology analyzes variant DNA template sequences from mutant DNA, while reducing background noise from wild-type DNA. The test is available as a research use test, or as a lab-developed test per DiaCarta's CLIA lab which requires a blood specimen. The panel includes actionable mutations that may be treated with targeted therapy. Test results are included in a report of variants and methylation pattern with interpretation.
The OptiSeq Colorectal Cancer NGS Panel evaluates the following 43 genes: AKT1, APC, ARID1A, ATM, BAT25, BAT26, BAT34C4, BAT40, BRAF, CTNNB1, EGFR, ERBB2, FBXW7, GNAS, HSP110, KMT2C, KMT2D, KRAS, MET, MLH1, MLH3, MONO27, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, MTHFR, MYC, NR21, NR22, NR24, NRAS, PIK3CA, PMS1, PMS2, POLE, PTEN, PVT1, RNF43, SMAD4, STK11, TP53, VEGFA, and ZFHX3. Of these, NCCN Biomarkers Compendium (2024) for "Colon cancer" includes category 2A recommendations for NGS of the following biomarkers using either blood or FFPE tissue samples: BRAF, ERBB2, KRAS, NRAS, and POLE. The OptiSeq panel includes evaluation of microsatellite instability (MSI), which is also recommended in the NCCN guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC).
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) practice guidelines for "Colon cancer" (Version 5.2024) states that "Circulating tumor (ctDNA) is emerging as a prognostic marker; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of ctDNA assays outside of a clinical trial".
OptiSeq Dual Cancer Panel Kit
OptiSeq Dual Cancer Panel Kit (DiaCarta, Inc) uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to evaluate for mutations in 8 genes (NRAS, EGFR, CTNNB1, PIK3CA, APC, BRAF, KRAS, and TP53) from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue.
DiaCarta's website includes the OptiSeq Lung Cancer & Colon Cancer Early Detection Panel which uses the OptiSeq platform to analyze 6 genes, including CTNNB1, KRAS, NRAS, APC, EGFR and BRAF.
The OptiSeq platform applies xenonucleic acid (XNA) technology to the NGS application. In a poster presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting, Sha et al (2019) purport that XNA-based OptiSeq lung and colorectal cancer mini panel is a high sensitivity method for cancer early detection. The presenters state that "XNA is able to selectively suppress primer directed amplification of DNA with wild type alleles and only amplify DNA target templates containing mutant alleles. Mutants with low allelic frequency will be easily detectable without deep sequencing after enrichment by adding XNA in multiplex PCR."
There is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed literature to support the sensitivity or specificity of this test.
OvaChek
The OvaCheck™ (Correlogic Systems, Inc.) is a proteomic analysis of blood for the early detection of ovarian cancer. A similar test, which involved a different molecular pattern, was the subject of a 2002 study of 216 women with ovarian cancer. That study showed that the proteomic test had a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 95%, with a positive predictive value of 94% (Petricoin, et al., 2002). While this study showed that a proteomic test detected ovarian cancers even where CA-125 levels were normal, this study included only women who had been detected with ovarian cancer by other means. There is inadequate evidence that this test will be effective for screening women with undetected ovarian cancer.
In addition, there is concern, given the low prevalence of ovarian cancer, that this test is not sufficiently specific for use in screening. The National Cancer Institute explains that even an ovarian cancer test with a specificity of 99% means that 1% of those who did not have cancer would test positive, which is "far too high a rate for commercial use" (NCI, 2004). For a rare disease such as ovarian cancer, which has an approximate prevalence of 1 in 2,500 in the general population, a 99% specificity and 100% sensitivity translates into 25 women falsely identified for every one true cancer found.
The OvaCheck™ test employs electrospray ionization (ESI) type of mass spectrometry using highly diluted denatured blood samples. This method differs from a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) analysis of undiluted native sera samples that was used in the Lancet study and is currently under investigation by the National Cancer Institute and Food and Drug Administration (NCI, 2004). The NCI notes that "[t]he class of molecules analyzed by these two approaches, and thus the molecules that constitute the diagnostic patterns, would be expected to be entirely different." Neither the NCI nor FDA has been involved in the design or validation of OvaCheck™ methodology.
As the Ovacheck test is performed as a "home-brewed" test by two national laboratories instead of as a commercially available kit, FDA approval of the OvaCheck test may not be required. The Society for Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO, 2004) has reviewed the literature regarding OvaCheck and concluded that "more research is needed to validate the test’s effectiveness before offering it to the public." Similarly, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2004) has stated that "more research is needed to validate the test's effectiveness before recommending it to the public."
An assessment of the Ovacheck test and other genomic tests for ovarian cancer prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality by the Duke Evidence-Based Practice Center (Myers, et al., 2006) reached the following conclusions: "Genomic test sensitivity/specificity estimates are limited by small sample sizes, spectrum bias, and unrealistically large prevalence of ovarian cancer; in particular, estimates of positive predictive values derived from most of the studies are substantially higher than would be expected in most screening or diagnostic settings. We found no evidence relevant to the question of the impact of genomic tests on health outcomes in asymptomatic women. Although there is a relatively large literature on the association of test results and various clinical outcomes, the clinical utility of changing management based on these results has not been evaluated." Specifically regarding Ovacheck and other proteomic tests for ovarian cancer, the assessment found that, "[a] lthough all studies reported good discrimination for the particular protein profile studied, there were several recurrent issues that limit the ability to draw inferences about potential clinical applicability," in particular technical issues with the assays themselves, variations in analytic methods used among studies, and an unrealistically high prevalence of ovarian cancer in the datasets compared to what would be expected in a normal screening population.
OvaSure
OvaSure is an ovarian cancer screening test that entails the use of 6 biomarkers (leptin, prolactin, osteopontin, insulin-like growth factor II, macrophage inhibitory factor and CA-125) to assess the presence of early stage ovarian cancer in high-risk women. Visintin et al (2008) characterized and validated the OvaSure for discriminating between disease-free and ovarian cancer patients. These researchers analyzed 362 healthy controls and 156 newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients. Concentrations of leptin, prolactin, osteopontin, insulin-like growth factor II, macrophage inhibitory factor, and CA-125 were determined using a multiplex, bead-based, immunoassay system. All 6 markers were evaluated in a training set (181 samples from the control group and 113 samples from ovarian cancer patients) and a test set (181 sample control group and 43 ovarian cancer). Multiplex and ELISA exhibited the same pattern of expression for all the biomarkers. None of the biomarkers by themselves was good enough to differentiate healthy versus cancer cells. However, the combination of the 6 markers provided a better differentiation than CA-125. Four models with less than 2% classification error in training sets all had significant improvement (sensitivity 84 % to 98% at specificity 95%) over CA-125 (sensitivity 72% at specificity 95%) in the test set. The chosen model correctly classified 221 out of 224 specimens in the test set, with a classification accuracy of 98.7%. The authors noted that the OvaSure is the first blood biomarker test with a sensitivity of 95.3% and a specificity of 99.4% for the detection of ovarian cancer. Six markers provided a significant improvement over CA-125 alone for ovarian cancer detection. Validation was performed with a blinded cohort. They stated that this novel multiplex platform has the potential for efficient screening in patients who are at high risk for ovarian cancer.
However, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO, 2008) released an opinion regarding OvaSure, which stated that additional research is needed before the test should be offered to women outside the context of a research study. Moreover, SGO stated that it will "await the results of further clinical validation of OvaSure with great interest".
Furthermore, according to the FDA’s web site, the FDA sent the Laboratory Corporation of America a warning letter stating that it is illegally marketing OvaSure to detect ovarian cancer. According to the FDA warning letter, their review indicates that this product is a device under section 201(h) of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA or Act), 21 U.S.C. 321(h), because it is intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, treatment, prevention, or mitigation of disease. The Act requires that manufacturers of devices that are not exempt obtain marketing approval or clearance for their products from the FDA before they may offer them for sale. This helps protect the public health by ensuring that new devices are shown to be both safe and effective or substantially equivalent to other devices already legally marketed in this country for which approval is not required. According to the FDA warning letter, no such determination has been made for OvaSure.
NCCN Guidelines Panel Members (NCCN, 2016) believe that the OvaSure screening test should not be used to detect ovarian cancer. The NCCN guidelines explain that the OvaSure test uses 6 biomarkers, including leptin, prolactin, osteopontin, insulin-like growth factor II, macrophae inhibitory factor, and CA-125.
OvaWatch for Evaluation of the Risk of Ovarian Cancer
OvaWatch (Aspira Women's Health, Aspira Labs, Inc.) is used to aid in evaluating the risk of ovarian cancer when the initial clinical assessment of the adnexal mass is either indeterminant or benign. It entails biochemical assays of 7 proteins (follicle stimulating hormone [FSH], human epididymis protein 4 [HE4], apolipoprotein A-1, transferrin, beta-2 macroglobulin, pre-albumin [i.e., transthyretin], and cancer antigen 125 [Ca 125]).
Reilly et al (2022) noted that early detection of ovarian cancer, the deadliest gynecologic cancer, is crucial for reducing mortality. Current non-invasive risk assessment measures include protein biomarkers in combination with other clinical factors, which vary in their accuracy. Machine learning (ML) can be employed to optimize the combination of these features, resulting in more accurate assessment of malignancy. However, the low prevalence of the disease can make rigorous validation of these tests challenging and can result in unbalanced performance. MIA3G is a deep feed-forward neural network for ovarian cancer risk assessment, using 7 protein biomarkers along with age and menopausal status as input features. The algorithm was developed on a heterogenous data set of 1,067 serum specimens from women with adnexal masses (prevalence = 31.8 %). It was subsequently validated on a cohort almost twice that size (n = 2,000). In the analytical validation data set (prevalence = 4.9 %), MIA3G demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.8 % and a specificity of 84.02 %. The PPV was 22.45 %, and the NPV was 99.38 %. When stratified by cancer type and stage, MIA3G achieved sensitivities of 94.94 % for epithelial ovarian cancer, 76.92 % for early-stage cancer, and 98.04 % for late-stage cancer. The authors concluded that the balanced performance of MIA3G resulted in a high sensitivity and high specificity, a combination that may be clinically useful for providers in evaluating the appropriate management strategy for their patients. These investigators stated that future directions may include the addition of new biomarkers or other modalities to strengthen the algorithms' ability to both detect and rule out malignancy and advance the diagnostic ability of non-invasive testing.
The authors stated that the main drawbacks of this study included retrospective nature of the data set and the unequal, albeit random, assignment of histologic subtypes between the training and validation data sets. Although MIA3G was developed and validated on a highly diverse cohort obtained by merging several studies, most of these studies were retrospective in design with data collected from patients who were confirmed to have an adnexal mass and scheduled for surgery at the time of diagnosis. To address this, prospective studies are currently underway to validate the algorithm's performance in patients with a variety of clinical presentations. Furthermore, because of the random assignment of samples to the training and validation data sets, there was no way to match the distribution of cancer types between sets. For example, by happenstance, 5 of the tumors in the validation set were stromal tumors and 1 was a germ cell tumor, subtypes known to have a different biomarker presentation compared with the more common epithelial types. In the test set, however, MIA3G demonstrated 100 % sensitivity in non-epithelial malignancies, as sarcomas and carcinosarcomas comprised 4 of 5 non-epithelial malignancies in that set. These cancer types present more similar to epithelial ovarian cancer in terms of biomarker distribution. Non-epithelial subtypes are rare presentations of ovarian cancer, comprising approximately 10 % of all ovarian malignancies; thus, their particularly low incidence presents a challenge with regard to generating sufficient data for training and validating ML algorithms. These researchers stated that future directions should include evaluating how to train an algorithm on multiple subtypes that express different biomarker patterns and achieve consistent test performance across these subtypes.
Reilly et al (2023) stated that conservative management of adnexal mass is needed when there is imaging-based and clinical evidence of benign characteristics. Malignancy risk is, however, a concern due to the mortality rate of ovarian cancer. Malignancy occurs in 10 % to 15 % of adnexal masses that go to surgery, whereas the rate of malignancy is much lower in masses clinically characterized as benign or indeterminate. Additional diagnostic tests could assist conservative management of these patients. These researchers reported the clinical validation of OvaWatch, a multi-variate index assay, with real-world evidence of performance that supports conservative management of adnexal masses. OvaWatch employs a previously characterized neural network-based algorithm combining serum biomarkers and clinical co-variates and was used to examine malignancy risk in prospective and retrospective samples of patients with an adnexal mass. Retrospective data sets were assembled from previous studies using patients who had adnexal mass and were scheduled for surgery. The prospective study was a multi-center trial of women with adnexal mass as identified on clinical examination and indeterminate or asymptomatic by imaging. The performance to detect ovarian malignancy was evaluated at a previously validated score threshold. In retrospective, low prevalence (n = 1,453, 1.5 % malignancy rate) data from patients who received an independent physician assessment of benign, OvaWatch has a sensitivity of 81.8 % [95 % CI: 65.1 to 92.7] for identifying a histologically confirmed malignancy, and a NPV of 99.7 %. OvaWatch identified 18/22 malignancies missed by physician assessment. A prospective data set had 501 patients where 106 patients with adnexal mass went for surgery. The prevalence was 2 % (10 malignancies). The sensitivity of OvaWatch for malignancy was 40 % (95 % CI: 16.8 % to 68.7 %), and the specificity was 87 % (95 % CI: 83.7 % to 89.7 %) when patients were included in the analysis who did not go to surgery and were evaluated as benign. The NPV remained 98.6 % (95 % CI: 97.0 % to 99.4 %). An independent analysis set with a high prevalence (45.8 %) the NPV value was 87.8 % (95 % CI: 75.8 % to 94.3 %). The authors concluded that OvaWatch showed high NPV across diverse data sets and promised utility as an effective diagnostic test supporting management of suspected benign or indeterminate mass to safely decrease or delay unnecessary surgeries.
The authors stated that it is important to note that prospective data set was limited in size. The low likelihood of finding malignancies in patients with incidentally discovered and mostly simple cystic adnexal masses and the rare nature of ovarian cancer impacted the prevalence and likely the accuracy of performance metrics. Information on imaging and physician impression of the masses was also not recorded frequently enough to allow meaningful stratification on other diagnostic factors and this may hide interesting interactions in the data. Even though the study did not collect specific information of benign masses, the performance of OvaWatch might support the evaluation of adnexal mass suspicious as endometriosis cysts versus a mass arising from an endometrioid ovarian cancer or metastatic endometrial cancer to the ovary through the testing result of low probability of malignancy versus indeterminate. Furthermore, these researchers acknowledged that OvaWatch was designed on data that was initially collected to address a higher risk population. The algorithm was developed and validated on a highly diverse cohort obtained by merging several studies, mostly retrospective, with data collected from patients who were confirmed to have an adnexal mass and scheduled for surgery at the time of diagnosis. The influence of the higher risk patients on the biomarker values in the train/test sets have led to low sensitivity in the prospective populations, collected from women at lower risk. However, it is noteworthy how consistent the performance has been over these seemingly disparate data sets. Finally, not all patients were followed-up with surgery, and so did not receive the “gold standard” diagnostic outcome. The assumption of benign mass for many in this study was based on hypotheses regarding the low rate of progression of masses over time and physician assessment.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Ovarian Cancer/Fallopian Tube Cancer/Primary Peritoneal Cancer” (Version 1.2023) does not mention protein biomarkers as management tools.
Choudhury et al (2024) noted that surgery remains the main therapeutic option for an adnexal mass suspicious of ovarian cancer. The malignancy rate is, however, only 10 % to 15 % in women undergoing surgery; resulting in a high number of unnecessary surgeries. A surveillance-based approach is recommended to form the basis for surgical referrals. These investigators have previously reported the clinical performance of MIA3G, a deep neural network-based algorithm, for evaluating ovarian cancer risk. In this study, these researchers showed that MIA3G markedly improved the surgical selection for women presenting with adnexal masses. MIA3G employs 7 serum biomarkers, patient age, and menopausal status. Serum samples were collected from 785 women (IQR: 39 to 55 years) across 12 centers that presented with adnexal masses. MIA3G risk scores were calculated for all subjects in this cohort. Physicians had no access to the MIA3G risk score when deciding upon a surgical referral. The performance of MIA3G for surgery referral was compared to clinical and surgical outcomes. MIA3G was also tested in an independent cohort comprising 29 women across 14 study sites, in which the physicians had access to and employed MIA3G before surgical consideration. When compared to the actual number of surgeries (n = 207), referrals based on the MIA3G score would have reduced surgeries by 62 % (n = 79). The reduction was higher in pre-menopausal patients (77 %) and in patients 55 years of age or younger (70 %). Furthermore, a 431 % improvement in malignancy prediction would have been observed if physicians had used MIA3G scores for surgery selection. The accuracy of MIA3G referral was 90.00 % (CI: 87.89 to 92.11), while only 9.18 % accuracy was observed when the MIA3G score was not used. These findings were corroborated in an independent multi-center study of 29 patients in which the physicians employed MIA3G in surgical consideration. The surgery reduction was 87 % in this cohort. Moreover, the accuracy and concordance of MIA3G in this independent cohort were each 96.55 %. The authors concluded that the findings of this study showed that MIA3G markedly augmented the physician's decisions for surgical intervention and improved malignancy prediction in women presenting with adnexal masses. These researchers stated that the use of MIA3G as a clinical diagnostic tool might aid in reducing unnecessary ovary removal surgeries.
These investigators stated that it is important to note that this trial presumed that surgical referrals by physicians for the analyzed patients were primarily due to malignancy risk. In addition to the primary concern of malignancy, surgical removal of adnexal masses is occasionally considered to relieve uncomfortable symptoms for patients. Moreover, patients who did not undergo surgery in this study were considered benign since all had been observed for more than a 7-month period. Furthermore, these researchers also postulated that all MIA3G indeterminate (IND) patients were candidates for surgery referral, although surgical consideration was only one of the recommended options for the IND-stratified patients. Although these assumptions were made to simplify the analysis, there was no evidence that the assumptions statistically affected the study findings and conclusions. In fact, the findings were validated in the real-world cohort in which physicians had access to MIA3G scores before surgery referrals. Lastly, it should be noted that the real-world cohort in this trial was limited to 357 patients, of whom only 29 had complete information for analysis at the time this manuscript was written. This cohort was part of a larger, more focused study to examine the use of MIA3G in the clinical management of adnexal masses. For future studies, it would also be pertinent to include a thorough data collection that records the type of management surgery performed (oophorectomy or ovarian cystectomy), the physician’s reasons/influences for management choice, and the histology of the benign mass, if applicable. Incorporating these stringent inclusion criteria may better address those assumptions in the current study.
PAM50 and Prosigna
PAM50 Breast Cancer Intrinsic Classifier (University of Utah) examines 50 genes and sorts breast cancer into four subtypes (Raman, et al., 2013). Each subtype responds differently to standard therapies, and knowing the subtype allows doctors to tailor treatment for each patient. PAM50 assay can aid profiling for both prognosis and prediction of benefit from adjuvant tamoxifen and has been found superior to immunohistochemistry.
A National Institute for Health Research assessment (Ward, et al., 2013) found the evidence for PAM50 to be limited. The report concluded that "the evidence base for PAM50 is still relatively immature."
An international working group (Azim, et al, 2013) found insufficient evidence of the analytic and clinical validity of the PAM50. They found insufficient evidence of the clinical utility of the PAM50 or the other breast cancer genomic tests that they assessed.
A report by the Belgian Healthcare Knowledge Centre (KCE) (San MIguel, et al., 2015) found that the evidence for PAM50 is limited to studies supporting the prognostic ability (clinical validity) of the test. Most of the evidence is in node-positive patients. The KCE found insufficient evidence on the impact of PAM50 on clinical management (clinical utility).
Prosigna is intended for use as a prognostic indicator in conjunction with other clinicopathologic factors for distant recurrence‐free survival at 10 years in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)–positive, lymph node‒negative/stage I or II, or lymph node‒positive (1‐3 positive nodes)/stage II breast cancer to be treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy alone. The assay measures the expression profiles of genes included in the PAM50 gene signature, as well as 8 housekeeping genes (for normalization), 6 positive controls and 8 negative controls.
The BlueCross BlueShield Association (2015) concluded that the use of Prosigna to determine recurrence risk in women with early-stage breast cancer does not meet the TEC criteria. The evidence is insufficient to permit conclusions regarding health outcomes. Assay performance characteristics of the commercially available version of the test indicate high reproducibility.
A medical technology innovation briefing by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2015) noted that none of the women analyzed in the clinical validation studies (citing Gnant, et al. (2014), Sestak, et al. (2015) and Dowsett et al. (2013)) had chemotherapy as part of their initial treatment. As a result, the prognostic value of the Prosigna ROR score in a chemotherapy-treated population is unknown. The briefing also noted that the populations included in the patient cohorts included in these clinical validation studies. Sestak, et al. (2015) combined data previously analysed by Dowsett et al. (2013) and Gnant et al. (2014). Dowsett et al. (2013) and Sestak et al. (2015) used the clinical treatment score as a comparator rather than the online tools Adjuvant! Online and PREDICT, or the NPI, which are standard practice in the UK. Similarly, Gnant et al. (2014) used a combination score of clinicopathologic parameters as the comparator for Prosigna. NICE stated that such indices are always incomplete because they may not include all parameters used by clinicians in other health systems to aid clinical decision-making. The NICE briefing also pointed out that all included studies received financial support or disclosed competing interests from the manufacturer, and this introduces the potential for bias in the reporting of outcomes.
Guidelines from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (2016) state: "If a patient has ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-negative) breast cancer, the clinician may use the PAM50 risk of recurrence (ROR) score (Prosigna Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay; NanoString Technologies, Seattle,WA), in conjunction with other clinicopathologic variables, to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy." This is a strong recommendation based upon high quality evidence. The guidelines recommend against the use of PAM50 to guide decisions on adjuvant systemic therapy in patints with ER/PgR-positive, HER2-negative (node-positive) breast cancer. The guidelines also recommend against the use of PAM 50 in HER2-positive breast cancer and TN breast cancer. The guidelines recommended against the use of PAM50 to guide decisions on extended endocrine therapy for patients with ER/PgR-positive, HER-2 negative (node-negative) breast cancer who have had 5 years of endocrine therapy without evidence of recurrence.
Cancer Care Ontario Guidelines (Chang, et al., 2016) state: "Although no assay represents a gold standard, Oncotype DX is supported by the widest range of evidence for prognosis and prediction of chemotherapy benefit, while both Prosigna and EndoPredict have evidence-based validity in providing some of the same or similar clinical information."
PancraGen (formerly PathFinderTG - Pancreas)
PathFinderTG (RedPath Integrated Pathology, Pittsburgh, PA), also known as topographic genotyping, is described by the manufacturer as a quantitative genetic mutational analysis platform for resolving "indeterminate, atypical, suspicious, equivocal and non-diagnostic specimen" diagnoses from pathology specimens (RedPath, 2007). The manufacturer states that PathFinder TG "focuses on acquired mutational damage rather than inherited genetic predisposition for certain diseases, although there are certain NIH recommended inherited conditions for which we do test." The manufacturer states that the temporal sequence of acquired mutational damage revealed by the PathFinderTG test is an earlier demonstration of tumor biological aggressiveness than current staging systems that rely on the depth of invasion already achieved by the tumor. Most available published evidence for topographic genotyping focuses on retrospective analyses of pathology specimens examining correlations of test results with tumor characteristics (e.g., Saad et al, 2008; Lin et al, 2008; Finkelstein et al, 2003; Pollack et al, 2001; Riberio et al, 1998; Kounelis et al, 1998; Finkelstein et al, 1998; Holst et al, 1998; Jones et al, 1997; Holst et al, 1997; Pricolo et al, 1997; Przygodzki et al, 1997; Finkelstein et al, 1996; Kanbour-shakir et al, 1996; Ribeiro et al, 1996; Pryzgodzki et al, 1996; Safatle-Ribeiro et al, 1996; Papadaki et al, 1996; Przygodzki et al, 1996; Pricolo et al, 1996; Finkelstein et al, 1994). There are no prospective clinical outcome studies on the use of topographic genotyping in guiding patient management. Current evidence-based guidelines from leading medical professional organizations and public health agencies do not include recommendations for topographic genotyping. In a review on molecular analysis of pancreatic cyst fluid, Shen and colleagues (2009) stated that a large study with validation of PathFinderTG molecular testing of pancreatic fluid will be needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
A systematic evidence review of the PathFinderTG prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Trikalinos, et al., 2010) reviewed evidence available at that time, and found that most studies on loss-of-heterozygosity based topographic genotyping with PathfinderTG were excluded because they only described the molecular profile of different tumors, without assessing the ability of the method to help make diagnosis, prognosis or treatment guidance. The review found no studies that directly measured whether using loss-of-heterozygosity based topographic genotyping with PathfinderTG improves patient-relevant clinical outcomes. The review reported that eligible studies on the diagnostic and prognostic ability of loss-of-heterozygosity based topographic genotyping with PathfinderTG were small in sample sizes and had overt methodological limitations. The review reported that important characteristics of their designs were not clearly reported. The report noted that loss-of-heterozygosity based topographic genotyping with PathfinderTG is claimed to be particularly useful in cases where conventional pathology is unable to provide a conclusive diagnosis. However, the included studies were not designed to address this question. Therefore, it is unclear if the findings of the reviewed studies are directly applicable to patients with the same cancers but with inconclusive diagnosis.
A subsequent study by Panarelli et al (2012) comparing PathFinderTG to cytological examination, finding concordance in 35 percent of cases. The authors concluded that the PathfinderTG panel may aid the classification of pancreatic lesions, but is often inaccurate and should not replace cytologic evaluation of these lesions.
The manufacturer has announced that the PathginderTG - Pancreas has been rebranded Pancragen.
Al Haddad et al (2015) reported on a multicenter retrospective chart review study to determine the diagnostic accuracy of integrated molecular pathology (Pancragen) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and the utility of IMP testing under current guideline recommendations for managing pancreatic cysts. The authors found that Pancragen more accurately determined the malignant potential of pancreatic cysts than a Sendai 2012 guideline management criteria model. Patients who had undergone previous Pancragen testing as prescribed by their physician and for whom clinical outcomes were available from retrospective record review were included (n = 492). Performance was determined by correlation between clinical outcome and previous Pancragen diagnosis ("benign"/"statistically indolent" vs. "statistically higher risk [SHR]"/"aggressive") or an International Consensus Guideline (Sendai 2012) criteria model for "surveillance" vs. "surgery." The Cox proportional hazards model determined hazard ratios for malignancy. Benign and statistically indolent Pancragen diagnoses had a 97 % probability of benign follow-up for up to 7 years and 8 months from initial Pancragen testing. SHR and aggressive diagnoses had relative hazard ratios for malignancy of 30.8 and 76.3, respectively (both P < 0.0001). Sendai surveillance criteria had a 97 % probability of benign follow-up for up to 7 years and 8 months, but for surgical criteria the hazard ratio was only 9.0 (P < 0.0001). In patients who met Sendai surgical criteria, benign and statistically indolent Pancragen diagnoses had a > 93 % probability of benign follow-up, with relative hazard ratios for SHR and aggressive IMP diagnoses of 16.1 and 50.2, respectively (both P < 0.0001). The authors concluded that Pancragen may improve patient management by justifying more relaxed observation in patients meeting Sendai surveillance criteria.
Loren et al (2016) used registry data to determine if initial adjunctive Pancragen testing influenced future real-world pancreatic cyst management decisions for intervention or surveillance relative to 2012 International Consensus Guideline (ICG) recommendations, and if this benefitted patient outcomes. Using data from the National Pancreatic Cyst Registry, the investigators evaluated associations between real-world decisions (intervention vs. surveillance), ICG model recommendations (surgery vs. surveillance) and Pancragen diagnoses (high-risk vs. low-risk) using 2 × 2 tables. The investigators used Kaplan Meier and hazard ratio analyses to assess time to malignancy. Odds ratios (OR) for surgery decision were determined using logistic regression. Of 491 patients, 206 received clinical intervention at follow-up (183 surgery, 4 chemotherapy, 19 presumed by malignant cytology). Overall, 13 % (66/491) of patients had a malignant outcome and 87 % (425/491) had a benign outcome at 2.9 years' follow-up. When ICG and Pancragen were concordant for surveillance/surgery recommendations, 83 % and 88 % actually underwent surveillance or surgery, respectively. However, when discordant, Pancragen diagnoses were predictive of real-world decisions, with 88 % of patients having an intervention when ICG recommended surveillance but Pancragen indicated high risk, and 55 % undergoing surveillance when ICG recommended surgery but Pancragen indicated low risk. These Pancragen-associated management decisions benefitted patient outcomes in these subgroups, as 57 % had malignant and 99 % had benign outcomes at a median 2.9 years' follow-up. Pancragen was also more predictive of real-world decisions than ICG by multivariate analysis: OR 11.4 (95 % CI 6.0 - 23.7) versus 3.7 (2.4 - 5.8), respectively.
Kowalski et al (2016) examined the utility of integrated molecular pathology (IMP) in managing surveillance of pancreatic cysts based on outcomes and analysis of false negatives (FNs) from a previously published cohort (n=492). In endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of cyst fluid lacking malignant cytology, IMP demonstrated better risk stratification for malignancy at approximately 3 years’ follow-up than International Consensus Guideline (Fukuoka) 2012 management recommendations in such cases. The investigators reviewed patient outcomes and clinical features of Fukuoka and IMP FN cases. Practical guidance for appropriate surveillance intervals and surgery decisions using IMP were derived from follow-up data, considering EUS-FNA sampling limitations and high-risk clinical circumstances observed. Surveillance intervals for patients based on IMP predictive value were compared with those of Fukuoka. Outcomes at follow-up for IMP low-risk diagnoses supported surveillance every 2 to 3 years, independent of cyst size, when EUS-FNA sampling limitations or high-risk clinical circumstances were absent. In 10 of 11 patients with FN IMP diagnoses (2% of cohort), EUS-FNA sampling limitations existed; Fukuoka identified high risk in 9 of 11 cases. In 4 of 6 FN cases by Fukuoka (1% of cohort), IMP identified high risk. Overall, 55% of cases had possible sampling limitations and 37% had high-risk clinical circumstances. Outcomes support more cautious management in such cases when using IMP.
An American Gastroenterological Association Technical Review (Scheiman et al, 2014) stated: "Testing for molecular alterations in pancreatic cyst fluid is currently available and reimbursed by Medicare under certain circumstances. Case series have confirmed malignant cysts have greater number and quality of molecular alterations, but no study has been properly designed to identify how the test performs in predicting outcome with regard need to surgery, surveillance or predicts interventions leading to improved survival. This adjunct to fine-needle aspiration (FNA) may provide value in distinct clinical circumstances, such as confirmation of a serous lesion due to a lack of KRAS or GNAS mutation in a macrocystic serous cystadenoma, but its routine use is not supported at the present time."
A guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (Muthusamy, et al., 2016) stated: "A more recent study demonstrated that integrated molecular analysis of cyst fluid (ie, combining molecular analysis with results of imaging and clinical features) was able to better characterize the malignant potential of pancreatic cysts compared to consensus guidelines for the management of mucinous cysts [citing Al Haddad, et al., 2015]. ... Molecular analysis (which requires only 200 mL of fluid) may be most useful in small cysts with nondiagnostic cytology, equivocal cyst fluid CEA results, or when insufficient fluid is present for CEA testing [citing Al Haddad, et al., 2014]. However, additional research is needed to determine the precise role molecular analysis of cyst fluid will play in evaluating pancreatic cystic lesions."
Guidelines published in April 2015 by the American Gastroenterological Association (Vege, et al., 2015) have no recommendations for use of topographic genotyping for evaluating pancreatic cysts. Other guidelines (NCCN, 2015; Vege, et al., 2015; Del Chiaro, et al., 2013; Sahani, et al., 2013; Tanaka, et al., 2012) have no firm recommendations for topographic genotyping for assessing indeterminate pancreatic cysts.
The International consensus guidelines for "The management intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) and mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) of the pancreas" (Tanaka et al, 2012) stated that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is recommended for all cysts with worrisome features or for cysts greater than 3 cm without these features. Endoscopic US confirmation of a mural nodule, any features of main duct involvement (intraductal mucin or thickened main duct wall), or suspicious or positive cytology for malignancy is an indication for surgical resection. Cysts with high-risk stigmata should be resected in patients medically fit for surgery, although EUS is optional. Endoscopic US can be considered in smaller cysts without worrisome features but is not required. Endoscopic US analysis should include at least cytology, amylase level, and CEA. The guidelines stated that elevated CEA is a marker that distinguishes mucinous from non-mucinous cysts, but not benign from malignant cysts.
Khalid et al (2004) noted that brush cytology of biliary strictures to diagnose pancreaticobiliary malignancy suffers from poor sensitivity. These researchers attempted to improve the diagnostic yield of pancreaticobiliary brush cytology through analysis of tumor suppressor gene linked microsatellite marker loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and k-ras codon 12 mutation detection. A total of 26 patients with biliary strictures underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with brush cytology. A panel of 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers linked to 6 tumor suppressor genes was developed. Genomic DNA from cell clusters acquired from brush cytology specimens and micro-dissected surgical malignant and normal tissue underwent polymerase chain amplification reaction (PCR); PCR products were compared for LOH and k-ras codon 12 mutations. A total of 17 patients were confirmed to have pancreaticobiliary adenocarcinoma; 9 patients had benign strictures (8 proven surgically, 1 by follow-up). Cytomorphological interpretation was positive for malignancy (n = 8), indeterminate (n = 10), and negative for malignancy (n = 8). Selected malignant appearing cytological cell clusters and micro-dissected histological samples from cancer showed abundant LOH characteristic of malignancy while brushings from 9 cases without cancer carried no LOH (p < 0.001); LOH and k-ras mutations profile of the cytological specimens was almost always concordant with the tissue samples. Presence of k-ras mutation predicted malignancy of pancreatic origin (p < 0.001). The authors concluded that LOH and k-ras codon 12 mutation analysis of PCR amplified DNA from biliary brush cytology discriminated reactive from malignant cells, with 100 % sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Minor variations in LOH in brushings and in different sites within the same tumor likely reflect intra-tumoral mutational heterogeneity during clonal expansion of pre- and neoplastic lineages.
Nodit et al (2006) noted that the clinical course of pancreatic endocrine tumor (PET) varies depending on tumor aggressiveness, disease extent, and possibly accumulated molecular alterations. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) results, although accurate in diagnosing PET, correlated poorly with PET outcome. The role of detecting key molecular abnormalities in predicting PET behavior and clinical outcome from EUS-FNA material remains unknown. In this study, patients with confirmed PET who underwent EUS-FNA during a 32-month period were included. Patient demographics and clinical data were recorded and follow-up information was obtained by contacting their physician to evaluate disease progression. Representative tumor cells were micro-dissected from the FNA material. DNA was harvested and amplified, targeting a panel of 17 polymorphic microsatellite markers on chromosomes 1p, 3p, 5q, 9p, 10q, 11q, 17p, 17q, 21q, and 22q. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were subjected to fluorescent capillary gel electrophoresis to detect microsatellite loss. The fractional allelic loss (FAL) was calculated. A total of 25 patients were studied; 13 were classified histologically as benign PET limited to the pancreas and 12 as malignant PET (invasive or metastatic). The mean FAL in the benign and malignant PET was 0.03 and 0.37 (p < 0.0001), respectively. In addition, the mean FAL was significantly greater in those with disease progression as compared with patients with stable disease (0.45 versus 0.09, respectively, p < 0.0001). The authors concluded that micro-satellite loss analysis of EUS-FNA material from PET can be performed reliably and an FAL value of more than 0.2 is associated with disease progression . These researchers stated that this technique may have value in the pre-operative assessment and risk stratification of patients with PET.
The authors stated that the small sample size and limited follow-up period were drawbacks of this study, which needed replication in larger prospective studies with longer follow-up periods. The impact of individual micro-satellite markers on the PET clinical course also required further study. In this study certain microsatellites (3p26, 5q23, 17q23, and 21q23) were lost only in malignant PETs, but with the small number of specimens studied the significance of this was unclear. Interestingly, both malignant PETs with a single allelic loss (5q23 and 17q23) each involved micro-satellites not lost in the benign PET.
- selected cells micro-dissected from cytology slides; and
- corresponding cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in residual supernatant fluid.
From 43 patients with brushings of bile or pancreatic duct strictures, DNA was extracted from micro-dissected cells and 1 to 2 ml of cytocentrifugation supernatant fluid. Mutational analysis targeted 17 genomic sites associated with pancreaticobiliary cancer, including sequencing for KRAS point mutation and LOH analysis of micro-satellites located at 1p, 3p, 5q, 9p, 10q, 17p, 17q, 21q, and 22q. Mutations were found in 25/28 patients with malignancy, and no mutations were found in 5/5 patients with benign surgical results. The cell-free supernatant fluid generally contained higher levels and quality of DNA, resulting in increased detection of mutations in most patients. KRAS mutations only occurred in patients with pancreatic cancer; MP of supernatant fluid specimens resulted in high sensitivity and specificity for malignancy, improving the detection of malignancy over cytology alone. The authors concluded that In this study they had shown that neoplastic free DNA was present in the extracellular compartment even when a particular cytology sample lacked sufficient cellularity to afford a definitive diagnosis. Most importantly, the cell-free supernatant, available as a residual specimen after cytocentrifugation, should be regarded as a potentially valuable source of information due to its content of adequate amounts of free DNA for robust mutational analysis with the capacity to address issues related to sampling variation and to detect neoplasia at an early stage of development.
The authors stated that this study had several limitations. First, the total number of test samples was relatively small and the results shown here require confirmation with additional specimens. In particular, the addition of more confirmed negative specimens would strengthen the findings around sensitivity. Second, this study was restricted to the use of Saccomanno’s fixation which, though commonly used, was not the only fixative used in cytology practice. While each fixative merits individual testing with respect to its capacity to deliver adequate levels of representative, intact supernatant DNA for MP, it was reasonable to expect favorable results with other methods of sample preparation as most cytology fixatives were alcohol-based and not expected to induce significant DNA degradation. Indeed, additional unpublished work in the authors’ laboratory involving testing of other supernatant fluids indicated that most common cytology fixatives yielded amplifiable DNA (with the notable exception of CytoRich Red). This was consistent with their prior experience in genotyping micro-dissected cytology slides, in which most slides yielded amplifiable DNA regardless of the cytology fixative used. While none of the supernatant specimens evaluated in this study failed to provide adequate DNA for MP, it was expected that a small proportion of markedly hypocellular specimens, likely from non-neoplastic states, would fail to meet the lower limit of DNA quantity for analysis. It should be noted that in this study, when micro-dissection alone was used, 2/18 cases proved to be false negative for mutation detection (1 cholangiocarcinoma and 1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma). While no false negative malignant stricture cases were seen in cohort 2A where both micro-dissection and supernatant fluid analysis were utilized, in 2 patients, the supernatant fluid manifested a lesser extent of mutational change than that present in the corresponding micro-dissected stained cytology cells. These findings emphasized that the sampling variation and other limitations may nevertheless be present in individual cases limiting or preventing the detection of cancer. It remained essential to integrate all of the information including clinical and imaging findings to optimize individual patient diagnosis.
Finkelstein et al (2014) noted that diagnosis of fine-needle aspirations of pancreatic solid masses is complicated by many factors that keep its false-negative rate high. These researchers’ novel approach analyzes cell-free cytocentrifugation supernatant, currently a discarded portion of the specimen. Supernatant and cytology slides were collected from 25 patients: 11 cases with confirmed outcome [5 positive (adenocarcinoma) and 6 negative (inflammatory states)], plus 14 without confirmed outcomes. Slides were micro-dissected, DNA was extracted from micro-dissections and corresponding supernatants, and all were analyzed for KRAS point mutation and loss of heterozygosity. Notably, higher levels of free DNA were found in supernatants than in corresponding micro-dissected cells. Supernatants contained sufficient DNA for mutational profiling even when samples contained few to no cells. Mutations were present in 5/5 malignancies and no mutations were present in inflammatory states. The authors concluded that these findings supported using supernatant for mutational genotyping when diagnostic confirmation is needed for pancreatic solid masses. These researchers stated that the data presented suggested that supernatant fluid should be regarded as a valuable source of information that may address many diagnostic issues and may serve as a useful, complimentary tool for pathologists when microscopic examination is suboptimal.
The authors stated that several limitations of this molecular analysis of cytocentrifugation supernatant were recognized. The total number of test samples was not large, and the promising results shown here need to be evaluated with a greater number of specimens. In addition, this study was restricted to the use of Saccomanno’s fixation. Ideally, each commonly used fixative should be individually tested for its capacity to deliver adequate levels of representative supernatant DNA for mutational profiling. It is reasonable, however, to expect favorable results with other methods of sample preparation since most cytology fixatives are alcohol based and are not expected to induce significant DNA degradation. Consistently, prior work has shown that cytology specimens based on micro-dissected stained cytology cells, are especially suitable for mutational analysis.
Deftereos et al (2014) stated that FNA of pancreatic solid masses can be significantly impacted by sampling variation. Molecular analysis of tumor DNA can be an aid for more definitive diagnosis. These investigators evaluated how molecular analysis of the cell-free cytocentrifugation supernatant DNA can help reduce sampling variability and increase diagnostic yield. A total of 23-FNA smears from pancreatic solid masses were performed. Remaining aspirates were rinsed for preparation of cytocentrifuged slides or cell blocks. DNA was extracted from supernatant fluid and assessed for DNA quantity spectrophotometrically and for amplifiability by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Supernatants with adequate DNA were analyzed for mutations using PCR/capillary electrophoresis for a broad panel of markers (KRAS point mutation by sequencing, micro-satellite fragment analysis for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of 16 markers at 1p, 3p, 5q, 9p, 10q, 17p, 17q, 21q, and 22q). In selected cases, micro-dissection of stained cytology smears and/or cytocentrifugation cellular slides were analyzed and compared. In all, 5/23 samples cytologically confirmed as adenocarcinoma showed detectable mutations both in the micro-dissected slide-based cytology cells and in the cytocentrifugation supernatant. While most mutations detected were present in both micro-dissected slides and supernatant fluid specimens, the latter showed additional mutations supporting greater sensitivity for detecting relevant DNA damage. Clonality for individual marker mutations was higher in the supernatant fluid than in micro-dissected cells. Cytocentrifugation supernatant fluid contains levels of amplifiable DNA suitable for mutation detection and characterization. The finding of additional detectable mutations at higher clonality indicated that supernatant fluid may be enriched with tumor DNA. The authors concluded that the findings of this study suggested how the supernatant fluid can be utilized as a source of molecular information and could become a powerful addition to standard cytology evaluation. Mutational profiling of DNA in normally discarded supernatant fluid may help resolve occasional diagnostic challenges and may serve as a useful, complementary tool for cytopathologists when microscopic examination yielded no conclusive diagnosis or when a specimen is suboptimal.
Malhotra et al (2014) aimed to better understand the supporting role that MP of DNA from micro-dissected cytology slides and supernatant specimens may play in the diagnosis of malignancy in FNA and biliary brushing specimens from patients with pancreaticobiliary masses. Cytology results were examined in a total of 30 patients with associated surgical (n = 10) or clinical (n = 20) outcomes; MP of DNA from micro-dissected cytology slides and from discarded supernatant fluid was analyzed in 26 patients with atypical, negative or indeterminate cytology. Cytology correctly diagnosed aggressive disease in 4 patients. Cytological diagnoses for the remaining 26 were as follows: 16 negative (9 false negative), 9 atypical, 1 indeterminate. MP correctly determined aggressive disease in 1 false negative cytology case and confirmed a negative cytology diagnosis in 7 of 7 cases of non-aggressive disease. Of the 9 atypical cytology cases, MP correctly diagnosed 7 as positive and 1 as negative for aggressive disease. One specimen that was indeterminate by cytology was correctly diagnosed as non-aggressive by MP. When first-line malignant (positive) cytology results were combined with positive 2nd-line MP results, 12/21 cases of aggressive disease were identified, compared to 4/21 cases identified by positive cytology alone. The authors concluded that when 1st-line cytology results were uncertain (atypical), questionable (negative), or not possible (non-diagnostic/indeterminate), MP provided additional information regarding the presence of aggressive disease. When used in conjunction with 1st-line cytology, MP increased detection of aggressive disease without compromising specificity in patients that were difficult to diagnose by cytology alone.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks including a small sample size that limited their ability to calculate the diagnostic performance of MP in pancreatic masses and associated biliary strictures. Although MP allowed these researchers to detect additional cases of aggressive disease, even when cytology and MP results were combined into one overall diagnosis, 9 cases of malignancy were missed. These falsely negative results were likely due to a combination of the less than perfect sensitivity of both tests as well as to sampling limitations related to FNA and brushing techniques. These investigators noted that despite such limitations, these promising findings do provide support for future larger scale studies, with the addition of supernatant analysis providing an opportunity to overcome some of these limitations.
Gonda et al (2017) stated that it is a challenge to detect malignancies in biliary strictures. Various sampling methods are available to increase diagnostic yield, but these require additional procedure time and expertise. These investigators evaluated the combined accuracy of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and PCR-based DNA MP of specimens collected using standard brush techniques. These researchers performed a prospective study of 107 consecutive patients treated for biliary strictures by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography from June 2012 through June 2014. They carried out routine cytology and FISH analyses on cells collected by standard brush techniques, and analyzed supernatants for point mutations in KRAS and LOH mutations in tumor-suppressor genes at 10 loci (MP analysis was performed at Interpace Diagnostics). Strictures were determined to be non-malignant based on repeat image analysis or laboratory test results 12 months after the procedure. Malignant strictures were identified based on subsequent biopsy or cytology analyses, pathology analyses of samples collected during surgery, or death from biliary malignancy. These researchers determined the sensitivity and specificity with which FISH and MP analyses detected malignancies using the exact binomial test. The final analysis included 100 patients; 41 % had biliary malignancies. Cytology analysis identified patients with malignancies with 32 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity. Addition of FISH or MP results to cytology results increased the sensitivity of detection to 51 % (p < 0.01) without reducing specificity. The combination of cytology, MP, and FISH analyses detected malignancies with 73 % sensitivity (p < 0.001); FISH identified an additional 9 of the 28 malignancies not detected by cytology analysis, and MP identified an additional 8 malignancies; FISH and MP together identified 17 of the 28 malignancies not detected by cytology analysis. The authors concluded that these findings supported the use of both FISH testing and PCR-based MP of tumor-suppressor gene LOH and KRAS in evaluation of cytology-negative or indeterminate biliary strictures; MP allowed for increased diagnostic yield from each individual brush, given that normally discarded, cell-free supernatant material that contains DNA can be analyzed. Based on these findings, these researchers suggested using either FISH or MP as a 2nd-line diagnostic modality to 1st-line cytology. They stated that MP may be best prioritized to scenarios of low cellularity. Any case that is negative or indeterminate by 2 testing modalities should undergo a 3rd to increase the probability of detecting possible malignancy. To do so, normally discarded supernatant fluid should be retained for MP testing during the standard cytology cytocentrifugation preparation of cells for cytology. These researchers stated that additional studies may help to better understand the reflex order of sequential testing and the impact of this reflex on health economics.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks that may have impacted generalized conclusions. A somewhat higher benign stricture rate was noted in their cases than in other prior series. There also were relatively few primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients included in this study. Prior studies have shown that there is a significant aneuploidy rate associated with pre-malignant lesions seen in PSC. Because of this, specificity of FISH for malignancy was expected to be lower in a cohort of PSC patients than the authors reported in their cohort. Less was known about detection of KRAS mutations in the progression of PSC to cholangiocarcinoma. However, based on this study cohort and prior studies, these findings likely were not generalizable to the PSC population.
Khosravi et al (2018) stated that indeterminate cytology occurs in a significant number of patients with solid pancreaticobiliary lesion that undergo EUS-FNA or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and can incur further expensive testing and inappropriate surgical intervention. Mutation profiling improves diagnostic accuracy and yield but the impact on clinical management is uncertain. These researchers determined the performance of MP in clinical practice and its impact on management in solid pancreaticobiliary patients with indeterminate cytology. Solid pancreaticobiliary patients with non-diagnostic, benign, atypical or suspicious cytology who had past MP testing were included. Mutation profiling examined KRAS mutation and a tumor suppressor gene associated loss of heterozygosity mutation panel covering 10 genomic loci. Two endo-sonographers made management recommendations without and then with MP results, indicating their level of confidence. Mutation profiling improved diagnostic accuracy in 232 patients with indeterminate cytology. Among patients with non-diagnostic cytology, low-risk MP provided high specificity and negative predictive value (NPV) for the absence of malignancy while high-risk MP identified malignancies otherwise undetected. Mutation profiling increased clinician confidence in management recommendations and resulted in more conservative management in 10 % of patients. Mutation profiling increased the rate of benign disease in patients recommended for conservative management (84 % to 92 %, p < 0.05) and the rate of malignant disease in patients recommended for aggressive treatment (53 % to 71 %, p < 0.05). The authors concluded that MP improved diagnostic accuracy and significantly impacted management decisions. Low-risk MP results increased recommendations for conservative management and increased the rate of benign outcomes those patients, helping to avoid unnecessary aggressive interventions and improve patient outcomes. These researchers stated that their study was limited by its retrospective nature. Moreover, they noted that although high-risk MP results were able to help confirm the presence of malignancy in cases in which cytology indicated a high suspicion of malignancy, low-risk results could not effectively exclude the possibility of malignancy in such cases.
Kushnir et al (2019) noted that routine cytology of biliary stricture brushings obtained during ERCP has suboptimal sensitivity for malignancy. These investigators compared the individual and combined ability of cytology, FISH analysis and PCR-based MP to detect malignancy in standard biliary brushings. They performed a prospective study of patients undergoing ERCP using histology or 1 year follow-up to determine patient outcomes; MP was performed on free-DNA from biliary brushing specimens using normally discarded supernatant fluid. MP examined KRAS point mutations and tumor suppressor gene associated LOH mutations at 10 genomic loci; FISH examined chromosome specific gains or losses. A total of 101 patients were included in final analysis and 69 % had malignancy. Cytology had 26 % sensitivity and 100 % specificity for malignancy. Using either FISH or MP in combination with cytology increased sensitivity to 44 % and 56 %, respectively. The combination of all 3 tests (cytology, FISH, and MP) had the highest sensitivity for malignancy (66 %). There was no difference in the specificity of cytology, FISH or MP testing when examined alone or in combination; MP improved diagnostic yield of each procedure from 22 % to 100 %; FISH improved yield to 90 %; MP detected 21 malignancies beyond that identified by cytology; FISH detected an additional 13. The combination of FISH and MP testing detected an additional 28 malignancies. The authors concluded that both MP and FISH are complimentary molecular tests that could significantly increase detection of biliary malignancies when used in combination with routine cytology of standard biliary brush specimens.
PancreaSeq Genomic Classifier (GC)
The PancreaSeq Genomic Classifier (GC) test (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Molecular and Genomic Pathology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA) utilizes DNA and mRNA next-generation sequencing analysis of 74 genes and functions as a diagnostic test for pancreatic cysts detected by imaging, including benign cysts, cystic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), and early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This test enables the detection of "single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions and deletions (indels) in 20 genes related to pancreatic cysts and pancreatic cancer, including KRAS and GNAS, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis and copy number alterations (CNAs) at 13 chromosomal regions, including the RNF43, SMAD4, TP53, PTEN, VHL, and NF2 tumor suppressor genes. In addition, it detects >150 types of gene fusions involving the ALK, BRAF, FGFR2, NTRK1, NTRK3, RET, ROS1, RAF1, PRKCA, PRKCB genes and expression of specific genetic markers, including KRT7, KRT20, CHRGR, and PGK1." Additionally, "it detects expression of the CEA (CECAM5) gene by qRT-PCR. The test is using a small amount of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) isolated from pancreatic cyst fluid collected into preservative solution during ultrasound-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) procedure. The findings are subjected to algorithmic analysis to categorize as Negative or Positive for specific alterations associated with different cyst types and risk of progression."
PanCystPro Panel
PanCystPro panel (Amplified Sciences) was developed to assist clinicians in the risk stratification of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cystic lesions (PCL). This test measures glucose, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and gastricsin biomarkers on small fluid volumes obtained from a pancreatic cyst. A machine-learning algorithm is used for distinguishing PCL as mucinous (potentially malignant) from non-mucinous (benign).
In meeting abstract from the 2024 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, Thomas et al (2024) discuss Amplified SCiences PanCyst Pro panel for "accurately" identifying non-mucinous pancreatic cyst fluid. The authors state that, currently, available protein markers and assays are not sufficiently accurate to rule-out patients in whom a non-mucinous pancreatic cyst has formed. Since this patient population seldom progress to cancer, they are at risk of unwarranted testing and surveillance, and possibly surgical intervention. Thus, Amplified Sciences combined a panel of markers with a clinically translated surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based protease activity assay to use as a rule-out diagnostic tool. The tri-analyte panel was tested on a cohort of 185 retrospective samples gathered from three separate institutions (UPMC, IU Health, and UCSF) and consumed only 12 µL of cyst fluid per sample. The goals of this study were to establish the negative predictive value (NPV) of this panel prior to translation to a CLIA-regulated laboratory and create a preliminary algorithm for analysis. The results of this statistically powered study show that protease activity outperforms carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a current standard diagnostic marker for pancreatic cyst fluid, in sensitivity, specificity, and NPV. Furthermore, in combination, the tri-analyte panel identifies non-mucinous pancreatic cysts with 99% sensitivity and a negative predictive value >95%. The authors concluded that these results support the use of this panel in clinical settings as a diagnostic tool to rule-out patients from surgical intervention, as well as the use of SERS as an optical detection mode for clinical diagnostics. Future work will continue to address the unmet need for improved diagnostic information through multiplexed analyses of markers that consume comparatively minimal volume of pancreatic cyst fluid samples. Moreover, studies will also seek to build on the SERS platform by introducing more dyes, substrates, assays, and analytical methods.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for "Pancreatic adenocarcinoma" (Version 2.2025) do not provide a recommendation for this type of test (i.e., glucose and gastricsin biomarkers, Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based protease activity assay).
PanGIA Prostate
PanGIA Prostate (Genetics Institute of America) is a multi-analyte urine assay with algorithmic analysis that estimates an individual’s risk of having prostate cancer. The test is marketed as a method to examine if a patient should undergo a prostate biopsy. Currently, there is a lack of evidence on the clinical value of the PanGIA Prostate.
Percepta Bronchial Genomic Classifier (Veracyte)
Silvestri et al (2015) stated that bronchoscopy is frequently non-diagnostic in patients with pulmonary lesions suspected to be lung cancer. This often results in additional invasive testing, although many lesions are benign. These researchers sought to validate a bronchial-airway gene-expression classifier that could improve the diagnostic performance of bronchoscopy. Current or former smokers undergoing bronchoscopy for suspected lung cancer were enrolled at 28 centers in 2 multi-center prospective studies (AEGIS-1 and AEGIS-2). A gene-expression classifier was measured in epithelial cells collected from the normal-appearing main-stem bronchus to assess the probability of lung cancer. A total of 639 patients in AEGIS-1 (298 patients) and AEGIS-2 (341 patients) met the criteria for inclusion. A total of 43 % of bronchoscopic examinations were non-diagnostic for lung cancer, and invasive procedures were performed after bronchoscopy in 35 % of patients with benign lesions. In AEGIS-1, the classifier had an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.78 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.73 to 0.83), a sensitivity of 88 % (95 % CI: 83 to 92), and a specificity of 47 % (95 % CI: 37 to 58). In AEGIS-2, the classifier had an AUC of 0.74 (95 % CI: 0.68 to 0.80), a sensitivity of 89 % (95 % CI: 84 to 92), and a specificity of 47 % (95 % CI: 36 to 59). The combination of the classifier plus bronchoscopy had a sensitivity of 96 % (95 % CI: 93 to 98) in AEGIS-1 and 98 % (95 % CI: 96 to 99) in AEGIS-2, independent of lesion size and location. In 101 patients with an intermediate pre-test probability of cancer, the negative predictive value of the classifier was 91 % (95 % CI: 75 to 98) among patients with a non-diagnostic bronchoscopic examination. The authors concluded that the gene-expression classifier improved the diagnostic performance of bronchoscopy for the detection of lung cancer. In intermediate-risk patients with a non-diagnostic bronchoscopic examination, a negative classifier score provided support for a more conservative diagnostic approach.
- specimens from 155 patients (11 %) yielded insufficient or poor-quality RNA, precluding measurement of the classifier. However, similar rates of insufficient RNA quality or quantity have been observed with other gene expression tests that have been integrated into clinical practice, and it may be possible to improve sample quality by decreasing the time between sample collection and RNA isolation. Patients who were not included in the study for this reason do not appear to differ in terms of cancer prevalence or other clinical features in comparison with the overall study population; however, it cannot be determined whether the classifier has similar performance in this group;
- 9 % of patients were lost to follow-up, and 5 % did not have a definitive diagnosis established at 12 months after bronchoscopic examination. This rate of loss to follow-up is not unexpected in an observational trial in which the subsequent evaluation after bronchoscopic examination was not mandated to occur at the study center. Although the follow-up period was limited to 12 months, it is unlikely that they missed a substantial number of cancers that would have been found with an additional year of follow-up. Although guidelines suggest 24 months of surveillance, these recommendations are based on older studies regarding solitary pulmonary nodules discovered on chest radiography (not computed tomography [CT]). The high sensitivity of CT makes it unlikely that solid nodules that are stable in the first year will have subsequent growth; this is supported by studies of lung cancer screening in which nodules that were stable for 1 year had a conversion rate to cancer of only 1 per 1,000 during year 2;
- the exclusion criteria in this study limit the generalizability of these findings among life life-time non-smokers and smokers with a history of lung cancer. It is unclear whether a similar field of injury exists in people who have never smoked or in very light smokers who have lung cancer and whether the field of injury persists after tumor resection; further studies are needed to evaluate these questions;
- these investigators considered bronchoscopy to be "diagnostic" only when the procedure yielded a lung-cancer diagnosis. There were 49 bronchoscopic examinations in which a specific benign cause was identified, but 31 of the patients received further invasive testing, including 4 patients who ultimately had lung cancer diagnosed on subsequent lung biopsy; this suggests that the concern for cancer remained elevated despite the initial benign finding on bronchoscopic examination; and
- these researchers did not assess the accuracy of a model incorporating the classifier in combination with clinical variables. Although risk-prediction models have been developed for solitary pulmonary nodules, there are no validated models for patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopic examination, which includes patients with a broad range of findings, including larger lesions (i.e., greater than 3 cm), infiltrates, or lymphadenopathy.
Thus, most patients are selected for bronchoscopy on the basis of the physician’s qualitative assessment of the probability of lung cancer. The authors showed that their classifier performed well in patients with an intermediate probability of cancer as assessed by a physician in a process that incorporated the available clinical risk factors.
Whitney et al (2015) stated that the gene expression profile of cytologically-normal bronchial airway epithelial cells has previously been shown to be altered in patients with lung cancer. Although bronchoscopy is often used for the diagnosis of lung cancer, its sensitivity is imperfect, especially for small and peripheral suspicious lesions. In this study, these researchers derived a gene expression classifier from bronchoscopically-obtained airway epithelial cells that detects the presence of cancer in current and former smokers undergoing bronchoscopy for suspect lung cancer and evaluated its sensitivity to detect lung cancer among patients from an independent cohort. They collected bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) from the main-stem bronchus of 299 current or former smokers (223 cancer-positive and 76 cancer-free subjects) undergoing bronchoscopy for suspected lung cancer in a prospective, multi-center study. RNA from these samples was run on gene expression microarrays for training a gene-expression classifier. A logistic regression model was built to predict cancer status, and the finalized classifier was validated in an independent cohort from a previous study. These researchers found 232 genes whose expression levels in the bronchial airway were associated with lung cancer. They then built a classifier based on the combination of 17 cancer genes, gene expression predictors of smoking status, smoking history, and gender, plus patient age. This classifier had a ROC curve AUC of 0.78 (95 % CI: 0.70 to 0.86) in patients whose bronchoscopy did not lead to a diagnosis of lung cancer (n = 134). In the validation cohort, the classifier had a similar AUC of 0.81 (95 % CI: 0.73 to 0.88) in this same subgroup (n = 118). The classifier performed similarly across a range of mass sizes, cancer histologies and stages. The negative predictive value was 94 % (95 % CI: 83 to 99 %) in subjects without bronchoscopy-detected lung cancer. The authors concluded that they developed a gene expression classifier measured in bronchial airway epithelial cells that is able to accurately identify lung cancer in current and former smokers who have undergone bronchoscopy for suspicion of lung cancer. They stated that due to the high NPV of the classifier, it could potentially inform clinical decisions regarding the need for further invasive testing in patients whose bronchoscopy is non-diagnostic.
Ferguson et al (2016) noted that bronchoscopy is frequently used for the evaluation of suspicious pulmonary lesions found on computed tomography, but its sensitivity for detecting lung cancer is limited. Recently, a bronchial genomic classifier was validated to improve the sensitivity of bronchoscopy for lung cancer detection, demonstrating a high sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) among patients at intermediate risk (10 to 60 %) for lung cancer with an inconclusive bronchoscopy. These researchers examined if a negative genomic classifier result that down-classifies a patient from intermediate risk to low risk (less than 10 %) for lung cancer would reduce the rate that physicians recommend more invasive testing among patients with an inconclusive bronchoscopy. These researchers conducted a randomized, prospective, decision impact survey study assessing pulmonologist recommendations in patients undergoing work-up for lung cancer who had an inconclusive bronchoscopy. Cases with an intermediate pretest risk for lung cancer were selected from the AEGIS trials and presented in a randomized fashion to pulmonologists either with or without the patient's bronchial genomic classifier result to determine how the classifier results impacted physician decisions. A total of 202 physicians provided 1,523 case evaluations on 36 patients. Invasive procedure recommendations were reduced from 57 % without the classifier result to 18 % with a negative (low risk) classifier result (p < 0.001). Invasive procedure recommendations increased from 50 to 65 % with a positive (intermediate risk) classifier result (p < 0.001). When stratifying by ultimate disease diagnosis, there was an overall reduction in invasive procedure recommendations in patients with benign disease when classifier results were reported (54 to 41 %, p < 0.001). For patients ultimately diagnosed with malignant disease, there was an overall increase in invasive procedure recommendations when the classifier results were reported (50 to 64 %, p = 0.003). The authors concluded that these findings suggested that a negative (low risk) bronchial genomic classifier result reduces invasive procedure recommendations following an inconclusive bronchoscopy and that the classifier overall reduced invasive procedure recommendations among patients ultimately diagnosed with benign disease. They stated that these results support the potential clinical utility of the classifier to improve management of patients undergoing bronchoscopy for suspect lung cancer by reducing additional invasive procedures in the setting of benign disease.
Vachani et al (2016) stated that bronchoscopy is often the initial diagnostic procedure performed in patients with pulmonary lesions suggestive of lung cancer. A bronchial genomic classifier was previously validated to identify patients at low risk for lung cancer after an inconclusive bronchoscopy. In this study, these investigators evaluated the potential of the classifier to reduce invasive procedure utilization in patients with suspected lung cancer. In 2 multi-center trials of patients undergoing bronchoscopy for suspected lung cancer, the classifier was measured in normal-appearing bronchial epithelial cells from a main-stem bronchus. Among patients with low and intermediate pretest probability of cancer (n = 222), subsequent invasive procedures after an inconclusive bronchoscopy were identified. Estimates of the ability of the classifier to reduce unnecessary procedures were calculated. Of the 222 patients, 188 (85 %) had an inconclusive bronchoscopy and follow-up procedure data available for analysis; 77 (41 %) patients underwent an additional 99 invasive procedures, which included surgical lung biopsy in 40 (52 %) patients. Benign and malignant diseases were ultimately diagnosed in 62 (81 %) and 15 (19 %) patients, respectively. Among those undergoing surgical biopsy, 20 (50 %) were performed in patients with benign disease. If the classifier had been used to guide decision making, procedures could have been avoided in 50 % (21 of 42) of patients undergoing further invasive testing. Furthermore, among 35 patients with an inconclusive index bronchoscopy who were diagnosed with lung cancer, the sensitivity of the classifier was 89 %, with 4 (11 %) patients having a false-negative classifier result. The authors concluded that invasive procedures after an inconclusive bronchoscopy occur frequently, and most are performed in patients ultimately diagnosed with benign disease. They stated that using the genomic classifier as an adjunct to bronchoscopy may reduce the frequency and associated morbidity of these invasive procedures.
UpToDate reviews on "Overview of the initial evaluation, diagnosis, and staging of patients with suspected lung cancer" (Thomas and Gould, 2017a), "Selection of modality for diagnosis and staging of patients with suspected non-small cell lung cancer" (Thomas and Gould, 2017b), and "Overview of the initial evaluation, treatment and prognosis of lung cancer" (Midthun, 2017) do not mention the use of genomic testing/classifier.
Also, an UpToDate review on ""Procedures for tissue biopsy in patients with suspected non-small cell lung cancer" (Thomas and Gould, 2017c) states that "Although obtaining samples of lavage fluid or tissue for genomic analysis has been studied as a potential diagnostic tool designed to enhance the sensitivity of bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of lung cancer, further study is required before it can be recommended for routine use".
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guidelines on "Non-small cell lung cancer" (Version 4.2017) and "Small cell lung cancer" (Version 2.2017) do not mention the use of genomic testing/classifier.
PGDx elio Tissue Complete for Tumor Mutation Profiling
The PGDx elio tissue complete assay (Personal Genome Diagnostics, Inc.) is a comprehensive, qualitative in-vitro diagnostic approach that uses targeted NGS of DNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue from patients with solid malignant neoplasms to detect tumor gene alterations in a broad multi-gene panel. It is intended to provide tumor mutation profiling information on somatic alterations (SNVs, small insertions and deletions [indels], amplifications, translocations), MSI) as well as TMB for use in oncology for previously diagnosed cancer patients.
Labriola and colleagues (2020) noted that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have expanded therapeutic options for metastatic RCC (mRCC); however, there are limited predictive biomarkers for response to ICIs in this indication, with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status demonstrating little predictive utility in mRCC. While predictive of ICI response in other tumor types, the use of TMB in mRCC is unclear. These researchers examined TMB, loss of antigen presentation genes and PD-L1 status correlated with outcomes to ICI treatment in mRCC. Tumor samples from 34 patients with mRCC treated with ICI therapy at Duke Cancer Institute were retrospectively evaluated using Personal Genome Diagnostics elio tissue complete (RUO version), a tumor genomic profiling assay for somatic variants, TMB, MSI and genomic status of antigen presentation genes. Tumor samples were also analyzed with the Dako 28-8 PD-L1 immunohistochemistry assay. De-identified clinical information was extracted from the medical record, and tumor response was examined based on the RECIST V.1.1 criteria. Patients were stratified by overall response following ICI therapy and designated as progressive disease (PD; n = 18) or disease control groups (DC; n = 16); TMB scores ranged from 0.36 to 12.24 mutations/Mb (mean of 2.83 mutations/Mb) with no significant difference between the PD and DC groups (3.01 versus 2.63 mutations/Mb, respectively; p = 0.7682). Interestingly, 33 % of PD patients showed loss of heterozygosity of major histocompatibility complex class I genes (LOH-MHC) versus 6 % of DC patients; 9 of 34 samples were PD-L1-positive (4 in the PD group; 5 in the DC group), suggesting no correlation between PD-L1 expression and response to ICI therapy. Notably, the DC group showed an enrichment of mutations in DNA repair genes (p = 0.04), with 68.8 % exhibiting at least 1 mutated homologous recombination repair (HRR)-related gene compared with only 38.9 % of the PD group (p = 0.03). The authors concluded that this study associated clinical outcomes of patients with mRCC treated with ICI with tissue analyzed for several biomarkers including genetic correlates, TMB, MHC loss and PD-L1 expression. TMB alone, PD-L1 status alone, and combined TMB with PD-L1 status did not correlate with ICI outcomes, which is consistent with prior observations. Interestingly, non-responders showed an increased incidence of LOH-MHC, warranting future investigations to examine if antigen presentation may serve as a predictor of ICI response in patients with mRCC. Finally, ICI responders had more frequent mutations in DNA damage response genes than non-responders, especially within HRR genes. Moreover, these researchers stated that further investigation on the tumor micro-environment and engagement of RCC tumors with the immune system is needed to better understand response and predict for ICI treatment outcomes.
The authors stated that in this study, single biomarkers such as PD-L1 and TMB status did not correlate with ICI outcomes; however, the correlation of LOH-MHC with ICI resistance and correlation of HRR gene mutations with ICI outcomes in this cohort may be hypothesis-generating for future studies. While this study did reveal multiple interesting associations, there were several drawbacks and remaining questions that require further inquiry. First, this analysis was based on archival tissue specimens and carried out retrospectively; thus, these findings should be confirmed in a prospectively collected patient cohort. A correlation between DNA damage response gene mutations and increased TMB was observed, aligning with previous reports in several indications that defects in HRR/DDR pathways may lead to increased TMB. It should be noted, however, that in this study, this association may in part be due to the fact that the mutations in these genes contribute to the TMB calculation; thus, it is challenging to specifically attribute increased TMB to HRR/DDR mutations or discern a causal relationship from these data alone. Given the biological implications of mutations in DNA damage response genes leading to neoantigen generation, patients who were concomitant with LOH-MHC might indicate a subset of non-responders to ICI treatment. Although this correlation was not observed in this study, only 7 patient samples were identified as LOH-MHC; thus, this study was not sufficiently powered for this analysis, warranting future studies. Despite TMB scores being relatively low in mRCC, patients benefited from ICI therapy. Although TMB was merely a surrogate measure for neoantigen burden, the actual estimation remained difficult due to imperfect bioinformatics approaches, highly polymorphic MHC genes and an overall lack of understanding of neoantigen immunogenicity. Direct assessment of neo-antigenic burden is beyond the scope of this study; however, given the clinical implications, further examination would be beneficial.
Pharmaco-oncologic Algorithmic Treatment Ranking Service
CureMatch, Inc. (San Diego, CA), a leading company in precision medicine support for oncology, developed a therapy matching and scoring service that is a patient-specific, assistive, rules-based algorithm for ranking pharmaco-oncologic treatment options based on the patient's tumor-specific cancer marker information obtained from prior molecular pathology, immunohistochemical, or other pathology results which have been previously interpreted and reported separately (CureMatch, 2023).
Currently, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed literature to support the sensitivity or specificity of this test.
Post-Op Px
Post-Op Px is a prognostic test that utilizes a patented systems pathology approach to analyze prostatectomy tissue by combining cellular, molecular and clinical information to provide a thorough and more accurate picture of each patient's individual risk of prostate cancer recurrence. (Aureon, 2010). Donovan et al (2011) evaluated the performance of a systems-based risk assessment tool with standard defined risk groups and the 10 year postoperative normogram for predicting disease progression. The systems model was found to be more accurate than standard risk groups both to predict significant disease progression (p < 0.001) and for predicting prostate-specific antigen recurrence (p < 0.001). However, this study has not been replicated in the peer-reviewed literature.
Praxis Somatic Optical Genome Mapping
According to Praxis Genomics, LLC, the somatic optical genome mapping technology was developed by Bionano Genomics LLC to evaluate large-scale changes in the DNA. Specifically, structural variant detection and analysis is conducted via a genome imaging tool. Samples for evaluation can be obtained from the patient’s blood or tissue biopsies. Specifically, somatic genome optical genome mapping can be used to evaluate the following: 1.) transfer of DNA fragments from one chromosomal position to another, 2. inversion of pieces of a chromosome, 3. complex chromosomal rearrangements, 4.) measuring the size of repetitive regions that control the expression of adjacent areas, and 5.) measuring the size of tandem repeat expansions within the genome (Praxis Genomics, 2021).
Praxis Somatic Transcriptome
According to Praxis Genomics, LLC, the somatic transcriptome analysis is a technique that enables evaluation of the functional consequences of DNA mutations discovered by Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) or Illumina Short Read (ISR) whole genome sequencing. Samples for evaluation can be obtained from the patient’s blood or tissue biopsies. Specifically, transcriptome analysis can be used to evaluate the following: 1.) deletions, insertions, inversions, translocations affecting regulatory regions, coding regions, imprinted loci, 2.) single nucleotide changes or small insertions deletions affecting splicing, translation initiation and termination, 3.) repeat number changes affecting chromosome structure and adjacent gene expression, and 4.) repeat expansions affecting transcript levels, splicing (Praxis Genomics, 2021).
Praxis Somatic Whole Genome Sequencing
According to Praxis Genomics, LLC, the somatic whole genome sequencing technique compares the genetic content of the patient’s normal and abnormal cells. A patient’s normal sample of blood, buccal swab, saliva, or tissue biopsies from unaffected areas and abnormal cells from the affected organ or region of the body can be cells or tissue samples (e.g., frozen or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded [FFPE]) and from which the DNA is assessed for diagnostic, therapeutic and predictive purposes. This technique can be utilized to identify the following: 1.) single nucleotide variants (SNVs), 2. small insertions and deletions (InDels), 3. high resolution copy number changes (CNVs) within 100s of base pairs depending on the specific region, 4. changes in mitochondrial genome levels, 5. changes in mitochondrial genome content, and 6 repeat expansions (Praxis Genomics, 2021).
PreciseDx Breast Cancer Test
PreciseDx Breast Cancer Test is designed to provide image analysis with artificial intelligence assessment of 12 histologic and immunohistochemical features, reported as a recurrence score. There is currently a lack of evidence that the use of PreciseDx Breast Cancer Test would improve health outcomes; clinical evidence is needed to establish its utility.
Precise Tumor Molecular Profile Test
Precise Tumor Molecular Profile Test (Myriad Genetics) is a pan-cancer, comprehensive test that uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze over 500 gene variants from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) solid tumor tissue samples. This hybrid-capture DNA- and RNA-based test detects single-nucleotide variants (SNV), insertion-deletion mutations (INDELs), copy number variants (CNV), splice variants and fusions in solid tumors. The test assesses PD-L1 protein in the tissue using an immunohistochemical assay. The results are reported as either a Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) or Combined Positive Score (CPS), depending on the type of cancer.
Previstage GCC
Guanylyl Cyclase C (GCC or GUCY2C) (Diagnocure) a gene coding for a protein found in cells, lining the intestine from the duodenum to the rectum (Raman, et al., 2013). It is involved in water transport, crypt morphology and suppression of tumorigenesis. It is not normally found in tissue in other parts of the body, and therefore, GCC detected outside of the intestine, indicates presence of colorectal cancer metastases. Early studies have indicated that the presence of GCC in the blood may be an early indicator of micrometastases that would otherwise escape detection by the current standard methods of monitoring. Earlier detection provides an opportunity for more immediate treatment or surgical intervention to potentially improve patient outcomes and survival rates. This is a diagnostic test for recurrence by identification of micrometastasis in the blood.
Guanyl cyclase C (GCC) is a receptor protein normally expressed in high concentrations on the luminal surface of the gastrointestinal epithelium. Expression of GCC persists on mucosal cells that have undergone malignant transformation. Thus, GCC has potential use as a marker to determine spread of colorectal cancer to lymph nodes. A retrospective study of 21 patients post surgical resection of colorectal cancer found that all 11 of 21 patients who were free of cancer for 5 years or more were negative for GCC in lymph nodes, whereas all 10 of 21 patients whose cancer returned within 3 years of surgery were positive for GCC. However, the value of the GCC marker test in the management of colorectal cancer needs to be evaluated in prospective clinical outcome studies. A large prospective study is currently being conducted to compare standard histological examination of lymph nodes to the GCC marker test.
Previstage™ Guanylyl Cyclase C (GCC or GUCY2C) (Diagnocure) is a gene coding for a protein found in cells, lining the intestine from the duodenum to the rectum (Raman, et al., 2013). It is involved in water transport, crypt morphology and suppression of tumorigenesis. It is not normally found in tissue in other parts of the body, and therefore, GCC detected outside of the intestine, indicates presence of colorectal cancer metastases. GCC mRNA has shown to be highly accurate in detecting the spread and recurrence of colorectal cancer, respectively in lymph nodes and blood, thereby representing a significant improvement over traditional detection methods. Previstage is a predictive test for risk stratification of recurrence and prognostic marker for recurrence.
Prolaris
Prolaris (Myriad Genetics, Salt Lake City, UT) uses archived tumor specimens as the mRNA source, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification, and a low density RTPCR array platform. Prolaris is used to quantify expression levels of 31 cell cycle progression (CCP) genes and 15 housekeeper genes to generate a CCP score. An assessment by the BlueCross BlueShield Association Technology Evaluation Center (TEC) concluded that direct evidence is insufficient to establish the analytic validity, clinical validity, or clinical utility of the Prolaris test. The BlueCross BlueShield Association assessment (BCBSA, 2015) stated: "Published evidence is sparse and insufficient to draw conclusions on the analytic validity, clinical validity, or clinical utility of Prolaris ... in patients under active surveillance program."
An assessment by the Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (Ellery, et al., 2014) found that there is currently uncertainty around the clinical utility of Prolaris. Citing a study by Shore, et al. (2014) showning that only a small percent of urologist would definitely change treatment based on the test results, "it would appear that there is hesitancy about the use of the technology in clinical practice, and it appears that changes to clinical management based on the prognostic information provided by these genetic tests are unlikely to occur. Therefore HealthPACT recommends that no further research be conducted on their behalf at this point in time."
NCCN prostate cancer guidelines (2015) state: "The Prolaris assay produces a cell cycle progression (CCP) score from RNA expression levels of 31 genes involved in CCP. . . .For example, Prolaris has been successful in 93% of radical prostatectomy specimens, and 70% of diagnostic prostate biopsy specimens. The Prolaris CCP score has been demonstrated predictive when applied in prospective-retrospective designs for biochemical recurrence or metastasis after radical prostatectomy, for survival when men were observed after diagnosis on transurethral resection of prostate or diagnostic needle biopsy, and for biochemical recurrence and survival after external beam radiation therapy. ... Prolaris has changed treatment recommendations in 32% to 65% of cases and may enhance adherence to the treatment recommended. .. Both [Prolaris and Oncotype DX Prostate] molecular biomarker tests have been developed with extensive industry support, guidance, and involvement, and have been marketed under the less rigorous FDA regulatory pathway for biomarkers. Their clinical utility awaits evaluation by prospective, randomized clinical trials, which are unlikely to be done. The marketplace and comparative effectiveness research may be the only means for these tests and others like them to gain their proper place for better risk stratification for men with clinically localized prostate cancer."
A guideline from the American Society for Clinical Oncology on active surveillance of prostate cancer (Chen, et al., 2016) stated that "[u]se of ancillary tests beyond DRE, PSA, and biopsy to improve patient selection or as part of monitoring in an AS regimen remains investigational. Although there is a potential for genomic tests that use biopsy tissue to predict patients who are more rather than less likely to have disease progression and cancer-specific mortality and for multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to guide biopsies to find more clinically aggressive disease, prospective validation of these tests is needed to assess their impact on patient outcomes such as survival. Selective use of these ancillary tests in patients with discordant clinical and/or pathologic findings may be appropriate."
An assessment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2016) noted that most of the relevant evidence for Prolaris is on clinical validity, and evidence for the prognostic value of Prolaris is based only on the retrospective analyses of archived material. No studies examined the prospective use of Prolaris on patient outcomes.
Guidelines on localized prostate cancer from the American Urologic Association (Sanda et al, 2017) state based upon expert opinion that, among most low-risk localized prostate cancer patients, Prolaris and other tissue based genomic biomarkers have not shown a clear role in the selection of candidates for active surveillance. The guidelines also indicate that tissue based genomic biomarkers are not necessary for followup. The guidelines state that the Prolaris test has not been validated as providing substantial benefit in the active surveillance population.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Prostate cancer" (Version 4.2019) recommends coverage of "Decipher", "Oncotype DX Prostate", "Prolaris", and "ProMark" (Category 2A). Prolaris: For post-biopsy based on NCCN very-low-, low-risk, and favorable intermediate-risk patients with greater than 10 year life expectancy who have not received treatment for prostate cancer and are candidates for active surveillance or definitive therapy.
ProMark
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Prostate cancer" (Version 4.2019) recommends coverage of "Decipher", "Oncotype DX Prostate", "Prolaris", and "ProMark" (Category 2A). ProMark: For post-biopsy based on NCCN very-low- and low-risk patients with greater than 10 year life expectancy who have not received treatment for prostate cancer and are candidates for active surveillance or definitive therapy.
ProOnc TumorSourceDx
ProOnc TumorSourceDx test is designed to identify tissue or origin for metastatic tumor. It identifies 25 possible classes of tissue origin corresponding to 17 distinct tissues and organs. It requires only 48 microRNAs to identify tissue of origin based on microRNA expression levels. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding its clinical value as tumor markers.
PROphet NSCLC Test
The PROphet NSCLC test (Oncohost, Inc.) is a plasma-based proteomic analysis tool used to guide first-line immunotherapy decision-making in patients with advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). From a single blood sample, the test identifies expression patterns in a panel of approximately 7,000 proteins and assigns a score reflecting the clinical benefit probability (progression-free survival greater than 12 months) from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor immunotherapy-based treatment plans. The score is reported as positive or negative for each biomarker.
Ben et al (2024) examined the analytical validity of the PROphet test, which is based on the SomaScan platform both experimentally and computationally, in treatment decision-making guidance for patients with metastatic NSCLC. The experimental part involved proteomic measurements obtained using the SomaScan assay, an aptamer-based proteomics platform (SomaLogic Inc.). The computational part was a model generated on a cohort of NSCLC patients. Plasma samples were obtained as part of a clinical study (PROPHETIC; NCT04056247) and were collected either before treatment commencement or before the second treatment. The authors found that experimental precision analysis displayed a median coefficient of variation (CV) of 3.9 % and 4.7 % for intra-plate and inter-plate examination, respectively, and the median accuracy rate between sites was 88 %. Computational precision (defined as the extent to which the algorithm output for a given sample is consistent between multiple runs) exhibited a high accuracy rate, with 93 % of samples displaying complete concordance in results. A cross-platform comparison between SomaScan and other proteomics platforms yielded a median Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.51, affirming the consistency and reliability of the SomaScan platform as used under the PROphet test. The authors concluded that their study presents a robust framework for evaluating the analytical validity of a platform that combines an experimental assay with subsequent computational algorithms, and that, when applied to the PROphet test, strong analytical performance of the test was demonstrated.
PROPHETIC is a prospective, multicenter, international study to develop an algorithm that predicts patient treatment outcomes. The algorithm serves as a treatment decision-making tool for physicians. Investigators also aim to identify the metabolic pathways that could lead to better therapeutic options. The study will enroll approximately 10,000 patients worldwide. Each will participate in the study for up to 5 years.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network does not mention the use of plasma-based proteomic testing for evaluating therapy for patients with advanced, unresectable NSCLC (NCCN, 2024).
Prostate Cancer Risk Panel (FISH analysis by Mayo Clinic)
This laboratory developed fluorescence in situ hybridization test(FISH) by Mayo Clinic is aimed at assisting with determining the probability of a higher prostate tumor grade. The genes analyzed are ASAP1, HDAC9, CHD1, and PTEN.
Karnes et al stated in an effort to lessen overtreatment of prostate cancer, further risk stratification on needle biopsy specimens can be critical for patient management. Men with low-risk disease are candidates for active surveillance. Currently, the most important feature for risk stratification is Gleason score; however, sampling error in the needle biopsy procedure results in a significant underestimation of risk in harboring a Gleason grade 4 (Group 2 or 3). The objective of this study was to use genomic features associated with significant prostate cancer previously identified by massively parallel mate-pair next generation sequencing (NGS), and create a model now using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) that could be applied to needle biopsies to improve risk stratification. FISH probes for six genomic alterations associated with significant prostate cancer were applied to 150 contemporary consecutive needle biopsy specimens of men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP), and a model was constructed that predicted for men with Gleason score (GS) 6 (Group 1) on needle biopsy, the probability of GS 7 and higher (Group >2) in the RP specimen. The final outcome measured was the predicted probability of harboring a significant cancer or GS > 7 (Group >2) in the prostate gland based on a derived formula from FISH analysis of single core needle biopsies. Concordance measures were created using an elastic net model. The application of these probes to needle biopsy specimens confirmed that a model composed of PTEN, CHD1, ASAP1 and HDAC9 was predictive of upgrading (AUC 0.788) from GS 6 on needle biopsy to GS > 7 in RP specimens. The AUC on the biopsies was less than that on earlier discovery and validation sets likely related to inter-tumoral heterogeneity and sampling bias from biopsies. The authors concluded that use of this model could be clinically useful in risk stratification for patients considering active surveillance for prostate cancer by separating those GS 6 (Group 1) on biopsies into "lower" or "higher" risk.
Prostate Px
Prostate Px (Aureon) uses a prostate cancer patient's biopsy tissue to provide an assessment of disease severity and disease recurrence. Clinical data is integrated with an analysis of each patient’s cancer using tissue histology and molecular biomarkers, such as androgen receptor, associated with disease progression. Although the manufacturer states that the results of the Prostate Px can be used in decision-making, there is a lack of evidence of the clinical utility of this test in altering the management of patients such that clinical outcomes are improved.
Donovan et al. (2008) from Aureon, the manufacturer of Prostate Px, reported on the development and validation of their systems pathology model for predicting prostate cancer recurrence after prostatectomy. The clinical utility of defining high risk for failure after radical prostatectomy is to decide whether patients require closer follow-up than average or whether adjuvant radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy would be of benefit. In this analysis, the concordance index for the systems pathology approach used by Aureon was 0.83, but was only slightly better than a 10-variable model that used only the usual clinical parameters, with a concordance index of 0.80. The corresponding hazard ratios for clinical failure were 6.37 for the 10-variable clinical model, and 9.11 for the systems pathology approach. In an accompanying editorial, Klein, et al. (2009) questioned the clinical significance of these differences. They noted that "[a]lthough the difference in concordance indices was statistically significant, the question is whether there is sufficient clinical relevance to justify the extra effort, expense, and clinical expertise needed for the systems approach ... In contemporary clinical practice, a patient with a hazard ratio of 6.37 generated by the model using easily derived, routinely reported clinical and pathological parameters is just as likely to be a candidate for closer monitoring or adjuvant therapy than one with a hazard ratio of 9.11 generated by the systems approach".
- inclusion of established markers, and
- consideration of the possible biases from study attrition. Given the heterogeneity of the models, they can not be considered comparable.
Only 2 models did not include a novel marker, and 1 of these included several demographical and co-morbidity variables to predict all-cause mortality. Only 2 models reported a measure of model performance, the C-statistic, and for neither was it calculated in an external data set. It was not possible to assess whether the models that included novel markers performed better than those without. This review highlighted the poor quality and heterogeneity of studies, which render much of the results inconclusive. It also pinpointed the small proportion of models reported in the literature that are based on patient cohorts with a mean or median follow-up of at least 5 years, thus making long-term predictions unreliable. Prostate-specific antigen velocity, however, stood out in terms of the strength of the evidence supporting its prognostic value and the relatively high hazard ratios. There is great interest in PSA velocity as a monitoring tool for active surveillance but there is as yet no consensus on how it should be used and, in particular, what threshold should indicate the need for radical treatment.
In an editorial on clinically relevant prognostic markers for prostate cancer, Gelmann and Henshall (2009) stated that "[u]ntil we have sufficiently discriminating markers to inform treatment decisions, the problem of whom to treat will continue to grow exponentially as the number of cases of screening-detected low-risk cancer increases".
ProsTAV Test
ProsTAV (Life Length USA) is a telomere-based biomarker blood test used to determine likelihood of significant prostate cancer (PCa) for patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) between 3-10 ng/ml. This test is a high-throughput assay that measures telomere length quantification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and uses a diagnostic algorithm to report risk of prostate cancer. The ProsTAV provides three types of results: the ProsTAV score and the probabilities of Gleason ≥ 7 and Gleason ≥ 8 associated with this score, with which the clinician can establish the need for confirmatory biopsy for patients with ProsTAV score greater than 10%.
In a retrospective multicentric study, Gómez Gómez et al (2023) used telomere analysis to develop and evaluate ProsTAV, a risk model for significant PCa (Gleason score > 6), with the objective of improving the PCa diagnosis pathway. The study analyzed telomeres from 1043 patients (median age of 63 years) with serum PSA 3-10 ng/mL, using high-throughput quantitative FISH to evaluate telomere-associated variables (TAVs) in peripheral blood mononucleated cells. A total of 874 patients were selected for model training and 169 patients for model validation. ProTAV was developed by multivariate logistics regression based on three clinical variables and six TAVs. The predictive capacity and accuracy of ProsTAV were summarized by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and its clinical benefit with decision curves analysis. The authors found that the area under the ROC curve of ProsTAV was 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62-0.79), with a sensitivity of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.88-1.0) and specificity of 0.33 (95% CI, 0.24-0.40). The positive predictive value was 0.29 (95% CI, 0.21-0.37) and the negative predictive value was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.83-0.99). ProsTAV would make it possible to avoid 33% of biopsies. The authors concluded that ProsTAV could be used to increase the prediction capacity of significant PCa in patients with PSA between 3 and 10 ng/mL.
In a validation study, Gómez Gómez et al (2024) reviewed the preliminary data of a prospective observational pragmatic study of patients with PSA levels 3-10 ng/ml and suspicious PCa. Results were combined with other clinical data, and all patients underwent prostate biopsies according to each center's routine clinical practice, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before the prostate biopsy was optional. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values, and subjects where biopsies could have been avoided using ProsTAV were determined. The mean age of the participants (n = 251) was 67.4 years, with a mean PSA of 5.90 ng/ml, a mean free PSA of 18.9%, and a PSA density of 0.14 ng/ml. Digital rectal examination was abnormal in 21.1% of the subjects, and according to biopsy, the prevalence of significant PCa was 47.8%. The area under the ROC curve of ProsTAV was 0.7, with a sensitivity of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.85-0.95) and specificity of 0.27 (95% CI, 0.19-0.34). The positive and negative predictive values were 0.53 (95% CI, 0.46-0.60) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.62-0.87), respectively. ProsTAV could have reduced the biopsies performed by 27% and showed some initial evidence of a putative benefit in the diagnosis pathway combined with MRI. The authors concluded that the ProsTAV assay increases the prediction capacity of significant PCa in patients with PSA between 3 and 10 ng/ml that could be considered a complementary tool to an MRI to improve the diagnosis pathway of PCa. However, this possibility needs to be further explored in future ampler prospective trials.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for "Prostate cancer" (Version 2.2025) do not provide a recommendation for telomere-based biomarker testing.
Prostavysion
ProstaVysion (Bostwick Labs) is a prognostic genetic panel for prostate cancer (Raman, et al., 2013). This test examines two major mechanisms of prostate carcinogenesis: ERG gene fusion/translocation and the loss of the PTEN tumor suppressor gene. This test is a tissue-based panel. By examining these two markers, ProstaVysion is able to provide a molecular analysis of prostate cancer aggressiveness and long-term patient prognosis. ERG gene fusions are found in 40% of primary prostate cancers and are associated with a more aggressive phenotype. Deletion of PTEN occurs in both localized prostate cancers and 60% of metastases.
Protean's Lung HDPCR Test
The Lung HDPCR test (Protean BioDiagnostics) is a digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that is designed to detect variants in 9 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) genes (EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK 1/2/3, ERBB2, and MET) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. The assay uses ChromaCode's High Definition PCR (HDPCR) multiplexing technology to detect biomarkers. The test interrogates for single-nucleotide variants, insertions/deletions, and gene rearrangements. The results are reported as actionable detected variants for therapy selection.
Al Mana et al (2024) state that next-generation sequencing (NGS) is widely used for comprehensive molecular profiling for many cancers including lung cancer. However, the complex workflows and long turnaround times limit its access and utility. ChromaCode's High Definition PCR Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Panel (HDPCR™ NSCLC Panel) is a low-cost, rapid turnaround, digital polymerase chain reaction assay that is designed to detect variants in 9 NSCLC genes listed in National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. This assay uses TaqMan probe limiting chemistry and proprietary analysis software to enable multi-target detection within a single-color channel. We compared the performance of the HDPCR™ NSCLC Panel against an in-house, laboratory-developed, targeted next-generation sequencing panel used in the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at the University of Minnesota Medical Center to detect biomarkers for NSCLC. The overall accuracy of the HDPCR panel was 99.48% (95% confidence interval 99.01-99.76) with a sensitivity of 95.35% (95% confidence interval 88.52-98.72) and a specificity of 99.69% (95% confidence interval 99.29-99.90). The HDPCR wet lab workflow was 4 h, and the time to generate variant calls from raw data using the ChromaCode Cloud was 2 minutes. The authors concluded that they demonstrated that the HDPCR™ NSCLC Panel provides timely, comprehensive, and sensitive mutation detection in NSCLC samples with results in less than 24 hours.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Biomarkers Compendium for "Non-small cell lung cancer" provides a category 1 and/or 2A recommendations for testing FFPE tumor tissue for variants in the EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK 1/2/3, ERBB2, and MET genes.
Pulmotype
A multi-antibody immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay (eg, Pulmotype) purportedly aids in the differentiation of squamous and adenocarcinoma histology for NSCLC. The assay uses tissue from a lung cancer biopsy to measure five biomarkers: cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), mucin-1 (MUC-1), tripartite motif containing protein 29 (TRIM 29), carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) and SLC7A5. The results of these measurements are applied to an algorithm, resulting in a class assignment.
PurISTSM Test
PurISTSM test (Tempus AI, Inc.) identifies the molecular subtype of patients with unresectable stage III or stage IV pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) via augmentative algorithmic analysis of 16 genes from previously sequenced RNA whole-transcriptome data. PurIST utilizes RNA sequencing information to classify patients with PDAC into either a basal or classical subtype which may help guide clinical management.
Rashid et al (2020) state that various molecular subtyping systems for pancreatic cancer have been proposed; however, consensus regarding subtypes and their relative clinical utility remains largely unknown. With the substantial progress in molecular subtyping for pancreatic cancer, there is now an opportunity to determine the optimal choice of therapy given a patient’s molecular subtype. Thus, the authors evaluated three major subtype classification schemas in the context of results from two clinical trials and by meta-analysis of publicly available expression data to assess statistical criteria of subtype robustness and overall clinical relevance. They then developed a Single Sample Classifier (SSC) using penalized logistic regression based on the most robust and replicable schema. The authors report that they demonstrated that a tumor-intrinsic two subtype schema is most robust, replicable, and clinically relevant. Moreover, they developed Purity Independent Subtyping of Tumors (PurIST), a SSC with robust and highly replicable performance on a wide range of platforms and sample types. The authors purport to show that PurIST subtypes have meaningful associations with patient prognosis, as well as significant implications for treatment response to FOLIFIRNOX. The authors concluded that the flexibility and utility of PurIST on low-input samples such as tumor biopsies allows it to be used at the time of diagnosis to facilitate the choice of effective therapies for PDAC patients and should be considered in the context of future clinical trials.
In a retrospective study, Wenric et al (2023) aimed to demonstrate the clinical validity of PurIST (Purity Independent Subtyping of Tumors), an RNA-based classifier that divides PDAC patients into two subtypes with differential prognoses, as a validated laboratory-developed test (LDT) on the Tempus Labs sequencing platform. A cohort comprising 258 late-stage PDAC patients with available transcriptomic and outcomes data was drawn from the Tempus clinicogenomic database and classified using PurIST into one of two subtypes (“Basal” or “Classical”). Differences in patient survival from the date of diagnosis were compared between subtypes, and between two common first-line treatment regimens, FOLFIRINOX, and gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel. Of the 258 PDAC patients in the validation cohort, PurIST classified 173 as classical subtype, 59 as basal subtype, and 26 as no-calls. Reinforcing previous findings, patients of the basal subtype had significantly lower overall survival than those of the classical subtype. Notably, differential survival by subtype was significant among the subset of patients on FOLFIRINOX, but not those on gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel. The authors concluded that the implementation of PurIST on a high-throughput clinical laboratory RNA-Seq platform and the demonstration of the model’s clinical utility in a real-world cohort together show that PurIST can be used at scale to refine PDAC prognosis, thereby inform treatment selection to improve outcomes for advanced-stage PDAC patients.
QuantiDNA Colorectal Cancer Triage Test
QuantiDNA Colorectal Cancer Triage Test (DiaCarta, Inc) evaluates quantitative measurement of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from a blood specimen. Specifically, the test measures the ng/ml level of cfDNA concentration in human plasma using a luminometer (QuantiDNA DNA Measurement Assay) and Luminex MAGPIX (QuantiDNA Direct cfDNA Test).
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) practice guidelines for "Colon cancer" (Version 5.2024) does not provide a recommendation for cfDNA testing as a diagnostic or management tool.
RadTox cfDNA test
According to DiaCarta, Inc., the RadTox cfDNA test was developed for the surveillance of radiation therapy toxicity in cancer patients. A liquid biopsy of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is taken from the cancer patient’s plasma before and after radiation therapy which is then assayed to quantify tissue damage due to radiation therapy. Specifically, the assay analyzes arthrobacter luteus (Alu nucleic acid) repeated DNA sequences within cfDNA which correlates with radiation doses. Additionally, the cfDNA level is proportionally correlated with circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shed from tumor cells and therefore is used in the assay. Based on the determination of the cfDNA level in the cancer patient’s blood after radiation, the patient’s sensitivity to radiation and radiation dosage use can be estimated. Currently, the gold standard for clinical evaluation of tissue damage due to radiation therapy relies on the dose volume histogram or maximum tolerated dose radiation and a drug when used in combination (DiaCarta, 2021).
Lockney and colleagues (2020) investigated whether cfDNA numbers measured by the RadTox assay (1) correlated with body integral dose, (2) lower with proton radiation therapy (RT) compared with photon RT, and (3) higher with larger prostate cancer RT fields. The study consisted of participants planned to receive proton or photon RT for nonmetastatic prostate cancer who had an intact prostate or after prostatectomy. Plasma collection occurred pre-RT and at 5 additional daily collection points starting 24 hours after initiation of RT. Data analysis was conducted in 54 evaluable participants and showed body integral dose was significantly correlated with the peak post-RT RadTox score (p=0.04). Participants receiving photon RT had a significant elevation in peak post-RT RadTox score (p=0.04), average post-RT RadTox score (p=0.04), and day-2 RadTox score (all minus the pre-RT values for each participant) versus participants receiving proton RT. Field size was not significantly associated with RadTox score. The study concluded that RadTox is correlated with body integral dose and accurately projects which patients receive proton versus photon RT.
Lockney and colleagues (2021) conducted a study to evaluate the correlation between cfDNA measured during the first week of radiation therapy (RT) and early and late stage gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity. The study consisted of participants who received proton or photon RT for nonmetastatic prostate cancer who had an intact prostate or after prostatectomy. Blood sample collection occurred before treatment on sequential treatment days for the first full week of therapy. Toxicity assessments occurred at baseline, weekly during RT, and 6 months and 12 months after RT. The results for the 54 evaluable participants in this study were as follows: four (7%) and 3 (6%) participants displayed acute and late grade 2 GI toxicity, respectively; 22 (41%) and 18 (35%) participants displayed acute and late grade 2 GU toxicity, respectively. The presence of grade 3 or higher toxicity was absent among all participants. Grade 2 acute GI toxicity, but not grade 2 acute GU toxicity, was significantly correlated with pre-RT cfDNA levels and all days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of RT (p < 0.005). Grade 2 late GI toxicity, but not GU toxicity, was significantly correlated with pre-RT cfDNA levels (p=0.021). This preliminary study concluded that cfDNA levels may offer a predictive value for the subset of patients who are likely to develop GI toxicity during prostate cancer treatment.
Resolution ctDx Lung
The Resolution ctDx Lung assay was developed to provide clinicians with information that can drive treatment decisions in patients with NSCLC. The assay includes 23 actionable genes for targeted FDA-approved therapies or therapies in clinical trials.
Paweletz and colleagues (2016) stated that tumor genotyping is a powerful tool for guiding NSCLC care; however, comprehensive tumor genotyping can be logistically cumbersome. To facilitate genotyping, these researchers developed a NGS assay using a desk-top sequencer to detect actionable mutations and re-arrangements in cfDNA. An NGS panel was developed targeting 11 driver oncogenes found in NSCLC. Targeted NGS was performed using a novel methodology that maximizes on-target reads, and minimizes artifact, and was validated on DNA dilutions derived from cell lines. Plasma NGS was then blindly performed on 48 patients with advanced, progressive NSCLC and a known tumor genotype, and examined in 2 patients with incomplete tumor genotyping. NGS could identify mutations present in DNA dilutions at greater than or equal to 0.4 % allelic frequency with 100 % sensitivity/specificity. Plasma NGS detected a broad range of driver and resistance mutations, including ALK, ROS1, and RET re-arrangements, HER2 insertions, and MET amplification, with 100 % specificity. Sensitivity was 77 % across 62 known driver and resistance mutations from the 48 cases; in 29 cases with common EGFR and KRAS mutations, sensitivity was similar to droplet digital PCR. In 2 cases with incomplete tumor genotyping, plasma NGS rapidly identified a novel EGFR exon 19 deletion and a missed case of MET amplification. The authors concluded that blinded to tumor genotype, this plasma NGS approach detected a broad range of targetable genomic alterations in NSCLC with no false positives including complex mutations like re-arrangements and unexpected resistance mutations such as EGFR C797S. Through use of widely available vacutainers and a desk-top sequencing platform, this assay has the potential to be implemented broadly for patient care and translational research. These researchers stated that through reducing the barriers between NSCLC patients and genotyping, they hope that plasma NGS will be able to facilitate delivery of targeted therapies and improve outcomes for patients with advanced NSCLC.
Li and associates (2019) stated that non-invasive genotyping using plasma cfDNA has the potential to obviate the need for some invasive biopsies in cancer patients while also elucidating disease heterogeneity. These researchers developed an ultra-deep plasma NGS assay for patients with NSCLC that could detect targetable oncogenic drivers and resistance mutations in patients where tissue biopsy failed to identify an actionable alteration. Plasma was prospectively collected from patients with advanced, progressive NSCLC. These investigators performed ultra-deep NGS using cfDNA extracted from plasma and matched white blood cells (WBCs) using a hybrid capture panel covering 37 lung cancer-related genes sequenced to 50,000× raw target coverage filtering somatic mutations attributable to clonal hematopoiesis. Clinical sensitivity and specificity for plasma detection of known oncogenic drivers were calculated and compared with tissue genotyping results. Orthogonal droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) validation was carried out in a subset of cases. In 127 assessable patients, plasma NGS detected driver mutations with variant allele fractions ranging from 0.14 % to 52 %. Plasma ddPCR for EGFR or KRAS mutations revealed findings nearly identical to those of plasma NGS in 21 of 22 patients, with high concordance of variant allele fraction (r = 0.98). Blinded to tissue genotype, plasma NGS sensitivity for de-novo plasma detection of known oncogenic drivers was 75 % (68/91). Specificity of plasma NGS in those who were driver-negative by tissue NGS was 100 % (19/19). In 17 patients with tumor tissue deemed insufficient for genotyping, plasma NGS identified 4 KRAS mutations. In 23 EGFR mutant cases with acquired resistance to targeted therapy, plasma NGS detected potential resistance mechanisms, including EGFR T790M and C797S mutations and ERBB2 amplification. The authors concluded that this prospective, multi-center study demonstrated that ultra-deep NGS of plasma cfDNA with clonal hematopoiesis filtering accurately detected a wide variety of oncogenic drivers and resistance mechanisms in patients with advanced lung cancers. The sensitivity of detection by NGS was comparable to that of established ddPCR methods. Its high concordance with tissue genotyping and the detection of drivers in settings where tissue biopsy had failed or was not feasible lend credence to the potential clinical use of plasma cfDNA NGS and the development of cfDNA-guided intervention studies.
Sabari and co-workers (2019) noted that liquid biopsy for plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)NGS is commercially available and increasingly adopted in clinical practice despite a paucity of prospective data to support its use. Patients with advanced lung cancers who had no known oncogenic driver or developed resistance to current targeted therapy (n = 210) underwent plasma NGS, targeting 21 genes. A subset of patients had concurrent tissue NGS testing using a 468-gene panel (n = 106). Oncogenic driver detection, test turn-around time (TAT), concordance, and treatment response guided by plasma NGS were measured; all statistical tests were 2-sided. Somatic mutations were detected in 64.3 % (135/210) of patients. ctDNA detection was lower in patients who were on systemic therapy at the time of plasma collection compared with those who were not (30/70, 42.9 % versus 105/140, 75.0 %; OR = 0.26, 95 % CI: 0.1 to 0.5, p < 0.001). The median TAT of plasma NGS was shorter than tissue NGS (9 versus 20 days; p < 0.001). Overall concordance, defined as the proportion of patients for whom at least 1 identical genomic alteration was identified in both tissue and plasma, was 56.6 % (60/106, 95 % CI: 46.6 % to 66.2 %). Among patients who tested plasma NGS positive, 89.6 % (60/67; 95 % CI: 79.7 % to 95.7 %) were also concordant on tissue NGS and 60.6 % (60/99; 95 % CI: 50.3 % to 70.3 %) vice-versa. Patients who tested plasma NGS positive for oncogenic drivers had tissue NGS concordance of 96.1 % (49/51, 95 % CI: 86.5 % to 99.5 %), and directly led to matched targeted therapy in 21.9 % (46/210) with clinical response. The authors concluded that plasma ctDNA NGS detected a variety of oncogenic drivers with a shorter TAT compared with tissue NGS and matched patients to targeted therapy with clinical response. Positive findings on plasma NGS were highly concordant with tissue NGS and could guide immediate therapy; however, a negative finding in plasma requires further testing. These researchers stated that these findings supported the potential incorporation of plasma NGS into practice guidelines. Moreover, these researchers stated that more research is needed to better understand the kinetics of tumor shedding and the effects of treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy) on plasma levels of ctDNA. Other exciting questions on the future use of plasma-based NGS include detection in earlier stage or minimal residual disease to guide neo-adjuvant or adjuvant therapies and as a screening modality for the early detection of cancers.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Non-small cell lung cancer" (Version 6.2020) states that "cfDNA can be used in specific circumstances if the patient is not medically fit for invasive sampling, or there is insufficient tissue for molecular analysis and follow-up tissue-based analysis will be done if an oncogenic driver is not identified".
ResponseDx
ResponseDX: Colon® (Response Genetics) panel utilizes testing of multiple genes including KRAS mutation, BRAF mutation, ERCC1 expression, MSI, c-Met expression, EGFR expression, VEGFR2 expression, NRAS mutation, PIK3CA mutation, and Thymidylate synthetase (Raman, et al., 2013). The test predicts disease prognosis and selects patients who might benefit from alternative therapies and aids in selection of metastatic colorectal cancer patients that might benefit from EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibody therapies.
ResponseDX:Lung® panel (Response Genetics) utilizes testing of multiple genes including ROS1 rearrangements, EGFR mutation, EML4-ALK rearrangement, ALK, ERCC1 expression, RRM1 expression, c-MET expression, TS expression, KRAS mutation, and PIK3CA mutation (Raman, et al., 2013) The test is used in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who are being considered for treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Crizotinib.
ResponseDX:Melanoma® panel (Response Genetics) utilizes testing of multiple genes including BRAF mutation, and NRAS mutation (Raman, et al., 2013). The test is performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) biopsy specimen, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The test is intended for patients with melanoma who are being considered for treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and EGFR antagonists cetuximab and panitumumab.
ResponseDX: Gastric® panel (Response Genetics) utilizes testing of multiple genes including HER2 gene amplification, ERCC1 expression, and Thymidilate Synthetase expression (Raman, et al., 2013). This is a PCR-based test performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens. Amplification of the HER2 gene is associated with increased disease recurrence and a worse prognosis. ERCC1 expression predicts the best therapeutic combination of agents including platinum and select patients who might benefit from platinum-based therapies. Thymidylate synthetase (TS) expression predicts the best therapeutic combination of agents including pemetrexed or 5-FU and select patients who might benefit from pemetrexed-based therapies.
ROMA
Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) is a blood test cleared by the FDA to aid in the evaluation of pelvic masses for the likelihood of malignancy before surgery. ROMA measures human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and CA-125. These measurements are applied to an algorithm, combined with menopausal status, to calculate a numerical score.
The BCBS TEC’s assessment on "Multi-Analyte Testing for the Evaluation of Adnexal Masses" (2013) concluded that ROMA does not meet TEC criteria. It noted that "evidence regarding the effect of ... ROMA and effects on health outcomes is indirect, and based on studies of diagnostic performance of the tests in patients undergoing surgery for adnexal masses. Although the studies show improvements in sensitivity and worsening of specificity with the use of the tests in conjunction with clinical assessment, there are problems in concluding that this results in improved health outcomes. The clinical assessment performed in the studies is not well characterized... ROMA does not improve the sensitivity of testing to a great extent. Underlying these issues is some uncertainty regarding the benefit of initial treatment by a gynecologic oncologist beyond the need for reoperation is some cases".
Guidelines on ovarian cancer from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN, 2016) state that "it has been suggested that specific biomarkers (serum HE4 and CA-125) along with an algorithm (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm [ROMA]) may be useful for determining whether a pelvic mass is malignant or benign. The FDA has approved the use of HE4 and CA-125 for estimating the risk for ovarian cancer in women with a pelvic mass. Currently, the NCCN Panel does not recommend the use of these biomarkers for determining the status of an undiagnosed pelvic mass."
Guidelines on management of adnexal masses from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG, 2017) state that ROMA includes HE4, which has been found to be more sensitive and specific than CA 125 for the evaluation of adnexal masses. The guidelines state that serum biomarker panels [OVA1 and ROMA] may be used as an alternative to CA 125 alone in determining the need for referral to or consultation with a gynecological oncologist when an adenexal mass requires surgery. The guidelines state that trials that have evaluated the predictive value of these panels show potential for improved specificity; "[h]owever, comparative research has not yet defined the best testing approach."
The UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme has commissioned an assessment (Westwood, et al., 2016) comparing the Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) to alternative risk scores for ovarian cancer, including the ROMA score, as well as Overa/OVA2 (Vermillion), simple rules ultrasound classification system (IOTA), Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adnexa (ADNEX) model (IOTA group). The assessment is scheduled to be completed in 2017.
Rotterdam Signature 76-Gene Panel
The Rotterdam Signature test (Veridex) is a 76-gene expression assay (Raman, 2013). Sixty genes are intended to evaluate estrogen-receptor positive samples and 16 genes to evaluate estrogen-receptor negative samples. In a validation study that tested the signature on samples from 148 women, 50 fell into the low-risk group and 98 into the high-risk group. The test had 88% specificity and 39% sensitivity for the low-risk group, with a hazard ratio for distant relapse within 5 years of 5.74 comparing the high-risk group to the low-risk group. The Rotterdam Signature identifies women at high and low risk of disease recurrence.
The Rotterdam Signature 76-gene panel (Veridex, LLC) is a multivariate index assay that is intended to assist in assessing a patient’s risk of systemic recurrence of cancer following successful initial treatment of localized node-negative breast cancer with surgery and tamoxifen alone. This multigene assay is intended for use in lymph-node negative breast cancer patients. The Rotterdam Signature panel uses microarray processing to measure cellular concentrations of mRNA in fresh tissue samples. The Rotterdam Signature panel uses the Human Genome U133a GeneChip (Affymetrix, Inc.) to identify patients that have gene expression signatures associated with either a low or high risk of developing metastatic disease. A multicenter study investigated the ability of the Rotterdam 76-gene signature to identify patients at risk of distant metastases within 5 and 10 years of first diagnosis, using frozen tissue samples from 180 patients with node-negative breast cancer who had not received systemic chemotherapy (Foekens, et al., 2006). The Rotterdam 76-gene signature correctly identified 27 out of 30 cases of relapse within 5 years (90% sensitivity) and 75 out of 150 patients who did not relapse (50% specificity). An earlier summary of the same study (Foekens, et al., 2005) reported a hazard ratio for distant metastasis-free survival comparing favorable versus unfavorable signature = 7.41 (95% confidence interval 2.63-20.9); p = 8.5 x 10-6). The hazard ratio of overall survival comparing favorable versus unfavorable signature = 5.45 (95% confidence interval 1.62-18.3); p = .002. There are no published studies that have assessed the clinical utility of the Rotterdam 76-gene signature by monitoring the long-term outcomes of the patients selected and not selected for chemotherapy on the basis of assay results.
SelectMDx
SelectMDx is a reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) assay performed on post-DRE, first-void urine specimens from patients with clinical risk factors for PCa, who are being considered for biopsy. The test measures the mRNA levels of the DLX1 and HOXC6 biomarkers, using KLK3 expression as internal reference, to aid in patient selection for prostate biopsy. Higher expression levels of DLX1 and HOXC6 mRNA are associated with an increased probability for high-grade (Gleason score (GS) greater than or equal to 7) prostate cancer. SelectMDx provides the likelihood of detecting PCa upon biopsy, and the probability for high-grade versus low-grade disease, with an AUC of 0.89 (95 % CI: 0.86 to 0.92).
Carlsson and Roobol (2017) provided an overview of the current state of the evidence and highlight recent advances in the evaluation and diagnosis of clinically significant PCa, focusing on biomarkers, risk calculators and multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI). In 2017 there are numerous options to improve early detection as compared to a purely PSA-based approach. All have strengths and drawbacks. In addition to repeating the PSA and performing clinical work-up (DRE and estimation of prostate volume), additional tests investigated in the initial biopsy setting are: % free PSA, PHI, 4Kscore, SelectMDx, and Michigan Prostate Score and in the repeat setting: % free PSA, PHI, 4Kscore, Prostate Cancer Antigen 3, and ConfirmMDx. Risk calculators are available for both biopsy settings and incorporate clinical data with, or without, biomarkers; mpMRI is an important diagnostic adjunct. The authors concluded that there are numerous tests available that can help increase the specificity of PSA, in the initial and repeat biopsy setting; they all coincide with a small decrease in sensitivity of detecting high-grade cancer. They noted that cost-effectiveness is crucial; and the way forward is a multi-variable risk assessment on the basis of readily available clinical data, potentially with the addition of PSA sub-forms, preferably at low cost; MRI in the pre-diagnostic setting is promising, but is not ready for "prime time".
Hendriks and colleagues (2017) noted that the diagnosis of PCa is currently based on serum PSA testing and/or abnormal DRE and histopathologic evaluation of prostate biopsies. The main drawback of PSA testing is the lack of specificity for PCa. To improve early detection of PCa more specific biomarkers are needed. In the past few years, many new promising biomarkers have been identified; however, to-date, only a few have reached clinical practice. These researchers discussed new blood-based and urinary biomarker models that are promising for usage in PCa detection, follow-up and treatment decision-making. These include PHI, PCA3, 4-kallikrein panel (4K), transmembrane protease serine 2-ERG (TMPRSS2-ERG), ExoDx Prostate Intelliscore, SelectMDx and the Mi-Prostate score. Only few head-to-head studies are available for these new fluid-based biomarkers and/or models. The blood-based PHI and urinary PCA3 are 2 FDA-approved biomarkers for diagnosis of PCa. These investigators also provided an overview of published studies comparing these 2 available biomarkers for prediction of (i) PCa upon prostate biopsy, (ii) pathological features in radical prostatectomy specimen, and (iii) significant PCa in patients eligible for active surveillance. Studies showed opposing results in comparison of PHI with PCA3 for prediction of PCa upon initial and repeat prostate biopsy; PHI and PCA3 are able to predict pathological findings on radical prostatectomy specimen, such as tumor volume and Gleason score. Only PHI could predict seminal vesicle invasion and only PCA3 could predict multi-focality. There is some evidence that PHI outperformed PCA3 in predicting significant PCa in an active surveillance population. The authors concluded that future research should focus on independent validation of promising fluid-based biomarkers/models, and prospective comparison of biomarkers with each other.
Dijkstra and associates (2017) examined the cost-effectiveness of a new urinary biomarker-based risk score (SelectMDx; MDxHealth, Inc., Irvine, CA) to identify patients for TRUS-guided biopsy and to compare this with the current standard of care (SOC), using only PSA to select for TRUS-guided biopsy. A decision-tree and Markov model were developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of SelectMDx as a reflex test versus SOC in men with a PSA level of greater than 3 ng/ml. Transition probabilities, utilities and costs were derived from the literature and expert opinion. Cost-effectiveness was expressed in QALYs and healthcare costs of both diagnostic strategies, simulating the course of patients over a time horizon representing 18 years. Deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed to address uncertainty in assumptions. A diagnostic strategy including SelectMDx with a cut-off chosen at a sensitivity of 95.7 % for high-grade PCa resulted in savings of €128 and a gain of 0.025 QALY per patient compared to the SOC strategy. The sensitivity analyses showed that the disutility assigned to active surveillance had a high impact on the QALYs gained and the disutility attributed to TRUS-guided biopsy only slightly influenced the outcome of the model. The authors concluded that based on the currently available evidence, the reduction of over-diagnosis and over-treatment due to the use of the SelectMDx test in men with PSA levels of greater than 3 ng/ml may lead to a reduction in total costs per patient and a gain in QALYs.
Sari Motlagh et al (2022) compared SelectMDx and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) as a diagnostic test in detecting clinical prostate cancer (PCa) and high grade(HG)-PCa in men suspected to have PCa. The authors conducted a systematic search using major web databases for studies that compared sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of SelectMDx and/or mpMRI that were published before September 30, 2021. The bivariate random model that plotted sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and likelihood ratio (LR) for PCa and HG-PCa detection was applied to compare SelectMDx, mpMRI, and combination strategies (both positive and one or both positive). The authors found 7 studies comprising of 1328 patients who had undergone SelectMDx and mpMRI to detect PCa. Regarding PCa detection, SelectMDx had a pooled sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 69.8%, PPV of 64.7%, NPV of 85%, and LRs of +2.68 to -0.27, while mpMRI had a pooled sensitivity of 80.8%, specificity of 73.4%, PPV of 72.4%, NPV of 83.5%, and LRs of +3.03 to -0.26. The one or both positive strategy had the highest sensitivity (96.3%), NPV (95.7%), and the lowest -LR (0.06). While the both positive strategy had the highest specificity (80.9%), the PPV (76.5%) and +LR (3.68). In the scenario of PI-RADS 3 lesions not being biopsied in case of a negative SelectMDx (n = 44), unnecessary biopsies would be reduced by 42% (44/105) while the risk of missing HG-PCa would be 9% (4/44). The authors concluded that the performance of SelectMDx is comparable to that of mpMRI with regards to PCa and HG-PCa detection. In addition, this biomarker could help refine the clinical decision-making regarding the necessity of a biopsy in patients suspected to have PCa.
An UpToDate review on "Prostate biopsy" (Benway and Andriole, 2021) does not mention SelectMDx.
Furthermore, NCCN’s clinical practice guideline on "Prostate cancer" (Version 1.2023) does not mention SelectMDx as a management tool.
Signatera Test
Signatera (Natera Inc.) is a custom-built circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test for molecular treatment monitoring and molecular residual disease (MRD) assessment. It can be used for individuals with stage II/III colorectal cancer who are considering adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) and/or who are being monitored for relapse post-treatment. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to support its clinical effectiveness.
Reinert and colleagues (2019) stated that novel sensitive methods for detection and monitoring of residual disease could improve post-operative risk stratification with implications for patient selection for adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT), ACT duration, intensity of radiologic surveillance, and, ultimately, outcome for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). In a prospective, multi-center cohort study, these investigators examined the association of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with recurrence using longitudinal data from ultra-deep sequencing of plasma cell-free DNA in patients with CRC before and after surgery, during and after ACT, and during surveillance. ctDNA was quantified in the pre-operative and post-operative settings of stages I to III CRC by personalized multiplex, PCR-based, next-generation sequencing. The study enrolled 130 patients at the surgical departments of Aarhus University Hospital, Randers Hospital, and Herning Hospital in Denmark from May 1, 2014, to January 31, 2017. Plasma samples (n = 829) were collected before surgery, post-operatively at day 30, and every 3rd month for up to 3 years. Main outcomes were ctDNA measurement, clinical recurrence, and RFS. A total of 130 patients with stages I to III CRC (mean [SD] age of 67.9 [10.1] years; 74 [56.9 %] men) were enrolled in the study; 5 patients discontinued participation, leaving 125 patients for analysis. Pre-operatively, ctDNA was detectable in 84 of 94 patients (89.4 %). After definitive treatment, longitudinal ctDNA analysis identified 14 of 16 relapses (87.5 %). At post-operative day 30, ctDNA-positive patients were 7 times more likely to relapse than ctDNA-negative patients (HR, 7.2; 95 % CI: 2.7 to 19.0; p < 0.001). Similarly, shortly after ACT ctDNA-positive patients were 17 times (HR, 17.5; 95 % CI: 5.4 to 56.5; p < 0.001) more likely to relapse. All 7 patients who were ctDNA positive after ACT experienced relapse. Monitoring during and after ACT indicated that 3 of the 10 ctDNA-positive patients (30.0 %) were cleared by ACT. During surveillance after definitive therapy, ctDNA-positive patients were more than 40 times more likely to experience disease recurrence than ctDNA-negative patients (HR, 43.5; 95 % CI: 9.8 to 193.5; p < 0.001). In all multi-variate analyses, ctDNA status was independently associated with relapse after adjusting for known clinicopathologic risk factors. Serial ctDNA analyses revealed disease recurrence up to 16.5 months ahead of standard-of-care radiologic imaging (mean of 8.7 months; range of 0.8 to 16.5 months). Actionable mutations were identified in 81.8 % of the ctDNA-positive relapse samples. The authors concluded that circulating tumor DNA analysis could potentially change the post-operative management of CRC by enabling risk stratification, ACT monitoring, and early relapse detection. They stated that there are potential limitations to this study, including the modest sample size of patients with recurrent CRC and the analysis of multiple patient subsets. Moreover, these researchers stated that these findings suggested many potentially paradigm-changing clinical applications of ctDNA in CRC and provide a framework for future clinical trials to examine the clinical benefits of ctDNA-guided disease management.
Tie and associates (2019) noted that ACT in patients with stage III colon cancer prevents recurrence by eradicating MRD. However, which patients remain at high risk of recurrence after completing standard adjuvant treatment cannot currently be determined. Post-surgical ctDNA analysis can detect MRD and is associated with recurrence in CRCs. In a multi-center, population-based, cohort biomarker study, these investigator examined if serial post-surgical and post-chemotherapy ctDNA analysis could provide a real-time indication of adjuvant therapy efficacy in stage III colon cancer. This trial recruited 100 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed stage III colon cancer planned for 24 weeks of ACT from November 1, 2014, through May 31, 2017. Patients with another malignant neoplasm diagnosed within the last 3 years were excluded. Median duration of follow-up was 28.9 months (range of 11.6 to 46.4 months). Physicians were blinded to ctDNA results. Data were analyzed from December 10, 2018, through June 23, 2019. Serial plasma samples were collected after surgery and after chemotherapy. Somatic mutations in individual patients' tumors were identified via massively parallel sequencing of 15 genes commonly mutated in CRC; personalized assays were designed to quantify ctDNA. Main outcome measures included detection of ctDNA and recurrence-free interval (RFI). After 4 exclusions, 96 eligible patients were eligible; median patient age was 64 years (range of 26 to 82); 49 (51 %) were men. At least 1 somatic mutation was identified in the tumor tissue of all 96 evaluable patients. Circulating tumor DNA was detectable in 20 of 96 (21 %) post-surgical samples and was associated with inferior RFS (HR, 3.8; 95 % CI: 2.4 to 21.0; p < 0.001); ctDNA was detectable in 15 of 88 (17 %) post-chemotherapy samples. The estimated 3-year RFI was 30 % when ctDNA was detectable after chemotherapy and 77 % when ctDNA was undetectable (HR, 6.8; 95 % CI: 11.0 to 157.0; p < 0.001). Post-surgical ctDNA status remained independently associated with RFI after adjusting for known clinicopathologic risk factors (HR, 7.5; 95 % CI: 3.5 to 16.1; p < 0.001). The authors concluded that the findings of this study suggested that ctDNA analysis after surgery is a promising prognostic marker in stage III colon cancer. Post-chemotherapy ctDNA analysis may define a patient subset that remains at high risk of recurrence despite completing standard adjuvant treatment.
Wang and colleagues (2019) stated that for patients with resected, non-metastatic CRC, the optimal surveillance protocol remains unclear. These researchers examined if serial ctDNA levels detected disease recurrence earlier, compared with conventional post-operative surveillance, in patients with resected CRC. This study included patients (n = 58) with stage I, II, or III CRC who underwent radical surgical resection at 4 Swedish hospitals from February 2, 2007, to May 8, 2013; 18 patients received ACT at the discretion of their clinicians, who were blinded to the ctDNA results. Blood samples were collected at 1 month after the surgical procedure and every 3 to 6 months thereafter for ctDNA analysis. Patients were followed-up until metachronous metastases were detected, or for a median of 49 months. Data analysis was performed from March 1, 2009 to June 23, 2018. Sensitivity and timing of ctDNA positivity were compared with those of conventional surveillance modalities (CT scans and serum CEA tests) for the detection of disease recurrence. This study included 319 blood samples from 58 patients, with a median (range) age of 69 (47 to 83) years and 34 men (59 %). The recurrence rate among patients with positive ctDNA levels was 77 % (10 of 13 patients). Positive ctDNA preceded radiologic and clinical evidence of recurrence by a median of 3 months. Of the 45 patients with negative ctDNA throughout follow-up, none (0 %; 95 % CI: 0 % to 7.9 %) experienced a relapse, with a median follow-up of 49 months. However, 3 (6 %; 95 % CI: 1.3 % to 17 %) of the 48 patients without relapse had a positive ctDNA result, which subsequently fell to undetectable levels during follow-up. The authors concluded that although these findings needed to be validated in a larger, prospective trial, they suggested that ctDNA analysis could complement conventional surveillance strategies as a triage test to stratify patients with resected CRC on the basis of risk of disease recurrence.
The authors stated that this study was limited by the sample size, involving only 319 blood samples from 58 patients. Nevertheless, it was encouraging that the 10 patients who relapsed clinically had positive ctDNA levels that preceded radiographic evidence of recurrence. Although ctDNA positivity preceded recurrence by a median of 4 months in patients who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, the blood samples did not become ctDNA positive until a median of 9 months after surgical resection. This lead time would not be early enough to affect the decision on ACT; however, it might still be sufficient to allow for earlier implementation of other curative or palliative strategies. These investigators suspected that the shorter lead time may, in part, be associated with the higher frequency of imaging than recommended by many guidelines for stage II or III disease; 2/3 of the patients in the study underwent CT imaging every 6 months, and the remaining 1/3 was imaged every 12 months.
Reece and associates (2019) noted that CRC is one of the most common cancers worldwide and has a high mortality rate following disease recurrence. Treatment efficacy is maximized by providing tailored cancer treatment, ideally involving surgical resection and personalized neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and increasingly, targeted therapy. Early detection of recurrence or disease progression results in more treatable disease and is essential to improving survival outcomes. Recent advances in the understanding of tumor genetics have resulted in the discovery of ctDNA. These investigators carried out a literature search in PubMed to identify all original articles preceding April 2019 that employ ctDNA for the purpose of monitoring response to CRC treatment. A total of 92 studies were included. These studies showed that ctDNA is a reliable measure of tumor burden; they demonstrated the utility of ctDNA in assessing the adequacy of surgical tumor clearance and changes in ctDNA levels reflected response to systemic treatments. ctDNA could be used in the selection of targeted treatments. The re-appearance or increase in ctDNA, as well as the emergence of new mutations, correlated with disease recurrence, progression, and resistance to therapy, with ctDNA measurement allowing more sensitive monitoring than currently used clinical tools. The authors concluded that ctDNA showed enormous promise as a sensitive biomarker for monitoring response to many treatment modalities and for targeting therapy; therefore, it is emerging as a new way for guiding treatment decisions-initiating, altering, and ceasing treatments, or prompting investigation into the potential for residual disease. However, many potentially useful ctDNA markers are available and more work is needed to determine which are best suited for specific purposes and for improving specific outcomes.
The authors stated that 1 drawback of this review was the lack of standardization of ctDNA detection methods between studies. Assay methods include PCR, droplet digital PCR, BEAMing, and NGS. These methods can vary greatly in cost, and not all technologies are available in standard laboratories. For standardization it is also important to establish quality controls to account for the inter-laboratory variability. A recent study showed that through sending ctDNA samples to 32 laboratories across Europe for mutation testing, and using 6 different cell-free DNA extraction methods and 5 different analysis methods, it led to a percentage of errors that could have had implications for clinical decision-making around therapy of 20.1 %. It has also been shown that artefactual KRAS mutations may occur, depending on the method applied. Setting a threshold for the mutant allele frequency may reduce the incidence of false results. Similarly, ultra-sensitive techniques should also be applied, otherwise the absence of detectable ctDNA may indicate a poor quality sample or analysis, rather than the absence of disease. A further drawback of the studies was that very few established whether ctDNA was an independent predictor for treatment response. Of 20 studies that calculated a HR of ctDNA for assessing either PFS or OS, only 5 studies performed multi-variate analysis, correcting for other important variables that may affect survival.
Wang and co-workers (2020) noted that surgical resection is the primary treatment for patients with non-metastatic CRC. However, even after undergoing radical resection procedure, 30 to 50 % of patients will still experience relapse. Circulation tumor DNA, deriving from tumor cells, is shed into the bloodstream and is a potential predictive biomarker of recurrence in CRC. In a meta-analysis, these researchers examined the clinical value of ctDNA in predicting the recurrence of CRC patients in post-operative. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched to identify the studies that reported the function of ctDNA for predicting recurrence in CRC patients. The eligible studies were pooled to calculate the relative risk (RR) of recurrence in ctDNA positive and negative groups. The data of ctDNA on RFS were extracted and computed in HR and 95 % CI; subgroup analyses were also performed. A total of 7 studies including 424 patients were included and analyzed in this meta-analysis. The results showed that pooled RR was 4.65 (95 % CI: 2.68 to 8.08, p < 0.05), indicating positive ctDNA could predict the recurrence of CRC after curative surgical. The pooled HR demonstrated strong connection between ctDNA positive and RFS in patients with CRC (HR = 9.14, 95 % CI: 4.02 to 20.75, p < 0.05). The authors concluded that evidence from the meta-analysis suggested that ctDNA is a promising potential biomarker for predicting post-operative recurrence of CRC. Moreover, these researchers stated that given the inherent limitations of this study, they look forward to more well-designed clinical studies to validate and update this analysis in the future.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guidelines on "Colon cancer" (Version 4.2020) and "Rectal cancer" (Version 6.2020) do not mention measurement of cell-free DNA as a management tool.
Bratman et al (2020) noted that immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) provides clinical benefit to a subset of patients with cancer; however, existing biomarkers do not reliably predict treatment response across diverse cancer types. Limited data exist to show how serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing may perform as a predictive biomarker in patients receiving ICB. In a prospective, phase-II clinical trial, these researchers examined ctDNA in 5 distinct cohorts of patients with advanced solid tumors treated with pembrolizumab. They employed bespoke ctDNA assays to 316 serial plasma samples obtained at baseline and every 3 cycles from 94 patients. Baseline ctDNA concentration correlated with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), clinical response and clinical benefit. This association became stronger when considering ctDNA kinetics during treatment. All 12 patients with ctDNA clearance during treatment were alive with median 25 months follow-up. The authors concluded that the findings of this phase-II clinical trial suggested broad clinical use for ctDNA-based surveillance in patients treated with ICB. This is a non-invasive strategy to predict clinical benefit and long-term survival that could be generalizable across cancer types. They stated that future interventional studies are needed to enable clinical decisions using ctDNA levels to guide ICB treatment as well as surveillance in patients treated with ICB.
Loupakis et al (2021) stated that more than 50 % of patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (metastatic colorectal cancer [mCRC]) relapse post-resection. The effectiveness of post-operative systemic treatment is limited in this setting; thus, these patients would greatly benefit from the use of a reliable prognostic biomarker, such as ctDNA to identify minimal or molecular residual disease (MRD). In a retrospective study, these researchers analyzed a cohort of 112 patients with mCRC who had undergone metastatic resection with curative intent as part of the PREDATOR clinical trial. The study examined the prognostic value of ctDNA, correlating MRD status post-surgery with clinical outcomes by using a personalized and tumor-informed ctDNA assay (bespoke multiple PCR, next-generation sequencing [NGS] assay). Post-resection, systemic therapy was administered to 39.2 % of the patients at the discretion of the treating physician. Post-surgical, MRD positivity was observed in 54.4 % (61 of 112) of patients, of which 96.7 % (59 of 61) progressed at the time of data cut-off (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.8; 95 % CI: 3.5 to 9.7; p < 0.001). MRD-positive status was also associated with an inferior OS: HR: 16.0; 95 % CI: 3.9 to 68.0; p < 0.001. At the time of analyses, 96 % (49 of 51) of patients were alive in the MRD-negative arm compared with 52.4 % (32 of 61) in the MRD-positive arm. Patients who did not receive systemic therapy and were MRD-negative in the combined ctDNA analysis at 2 time-points had an OS of 100 %. In the multi-variate analysis, ctDNA-based MRD status was the most significant prognostic factor associated with disease-free survival (DFS; HR: 5.78; 95 % CI: 3.34 to 10.0; p < 0.001). The authors concluded that the findings of this study suggested that clinical trials centered on patients with mCRC could benefit from the implementation of ctDNA testing in their design. For example, clinical trials could benefit from patient stratification on the basis of their post-surgical MRD status before randomly assigning patients into a treatment versus placebo arm. Furthermore, MRD-guided trials could also benefit by enriching patients with high-risk of relapse, leading to significant reductions in trial sample size and unnecessary treatment cost. In addition, the use of ctDNA as a surrogate endpoint for treatment response monitoring is being actively investigated, wherein an early indication of treatment efficacy (ctDNA clearance) relative to conventional strategies may lead to expedited approval of new therapies. The results of this trial support the continuous expansion of the number of clinical studies in patients with mCRC using personalized ctDNA-based MRD analysis and provides direct evidence of the predictive and prognostic value of ctDNA, which could help clinicians and researchers with real numbers to design their clinical studies and support therapeutic decisions in the adjuvant setting. These researchers stated that post-operative MRD analysis could be a strong prognostic biomarker for patients with mCRC undergoing resection of metastases; it holds promises for being implemented in clinical decision-making, informing clinical trial design, and further translational research.
The authors stated that drawbacks of this study included a relatively small sample size (n = 112) and the retrospective design with the use of archived samples, because of which these researchers observed a high degree of necrosis and low tumor cellularity in the tissue samples, resulting in a WES QC failure rate of 16.9 %. This was because some patients received systemic treatment before liver or met resection, resulting in deteriorated sample quality. However, in real-world, prospective studies with analysis performed on primary or untreated samples, these researchers had observed a WES QC failure rate of less than 3 %, which was compatible with clinical practice. Another drawback of this study was that these investigators only tested 2 time-points (post-surgical) in this setting. They stated that their future studies will include monitoring of ctDNA dynamics using serial testing at regular intervals within a subgroup of patients from the present analysis. Overall, these investigators believed that the use of serial testing could allow for tailoring of treatment regimens, with treatment escalation in patients with progressive disease and the opportunity of early therapeutic interventions with more aggressive follow-up in patients who were ctDNA-positive but have not yet progressed. Furthermore, previous studies had shown ctDNA clearance to be a proxy of treatment efficacy, especially in the adjuvant setting where post-operative ctDNA negativity showed better outcomes compared with ctDNA-positive patients. The authors acknowledged the limitation of their small dataset to establish this evidence. However, they did see a clear pattern, wherein 100 % of the patients who remained positive or turned positive at the 2nd time-point progressed as compared with the ctDNA-negative patients.
Powles et al (2021) noted that minimally invasive approaches to detect residual disease following surgery are needed to identify patients with cancer who are at risk for metastatic relapse. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) holds promise as a biomarker for molecular residual disease and relapse. These researchers examined outcomes in 581 patients who had undergone surgery and were evaluable for ctDNA from a randomized phase-III clinical trial of adjuvant atezolizumab versus observation in operable urothelial cancer. This trial did not reach its efficacy endpoint in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. These investigators showed that ctDNA testing at the start of therapy (cycle 1 day 1) identified 214 (37 %) patients who were positive for ctDNA and who had poor prognosis (observation arm hazard ratio [HR] = 6.3 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 4.45 to 8.92); p < 0.0001). Notably, patients who were positive for ctDNA had improved disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in the atezolizumab arm versus the observation arm (DFS HR = 0.58 (95 % CI: 0.43 to 0.79); p = 0.0024, OS (HR = 0.59 (95 % CI: 0.41 to 0.86)). No difference in DFS or OS between treatment arms was noted for patients who were negative for ctDNA. The rate of ctDNA clearance at week 6 was higher in the atezolizumab arm (18 %) than in the observation arm (4 %) (p = 0.0204). Transcriptomic analysis of tumors from patients who were positive for ctDNA revealed higher expression levels of cell-cycle and keratin genes. For patients who were positive for ctDNA and who were treated with atezolizumab, non-relapse was associated with immune response signatures and basal-squamous gene features, whereas relapse was associated with angiogenesis and fibroblast TGFβ signatures. The authors concluded that these findings suggested that adjuvant atezolizumab may be associated with improved outcomes compared with observation in patients who were positive for ctDNA and who were at a high risk of relapse. These findings, if validated in other settings, would shift approaches to post-operative cancer care.
The authors stated that this study had 2 main drawbacks. First, ctDNA status was a prospective but exploratory endpoint; thus, further studies are needed to validate and expand its clinical utility. Second, this method of ctDNA analysis required whole-exome sequencing (WES) and took approximately 2 to 3 weeks. This is clinically applicable in the adjuvant setting where patients require a period of time to recover from surgery before starting therapy.
In an expert commentary regarding the study by Powles et al (2021), Woldu and Lotan (2021) stated that “While this is all quite exciting, the results are far from ideal and further work is required. As an example, 31 % of patients who were negative for ctDNA in the observation arm in this study experienced relapse. This lack of sensitivity may be due to technical limitations of the assay, which could reasonably be expected to be mitigated with further advances. However, there are also likely biologic limitations, such as non-shedding tumors and heterogeneity in tumors that relapse, that will inherently limit the sensitivity of such assays. In addition, while ctDNA may very well correlate with MRD and have prognostic value, novel biomarkers with predictive capacity that might guide future adjuvant options are needed”.
Kotani et al (2023) stated that despite standard-of-care (SOC) treatment, more than 30 % of patients with resectable colorectal cancer (CRC) relapse; and ctDNA analysis may enable post-surgical risk stratification and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) treatment decision-making. In an observational study, these investigators reported results from GALAXY, which is an observational arm of the ongoing CIRCULATE-Japan study that analyzed pre-surgical and post-surgical ctDNA in patients with stage II-IV resectable CRC (n = 1,039). In this cohort, with a median follow-up of 16.74 months (range of 0.49 to 24.83 months), post-surgical ctDNA positivity (at 4 weeks after surgery) was associated with higher recurrence risk (hazard ratio (HR) 10.0, p < 0.0001) and was the most significant prognostic factor associated with recurrence risk in patients with stage II or III CRC (HR 10.82, p < 0.001). Furthermore, post-surgical ctDNA positivity identified patients with stage II or III CRC who derived benefit from ACT (HR 6.59, p < 0.0001). The authors concluded that in this large, observational study, they showed that post-surgical ctDNA status is a most significant prognostic biomarker than the currently used high-risk clinicopathological features and could potentially be predictive of ACT benefit. These researchers stated that ongoing prospective, randomized trials will further examine the optimal ctDNA-guided treatment strategy for surgically resectable CRC.
The authors stated that potential limitations of these results included the observational nature of the study and the bias in patient characteristics. To partly mitigate these potential biases, these investigators carried out a multi-variate analysis, demonstrating the clear benefit of ACT for reduction of recurrence risk in ctDNA-positive patients 4 weeks after surgery. Another limitation of the study was the non-feasibility of performing a randomized trial of ACT versus the observation arm in post-surgical ctDNA-positive patients in Japan. However, these findings were supportive of the benefit of ACT and may need further investigation in a prospective randomized trial with adequate follow-up to evaluate the non-inferiority of the observation arm versus ACT in ctDNA-negative patients. These data are supported by the results of the recently published prospective, randomized DYNAMIC trial. Of 455 patients with stage II colon cancer, 294 underwent ctDNA-guided adjuvant therapy, and 147 underwent standard management (median follow-up of 37 months). ctDNA-guided management reduced the proportion of patients receiving adjuvant therapy (15 % in the ctDNA-guided arm versus 28 % in the standard management arm), without compromising 2-year recurrence-free survival (RFS; 93.5 % in the ctDNA-guided arm versus 92.4 % in the standard management arm), implying that ctDNA-guided ACT is not inferior to standard management. Interestingly, patients who were ctDNA-negative were not treated, and the 3-year RFS for ctDNA-negative patients was 92.5 % compared with 86.4 % for ctDNA-positive patients.
An assessment of Signatera by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2022) stated that "[k]ey uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that there is no prospective evidence on using Signatera in clinical practice or its effect on treatment decisions or clinical outcomes.. . . Experts advised that there is not enough evidence to support routine use of the technology in the NHS. This is in line with recommendations from the European Society for Medical Oncology on the use of ctDNA. But there are several ongoing trials that may address gaps in the evidence."
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for "Anal carcinoma" (Version 3.2025) does not include a recommendation for the use of minimal residual disease testing for the management of anal cancer.
Signatera Test for Breast Cancer
Natera’s Signatera (RUO) is the first ctDNA assay custom-built for treatment monitoring and molecular residual disease assessment. The Signatera (RUO) methodology differs from currently available liquid biopsy assays, which test for a panel of genes independent of an individual's tumor.
Oellerich et al (2017) stated that high-quality genomic analysis is critical for personalized pharmacotherapy in patients with cancer. Tumor-specific genomic alterations can be identified in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from patient blood samples and can complement biopsies for real-time molecular monitoring of treatment, detection of recurrence, and tracking resistance. cfDNA can be especially useful when tumor tissue is unavailable or insufficient for testing. For blood-based genomic profiling, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) have been successfully applied. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first such "liquid biopsy" test for EGFR mutations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Such non-invasive methods allow for the identification of specific resistance mutations selected by treatment, such as EGFR T790M, in patients with NSCLC treated with gefitinib. Chromosomal aberration pattern analysis by low coverage whole genome sequencing is a more universal approach based on genomic instability. Gains and losses of chromosomal regions have been detected in plasma tumor-specific cfDNA as copy number aberrations and can be used to compute a genomic copy number instability (CNI) score of cfDNA. A specific CNI index obtained by massive parallel sequencing discriminated those patients with prostate cancer from both healthy controls and men with benign prostatic disease. Furthermore, androgen receptor gene aberrations in cfDNA were associated with therapeutic resistance in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. Change in CNI score has been shown to serve as an early predictor of response to standard chemotherapy for various other cancer types (e.g. NSCLC, colorectal cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas). CNI scores have also been shown to predict therapeutic responses to immunotherapy. Serial genomic profiling can detect resistance mutations up to 16 weeks before radiographic progression. There is a potential for cost savings when ineffective use of expensive new anticancer drugs is avoided or halted. Challenges for routine implementation of liquid biopsy tests include the necessity of specialized personnel, instrumentation, and software, as well as further development of quality management (e.g., external quality control). Validation of blood-based tumor genomic profiling in additional multi-center outcome studies is needed; however, cfDNA monitoring can provide clinically important actionable information for precision oncology approaches.
Volckmar et al (2018) noted that recently, many genome-wide profiling studies provided insights into the molecular make-up of major cancer types. The deeper understanding of these genetic alterations and their functional consequences led to the discovery of novel therapeutic opportunities improving clinical management of cancer patients. While tissue-based molecular patient stratification is the gold standard for precision medicine, it has certain limitations: Tissue biopsies are invasive sampling procedures carrying the risk of complications and may not represent the entire tumor due to underlying genetic heterogeneity. In this context, complementary characterization of genetic information in the blood of cancer patients can serve as minimal-invasive 'liquid biopsy'. Fragments of cfDNA are released from tissues of healthy individuals as well as cancer patients. The fraction of cfDNA that is released from primary tumors or metastases (i.e., circulating tumor DNA, ctDNA) represents genetic aberrations in cancer cells, which are a potential source for diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. Recent studies have demonstrated technical feasibility and clinical applications including detection of drug targets and resistance mutations as well as longitudinal monitoring of tumors under therapy. To this end, a variety of pre-analytical procedures for blood processing, isolation and quantification of cfDNA are being employed and several analytical methods and technologies ranging from PCR-based single locus assays to genome-wide approaches are available, which considerably differ in sensitivity, specificity, and throughput. However, broad implementation of ctDNA analysis in daily clinical practice requires a thorough understanding of theoretical, technical, and biological concepts and necessitates standardization and validation of pre-analytical and analytical procedures across different technologies.
Oellerich et al (2019) stated that genomic analyses in oncologic care allow for the development of more precise clinical laboratory tests that will be critical for personalized pharmacotherapy. Traditional biopsy-based approaches are limited by the availability of sequential tissue specimens to detect resistance. Blood-based genomic profiling ("liquid biopsy") is useful for longitudinal monitoring of tumor genomes and can complement biopsies. Tumor-associated mutations can be identified in ctDNA from patient blood samples and used for monitoring disease activity. The FDA approved a liquid biopsy test for EGFR-activating mutations in patients with NSCLC as a companion diagnostic for therapy selection. ctDNA also allows for the identification of mutations selected by treatment such as EGFR T790M in NSCLC. ctDNA can also detect mutations such as KRAS G12V in colorectal cancer and BRAF V600E/V600K in melanoma. Chromosomal aberration pattern analysis by low-coverage whole genome sequencing is a new, broader approach. Genomic imbalances detected in cfDNA can be used to compute a CNI score. In clinical studies, it was demonstrated that the change in CNI score can serve as an early predictor of therapeutic response to chemotherapy/immunotherapy of many cancer types. In multi-variable models, it could be shown that the CNI score was superior to clinical parameters for prediction of overall survival in patients with head and neck cancer. There is emerging evidence for the clinical validity of ctDNA testing regarding identification of candidates for targeted therapies, prediction of therapeutic response, early detection of recurrence, resistance mutation detection, measuring genetic heterogeneity, tumor burden monitoring, and risk stratification. Improvement of sensitivity to detect tumors at very early stages is difficult due to insufficient mutant DNA fraction of less than or equal to 0.01 %. The authors stated that further developments will include validation in prospective multi-center interventional outcome studies and the development of digital platforms to integrate diagnostic data.
Coombes and colleagues (2019) stated that up to 30 % of patients with breast cancer relapse after primary treatment. There are no sensitive and reliable tests to monitor these patients and detect distant metastases before overt recurrence. These researchers reported on the use of personalized circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling for detection of recurrence in breast cancer. A total of 49 primary patients with breast cancer were recruited following surgery and adjuvant therapy. Plasma samples (n = 208) were collected every 6 months for up to 4 years. Personalized assays targeting 16 variants selected from primary tumor whole-exome data were tested in serial plasma for the presence of ctDNA by ultra-deep sequencing (average greater than 100,000X). Plasma ctDNA was detected ahead of clinical or radiologic relapse in 16 of the 18 relapsed patients (sensitivity of 89 %); metastatic relapse was predicted with a lead time of up to 2 years (median of 8.9 months; range of 0.5 to 24.0 months). None of the 31 non-relapsing patients was ctDNA-positive at any time-point across 156 plasma samples (specificity of 100 %). Of the 2 relapsed patients who were not detected in the study, the 1st had only a local recurrence, whereas the 2nd patient had bone recurrence and had completed chemotherapy just 13 days prior to blood sampling. The authors concluded that they presented a sensitive and specific clinical test that could be used to identify pre-clinical metastases and follow all patients with breast cancer following therapy irrespective of molecular subtype. It out-performs conventional means of monitoring and showed promise as a tool for guiding future precision medicine. Moreover, these researchers stated that future studies will address the issue of the effects of therapy on ctDNA levels in patients with breast cancer.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. The test is not suitable for detecting a 2nd primary breast cancer unless it recurred from the original tumor; this was exemplified by a patient, where a 2nd contralateral primary cancer was detected. Second, relying on ctDNA required that sufficient molecules were present in the plasma at the time of collection, which might not have been the case in patients with smaller and less aggressive breast cancers. This was exemplified by a patient who relapsed with local resectable disease but was ctDNA-negative.
Hufnagl et al (2020) noted that the clinical decisions made when treating patients with metastatic cancer require knowledge of the current tumor extent and response to therapy. For the majority of solid tumors, a response assessment, which is based on imaging, is used to guide these decisions. However, measuring serum protein biomarkers (i.e., tumor markers) may be of additional use. Furthermore, tumor markers exhibit variable specificity and sensitivity and cannot therefore be solely relied upon when making decisions regarding cancer treatment. Thus, there is a clinical requirement for the identification of specific, sensitive and quantitative biomarkers. In recent years, circulating cfDNA and mutation-specific circulating cell-free tumor DNA (cftDNA) have been identified as novel potential biomarkers. In the current study, cfDNA and cftDNA were compared using imaging-based staging and current tumor markers in 15 patients with metastatic colorectal, pancreatic or breast cancer. These patients were treated at the Third Medical Department of Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg (Austria). The results of the current study demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the concentration changes of cfDNA and cftDNA and response to treatment, which was assessed by imaging. A correlation was not indicated with current clinically used tumor markers, including carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), carcinoma antigen (CA) 15-3 and CA 19-9. The present study also indicated a correlation between cfDNA and cftDNA and the tumor volume of metastatic lesions, which was not observed with the current clinically used tumor markers. The authors concluded that cfDNA and cftDNA exhibited the potential to become novel biomarkers for the response assessment following cancer treatment, and may serve as a tool for the estimation of tumor volume. The current study further supports the increasingly important role of cfDNA and cftDNA as new monitoring tools for use during cancer therapy.
Moss et al (2020) stated that tumor-derived cfDNA is present in the plasma of individuals with cancer. Assays aimed at detecting common cancer mutations in cfDNA are being developed for the detection of several cancer types. In breast cancer, however, such assays have failed to detect the disease at a sensitivity relevant for clinical use, in part due to the absence of multiple common mutations that can be co-detected in plasma. Unlike individual mutations that exist only in a subset of tumors, unique DNA methylation patterns are universally present in cells of a common type and therefore may be ideal biomarkers. These researchers described the detection and quantification of breast-derived cfDNA using a breast-specific DNA methylation signature. They collected plasma from patients with localized breast cancer before and throughout treatment with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery (n = 235 samples). Pre-treatment breast cfDNA was detected in patients with localized disease with a sensitivity of 80 % at 97 % specificity. High breast cfDNA levels were associated with aggressive molecular tumor profiles and metabolic activity of the disease. During neoadjuvant chemotherapy, breast cfDNA levels decreased dramatically. Importantly, the presence of breast cfDNA towards the end of the chemotherapy regimen reflected the existence of residual disease. The authors proposed that breast-specific cfDNA is a universal and powerful marker for the detection and monitoring of breast cancer.
These researchers stated that in this preliminary study, they provided proof of the concept that breast cfDNA quantification opens a window into the dynamics of breast cancer with a potential for early diagnosis, monitoring of treatment response, and detection of recurrence. It should be noted that this study was based on data obtained from a small number of individuals who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and further validation in another series of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy is needed. Additionally, further expansion of the panel of breast DNA markers used may dramatically increase assay sensitivity and clinical utility. These investigators also underscored the importance of sufficiently powered studies to explain the variance in breast cfDNA concentrations observed among patients and to test the utility of breast cfDNA in identifying recurrence of the disease. Finally, while in this study the authors had focused on patients with localized disease at stage II to III, future studies, using a maximally sensitive version of the assay, should examine the relevance of this approach to patients at even earlier stages of the disease.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on "Breast cancer" (Version 2.2020) does not mention the use of circulating cell-free DNA as a management tool.
Magbanua and associates (2021) noted that pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is strongly associated with favorable outcome. These investigators examined the use of serial ctDNA testing for predicting pCR and risk of metastatic recurrence. Cell-free DNA was isolated from 291 plasma samples of 84 high-risk early breast cancer patients treated in the neoadjuvant I-SPY 2 TRIAL with standard NAC alone or combined with MK-2206 (AKT inhibitor) treatment. Blood was collected at pre-treatment (T0), 3 weeks after initiation of paclitaxel (T1), between paclitaxel and anthracycline regimens (T2), or prior to surgery (T3). A personalized ctDNA test was designed to detect up to 16 patient-specific mutations (from whole-exome sequencing of pre-treatment tumor) in cfDNA by ultra-deep sequencing. The median follow-up time for survival analysis was 4.8 years. At T0, 61 of 84 (73 %) patients were ctDNA-positive, which decreased over time (T1: 35 %; T2: 14 %; and T3: 9 %). Patients who remained ctDNA-positive at T1 were significantly more likely to have residual disease after NAC (83 % non-pCR) compared with those who cleared ctDNA (52 % non-pCR; OR 4.33, p = 0.012). After NAC, all patients who achieved pCR were ctDNA-negative (n = 17, 100 %). For those who did not achieve pCR (n = 43), ctDNA-positive patients (14 %) had a significantly increased risk of metastatic recurrence [HR 10.4; 95 % CI: 2.3 to 46.6]; interestingly, patients who did not achieve pCR but were ctDNA-negative (86 %) had excellent outcome, similar to those who achieved pCR (HR 1.4; 95 % CI: 0.15 to 13.5). The authors concluded that the findings of this study showed promise that early response prediction by highly sensitive ctDNA analysis in high-risk early breast cancer patients may facilitate a timely and judicious change in treatment to improve patients’ chances of achieving favorable long-term outcomes. The I-SPY 2 TRIAL provided an excellent platform to examine how personalized ctDNA testing could complement imaging and pathologic evaluation of tumor response to fine-tune pCR as a surrogate endpoint for improved survival. These researchers stated that dynamic monitoring of ctDNA during NAC could facilitate evaluation of new agents by providing an early endpoint of treatment efficacy. Response over time as measured by imaging and ctDNA in the setting of early (pCR) and late (DRFS) outcomes will provide a robust framework for examining the potential clinical utility of ctDNA in the neoadjuvant setting.
Signatera Test for Colorectal Cancer
In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Gogenur et al (2022) examined the association between circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection at baseline, during and after neoadjuvant treatment, after surgery, and recurrence, in patients with non-metastatic cancer. These investigators included studies that examined patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment for non-metastatic cancer and provided recurrence indices stratified for ctDNA status at the following timepoints: baseline, during treatment, post-treatment, and post-surgery. Study quality was reported with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, REMARK checklist, and GRADE approach. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were the data sources (from inception to June 3, 2021). The main outcome was risk of recurrence. They identified 10 studies including 727 patients with rectal, breast, gastric, and bladder cancer. All studies reported post-treatment ctDNA analysis, while 7, 4, and 6 reported baseline, during treatment, and post-surgery ctDNA analysis, respectively. ctDNA detection was associated to recurrence across all time-points [baseline: risk ratio (RR) 2.86, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.33 to 6.14, during treatment: RR 3.81, 95 % CI: 2.09 to 6.92, post-treatment: RR 4.29, 95 % CI: 2.79 to 6.60, post-surgery: RR 8.03, 95 % CI: 3.16 to 20.43]. Heterogeneity was low-to-moderate. The authors concluded that this meta-analysis of observational studies found that ctDNA detection in patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment for non-metastatic cancer was associated with recurrence. A stronger association was evident in post-treatment and post-surgery time-points; however, some studies reported low negative predictive value (NPV) of pathological complete response, showing that ctDNA-detection-guided escalation and de-escalation studies following neoadjuvant treatment regimens are needed before its role as a treatment guidance can be affirmed.
Schraa et al (2022) stated that identification of non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with a high risk of recurrence after tumor resection is important to select patients who might benefit from adjuvant treatment. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analyses after surgery are promising biomarkers to predict recurrence in these patients. However, these analyses face several challenges and do not allow guidance of neoadjuvant treatment, which might become a novel standard option in colon cancer treatment. The prognostic value of cfDNA/ctDNA before surgery is unclear. In a systematic review, these researchers examined publications in which the prognostic value of pre-surgery cfDNA/ctDNA in non-metastatic CRC patients was studied and was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 29 out of 1,233 articles were included and categorized into 3 groups that reflected the type of approach: measurement of cfDNA, ctDNA somatic alterations, and ctDNA methylation. Overall, a clear association between pre-surgery cfDNA/ctDNA and the outcome was not observed, but large studies that primarily focused on the prognostic value of pre-surgery cfDNA/ctDNA are lacking. The authors concluded that designing and performing studies that focus on the value of pre-surgery cfDNA/ctDNA is needed, in addition to standardization in the reporting of cfDNA/ctDNA results according to existing guidelines to improve comparability and interpretation among studies.
Arisi et al (2022) noted that ctDNA is a component of cfDNA that is shed by malignant tumors into the bloodstream and other bodily fluids. ctDNA can comprise up to 10 % of a patient's cfDNA depending on their tumor type and burden. The short half-life of ctDNA ensures that its detection captures tumor burden in real-time and offers a non-invasive method of repeatedly evaluating the genomic profile of a patient's tumor. A challenge in ctDNA detection includes clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), which can be distinguished from tumor variants using a paired whole-blood control. Most assays for ctDNA quantification rely on measurements of somatic variant allele frequency (VAF), which is a mutation-dependent method. Patients with certain types of solid tumors, including CRC, can have levels of cfDNA 50 times higher than healthy patients. ctDNA undergoes a precipitous drop shortly after tumor resection and therapy, and rising levels can fore-shadow radiologic recurrence on the order of months. The amount of tumor bulk needed for ctDNA detection is lower than that for computed tomography (CT) scan detection, with ctDNA detection preceding radiologic recurrence in many cases. The authors concluded that cfDNA/ctDNA can be used for tumor molecular profiling to identify resistance mutations when tumor biopsy is not available, to detect minimal residual disease (MRD), to monitor therapy response, and for the detection of tumor relapse. These researchers stated that although ctDNA is not yet implemented in clinical practice, studies are ongoing to define the appropriate way to use it as a tool in the clinic.
Hallermayr et al (2022) stated that analysis of cfDNA is a promising tool for personalized management of CRC patients. Untargeted cfDNA analysis using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) does not need a priori knowledge of the patient´s mutation profile. These researchers established Liquid biopsy Fragmentation, Epigenetic signature and Copy Number Alteration analysis (LIFE-CNA) using WGS with approximately 6× coverage for detection of ctDNA in CRC patients as a marker for CRC detection and monitoring. They described the analytical validity and a clinical proof-of-concept of LIFE-CNA using a total of 259 plasma samples collected from 50 patients with stage I to IV CRC and 61 healthy controls. To reliably distinguish CRC patients from healthy controls, these investigators determined cut-offs for the detection of ctDNA based on global and regional cfDNA fragmentation patterns, transcriptionally active chromatin sites, and somatic copy number alterations. They further combined global and regional fragmentation pattern into a machine learning (ML) classifier to accurately predict ctDNA for cancer detection. By following individual patients throughout their course of disease, these researchers showed that LIFE-CNA enabled the reliable prediction of response or resistance to treatment up to 3.5 months before commonly used CEA. The authors developed and validated a sensitive and cost-effective method for untargeted ctDNA detection at diagnosis as well as for treatment monitoring of all CRC patients based on genetic as well as non-genetic tumor-specific cfDNA features. These researchers stated that once sensitivity and specificity have been externally validated, LIFE-CNA has the potential to be implemented into clinical practice. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was the 1st study to consider multiple genetic and non-genetic cfDNA features in combination with ML classifiers and to examine their potential in both cancer detection and treatment monitoring.
In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Callesen et al (2022) examined the current knowledge on ctDNA and its clinical utility in predicting outcomes in patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched. Last search was performed on December 16, 2020. These investigators included studies on patients with mCRC reporting the predictive or prognostic value of ctDNA. They carried out separate random-effects meta-analyses to examine if baseline ctDNA and early changes in ctDNA levels during treatment were associated with survival. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. A total of 71 studies were included with 6,930 patients; 24 studies were included in meta-analyses. High baseline ctDNA level was associated with short progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 2.2; 95 % CI: 1.8 to 2.8; n = 509) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.4; 95 % CI: 1.9 to 3.1; n = 1,336). A small or no early decrease in ctDNA levels during treatment was associated with short PFS (HR = 3.0; 95 % CI: 2.2 to 4.2; n = 479) and OS (HR = 2.8; 95 % CI: 2.1 to 3.9; n = 583). Results on clonal evolution and lead-time were inconsistent. A majority of included studies (n = 50/71) had high risk of bias in at least 1 domain. The authors concluded that plasma ctDNA is a strong prognostic biomarker in mCRC; however, true clinical utility is lacking.
Morais et al (2022) noted that the management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) requires a multi-disciplinary approach, with an increasing interest for non-operative strategies. Liquid biopsy for obtaining ctDNA could provide information on neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) pathological response and cancer-specific prognosis; thus, might be a promising guide for these treatments. These investigators carried out a systematic review of the studies available in literature to examine the role of ctDNA as a predictive and prognostic biomarker in LARC patients. They retrieved 21 publications, of which 17 full-text articles and 4 abstracts. Results have been categorized into 2 groups: predictive and prognostic. Data regarding the usefulness of liquid biopsy in this setting is still inconclusive. However, baseline higher levels of longer fragments of cfDNA and integrity index, tumor-specific mutations and certain methylated genes could predict non-responders. Furthermore, undetectable baseline ctDNA and decrease of common rectal cancer mutations throughout treatment (dynamic monitoring) were predictive factors of pathological complete response (CR). The continuous detection of ctDNA in different time-points of treatment (minimal residual disease [MRD]) was consistently associated with worse prognosis. The authors concluded that ctDNA is a promising biomarker that could aid in predicting treatment response to nCRT and prognosis in patients with LARC. Moreover, the ideal methods and timings for the liquid biopsy still have to be defined.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Colon Cancer” (Version 1.2022) stated that “”Multigene Assays, Immunoscore, and Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) -- Several assays have been developed in hopes of providing prognostic and predictive information to aid in decisions regarding adjuvant therapy in patients with stage II or III colon cancer … the information from these tests can further inform the risk of recurrence over other risk factors, but the panel questions the value added. Furthermore, evidence of predictive value in terms of the potential benefit of chemotherapy is lacking. Therefore, the panel believes that there are insufficient data to recommend the use of multigene assays, Immunoscore, or post-surgical ctDNA to estimate risk of recurrence or determine adjuvant therapy. ESMO has released similar recommendations regarding these assays, stating that their role in predicting chemotherapy benefit is uncertain. The NCCN Panel encourages enrollment in clinical trials to help with the generation of additional data on these assays”.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines for “Colon cancer” (Version 2.2024) do not mention Signatera or provide a recommendation for molecular residual disease (MRD) testing in the management of colon cancer. The NCCN panel states, “Circulating tumor (ctDNA) is emerging as a prognostic marker; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of ctDNA assays outside of a clinical trial”.
In addition, the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for “Rectal cancer” (Version 2.2024) do not provide a recommendation for MRD, minimal residual disease, or molecular residual disease testing. The NCCN panel also states that there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of ctDNA assay outside of a clinical trial, and that de-escalation of care is not recommended based on ctDNA results".
Signatera Test for Cutaneous Melanoma
Rapanotti et al (2020) stated that isolating circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) represents a powerful method to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD). These researchers documented that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 expression is strongly associated with disease progression. ABCB5 is melanoma-stem antigen with self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, tumorigenicity capabilities. These findings supported these investigators to improve CMC detection, examining MCAM/MUC18/CD146 and ABCB5 as enrichment targets in MM progression. Moreover, these researchers decided to compare possible molecular diversity of these CMC fractions with metastatic tissue expression, collecting concomitantly cutaneous in transit metastases (CTM). They enriched CMCs from 8 melanoma patients staged ≥ pT1b AJCC, who developed CTMs at baseline or during follow-up. These researchers examined a gene expression panel comprising ABCB5, the differentiation markers (tyrosinase, MART1), angiogenic factors (VEGF, bFGF), the cell-cell adhesion molecules (MCAM/MUC18/CD146 5'-portion, long, and short isoforms, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, VE-cadherin) and matrix-metallo-proteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) via high-sensitive RT-PCR. Preliminary findings defined 3 distinct sub-populations: "endothelial" CD45-CD146+CMCs, "stem" CD45-ABCB5+CMCs and a "hybrid stem-endothelial" - CD45-MCAM+ABCB5+CMCs. The expression panel documented that -- almost high expression found in CTMs -- like in 73.5 % of CMCs resulted positive for at least 1 transcript at baseline, showing gene-expression variability. Longitudinal monitoring documented shut-down of all gene-expressions in "endothelial"- and "hybrid stem-endothelial"-subsets, while persistency or acquisition of MCAM/MUC18/CD146, VE-CADH and MMPs was documented in disease-progression status. Conversely, a drastic expression shut-down was documented when patients achieved clinical remission. The "stem"-CMCs fraction" showed quite lower gene expression frequencies. The authors concluded that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 and ABCB5 as melanoma-specific-targets are effective in the selection of highly primitive CMCs and highlighted those putative genes associated with disease spreading progression.
Rapanotti et al (2021) noted that human malignant melanoma shows a high rate of mortality after metastases, and its incidence is continuously rising worldwide. Several studies have suggested that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 plays an important role in the progression of this malignant disease. MCAM/MUC18/CD146 is a typical single-spanning trans-membrane glycoprotein, existing as 2 membrane isoforms, long and short, and an additional soluble form, sCD146. These researchers previously documented that molecular MCAM/MUC18/CD146 expression was strongly associated with disease progression. Recently, they showed that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 and ABCB5 could serve as melanoma-specific-targets in the selection of highly primitive CMCs, and constitute putative proteins associated with disease spreading progression. In this study, these investigators analyzed CD146 molecular expression at onset or at disease recurrence in an enlarged melanoma case-series. For some patients, these researchers also carried out the time courses of molecular monitoring. Moreover, they examined the role of soluble CD146 in different cohorts of melanoma patients at onset or disease progression, rather than in clinical remission, undergoing immune therapy or free from any clinical treatment. The authors showed that MCAM/MUC18/CD146 could be considered as: (i) a membrane antigen suitable for identification and enrichment in melanoma liquid biopsy; (ii) a highly effective molecular "warning" marker for MRD monitoring; and (iii) a soluble protein index of inflammation and putative response to therapeutic treatments.
Gracie et al (2021) stated that ctDNA is an emerging biomarker in melanoma. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, these investigators examined its clinical use as a prognostic, pharmacodynamic (PD) and predictive biomarker. They carried out a systematic search from January 2015 to April 2021, of the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library and Ovid Medline to identify studies. Studies were restricted to those published in English within the past 5 years, examining ctDNA in humans in 10 or more patients. Survival data were extracted for meta-analysis using pooled treatment effect (TE), i.e., log HRs and corresponding standard error of TE for PFS or OS differences in patients who were ctDNA positive or negative. PRISMA statement guidelines were followed. A meta-analysis of 19 studies grouped according to methodology of ctDNA detection, revealed a combined estimate for HR of PFS (13 studies using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) methodology (n = 1,002) of 2.10 (95 % CI: 1.71 to 2.59) revealing a poorer prognosis when ctDNA was detected. This result was confirmed in the smaller analysis of (non-ddPCR, n = 347) 5 studies: HR = 2.45 (95 % CI: 1.29 to 4.63). Similar findings were found in the OS analysis of 9 studies (ddPCR methodology, n = 841) where the combined HR was 2.78 (95 % CI: 2.21 to 3.49) and of the 5 studies (non-ddPCR methodology, n = 326) where the combined HR was 2.58 (95 % CI: 1.74 to 3.84). Serial ctDNA levels on treatment showed a PD role reflecting response or resistance earlier than radiological assessment. The authors concluded that ctDNA is a predictive, prognostic and PD biomarker in melanoma. Moreover, these researchers stated that standardization of analysis, data processing and reporting is needed before clinical adoption.
Furthermore, National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Melanoma: Cutaneous” (Version 2.2022) does not mention Signatera / minimal residual disease as a management tool.
Signatera Test for Lung Cancer
Signatera (Natera Inc.) for Lung Cancer is a personalized, tumor-informed ctDNA molecular residual disease (MRD) test used to inform lung cancer care for patients considering adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) and/or who are being monitored for relapse post-treatment.
Tan, et al. (2024) state circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a noninvasive tool to risk stratify patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for recurrence after curative intent therapy. In a retrospective cohort study design, the authors recruited patients with stage I-III NSCLC who received standard-of-care management (surgical resection with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, followed by surveillance). Whole-exome sequencing of NSCLC resected tissue and matched germline DNA was used to design patient-specific mPCR assays (Signatera, Natera, Inc) to track up to 16 single-nucleotide variants in plasma samples. The overall cohort with analyzed plasma samples consisted of 57 patients. Stage distribution was 68% for stage I and 16% each for stages II and III. Presurgery (i.e., at baseline), ctDNA was detected in 15 of 57 patients (26%). The authors state that ctDNA detection presurgery was significantly associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS; hazard ratio [HR], 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-12.62; p = .009). In the postsurgery setting, ctDNA was detected in seven patients, of whom 100% experienced radiological recurrence. ctDNA positivity preceded radiological findings by a median lead time of 2.8 months (range, 0-12.9 months). Longitudinally, ctDNA detection at any time point was associated with shorter RFS (HR, 16.1; 95% CI, 1.63-158.9; p < .0001). The authors concluded that ctDNA detection before surgical resection was strongly associated with a high risk of relapse in early-stage NSCLC in a large unique Asian cohort; however, prospective studies are needed to assess the clinical utility of ctDNA status in this setting.
Pulmonary carcinoid tumors are uncommon neuroendocrine epithelial malignancies accounting for less than 1% of all lung cancers (Limaiem et al, 2023).The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Neuroendocrine and Adrenal Tumors” (Version 1.2023) does not mention Signatera / ctDNA / circulating tumor DNA as a management tool.
Signatera Test for Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Signatera (Natera, Inc.) is a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay that is is being used in solid tumors such as melanoma, lung, bladder, and colorectal cancers for identifying molecular residual disease (MRD), early detection of recurrence, as well as monitoring response to systemic treatment (Akaike et al., 2024).
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines on "Merkel cell carcinoma" (Version 1.2025) state that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a "promising" minimally invasive tool. The NCCN guidelines cite for support a study by Akaike et al. (2024), which aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a biomarker for detecting Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) recurrence. The study was prospective, multicenter, and observational, involving 319 patients divided into discovery (167 patients) and validation (152 patients) cohorts. Plasma samples, clinical data, and imaging results were collected, and a tumor-informed ctDNA assay [Signatera by Natera Inc.] was used for analysis. The diagnostic performance of the ctDNA assay, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), was assessed. The ctDNA assay demonstrated high sensitivity (95% in the discovery cohort and 94% in the validation cohort) and specificity (90% in the discovery cohort and 86% in the validation cohort) for detecting disease at enrollment. A positive ctDNA test during surveillance indicated a significantly increased risk of recurrence, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 6.8 in the discovery cohort and 20 in the validation cohort. The PPV for clinical recurrence at one year after a positive ctDNA test was 69% in the discovery cohort and 94% in the validation cohort. The NPV at 135 days after a negative ctDNA test was 94% in the discovery cohort and 93% in the validation cohort. Patients positive for ctDNA within four months after treatment had higher recurrence rates, with one-year rates of 74% versus 21% (adjusted HR, 7.4). The study concluded that ctDNA testing exhibited high prognostic accuracy in detecting MCC recurrence, suggesting its potential to reduce the frequency of surveillance imaging. It also identifies high-risk patients who may benefit from more frequent imaging and adjuvant therapy trials. The high NPV of ctDNA provides reassurance that MCC is unlikely to recur within the subsequent 3-4 months, potentially allowing for less frequent imaging if ctDNA remains undetectable. Conversely, ctDNA positivity during surveillance is highly associated with recurrence, indicating the need for close monitoring with physical examinations and imaging. The authors concluded that this study highlights the importance of ctDNA as a minimally invasive biomarker for MCC, offering a more accurate and reliable method for monitoring disease status and predicting recurrence compared to traditional methods such as MCPyV oncoprotein antibody tests, which have limited sensitivity. The study acknowledges several limitations, including the patient population being from tertiary care centers, variations in primary treatment modalities and follow-up intervals, and the median follow-up being only 295 days. Despite these limitations, the high recurrence rate of MCC allowed for sufficient statistical power. The authors noted the need for further studies with longer follow-up to assess its impact on disease-specific survival. The noted that future studies should evaluate the utility of this assay for identifying patients most likely to benefit from adjuvant therapy and for monitoring tumor response to immunotherapy.
Signatera Test for Ovarian Cancer (Including Fallopian Tube, Primary Peritoneal, and Sex Cord and Stromal Tumor)
An UpToDate review on “Sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary: Epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis in adults” (Gershenson, 2024) does not mention molecular residual disease (MRD) testing as a management option.
Martinelli and colleagues (2025) state that liquid biopsy has emerged as a pivotal, noninvasive method to identify and monitor tumor-derived biomarkers, including circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, microRNAs, and tumor-educated platelets, that provide real-time insights into the biological behavior of gynecological cancers. However, this approach has not yet been entered into routine clinical practice in gynecological oncology. In a narrative review, the authors aimed to clarify the fundamental biological rationale and technical foundations of various liquid biopsy biomarkers in gynecological oncology, which is essential for both researchers and clinicians seeking to contextualize current evidence. The authors report that the detection of these markers has the potential to revolutionize cancer management by enabling earlier detection, providing novel data to personalize treatments, and predicting disease recurrence before clinical imaging and predicting disease recurrence before clinical imaging can confirm progression, thereby also guiding complex clinical decision-making. The authors reviewed the translational framework of liquid biopsy from molecular insights to precision oncology and clinical practice and examined how liquid biopsy could refine early detection, minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment, and therapy guidance in endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancers. While many studies report encouraging performance in controlled or advanced disease settings, true clinical utility remains unproven in larger, prospective trials. Although several FDA-approved assays and promising commercial tests illustrate the field’s rapid evolution, many translational hurdles remain, including the need for harmonized protocols, larger prospective clinical trials, and cost-effectiveness analyses. The authors report that their synthesis clarifies the pivotal role of interdisciplinary collaboration. Oncologists, laboratory scientists, and industry partners must align on standardized procedures and clinically relevant endpoints. Without such coordination, promising biomarkers may remain confined to research settings, limiting their practical benefit. Taken together, their review offers a translational view designed to contextualize liquid biopsy in gynecological oncology.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical practice guideline on “Ovarian Cancer/Fallopian Tube Cancer/Primary Peritoneal Cancer” (Version 1.2025) states that molecular analyses may be performed on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA or liquid biopsy) when tissue-based analysis is not clinically feasible. However, NCCN does not provide a recommendation for its use in detecting molecular residual disease (MRD). Moreover, the study cited for ctDNA (Widschwendter et al, 2017) did not include the same methods as the Signatera test.
Signatera Test for Pancreatic Cancer
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a prognostic tool to measure molecular residual disease (MRD) and predict recurrence in solid tumors. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Pancreatic adenocarcinoma” (Version 1.2024) does not mention MRD / ctDNA / as a management tool for pancreatic cancer.
Signatera Test for Post-Irradiation Sarcoma
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s clinical practice guideline on “Soft tissue sarcoma” (Version 2.2024) does not mention molecular residual disease (MRD) testing as a management tool.
There is a insufficient evidence to support the use of Signatera minimal residual disease (MRD) testing for post-irradiation sarcoma.
Signatera Test for Prostate Cancer
Antonarakis et al (2022) stated that liquid biopsy is a powerful tool that could enable treatment decisions for metastatic PCa patients with difficult-to-biopsy tumors. However, the detection of genomic alterations via liquid biopsy is limited by the fraction (tumor fraction [TF]) of ctDNA within the total cfDNA content. While previous investigation has preliminarily correlated TF with clinical features of PCa, these researchers sought to validate and provide additional resolution, such that a clinical practitioner might anticipate the probability of successful liquid biopsy profiling leveraging commonly assessed clinical and laboratory features. A total of 813 liquid biopsy specimens were assessable, with 545 associated with a PSA measurement, collected in SOC settings across approximately 280 U.S. academic- or community-based cancer clinics from September 2018 to July 2021. Deidentified data were captured into a real-world clinic-genomic database (CGDB). Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) was carried out on extracted cfDNA from liquid biopsy samples. In multi-variable models, higher PSA level, lower hemoglobin, lower albumin, higher alkaline phosphatase (all p < 0.001), and collection of liquid biopsy blood draw within 60 days of new treatment initiation (p = 0.002) were the most strongly associated features with higher TF. At PSA levels of less than 5 ng/ml, 43 % of patients had a TF of less than 1 % indicating an increased likelihood of unevaluable results. Conversely, at PSA levels of greater than 5 ng/ml, 78 % of patients had a TF of at least 1 % and 46 % had a TF of 10 % or greater, suggesting improved sensitivity for detection of targetable alterations. The authors concluded that universal genomic profiling of PCa will require complementary use of liquid biopsy and tumor tissue profiling for suitable patients. The likelihood of adequate ctDNA shedding into plasma is one consideration when deciding whether to pursue CGP via liquid biopsy versus tumor profiling. Their real-world data suggested that PSA of less than 5 ng/ml was associated with lower ctDNA yield on liquid biopsy, potentially increasing the incidence of negative results or a need for confirmation with tissue testing.
The authors stated that this analysis had several drawbacks. First, this was not a prospectively enrolled study. The patients included in this analysis reflected those for whom liquid biopsies have been ordered in the time period reflected. It has been previously established that tumor burden and PSA burden correlate with TF. However, the authors’ database did not contain quantified measures of metastatic tumor burden, which is often difficult to evaluate given frequent bone‐dominant metastases in mCRPC. Second, PSA levels are influenced by castration status, and this analysis did not interpret PSA levels separately in the hormone‐sensitive and castration‐resistant metastatic settings. Third, the estimation of TF performed in this analysis relied upon genomic features associated with cancer biology, yet which also could at times be due to other somatic signals such as clonal hematopoiesis. These researchers hoped that the increasing emergence of tumor‐informed monitoring assays for reliable quantification of tumor content will allow further validation of the clinical associations that they identified in this analysis.
Solid Tumor Expanded Panel
The Solid Tumor Expanded Panel employs NGS to detect mutations present in DNA (523 genes) and RNA (55 genes) extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections of solid tumors. The test is designed to detect SNVs and small insertions/deletions, as well as whole-gene copy number alterations and translocations in a select group of genes; MSI and/or TMB are/is also evaluated.
Vashistha et al (2020) stated that to support the rising need for testing and to standardize tumor DNA sequencing practices within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)'s Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the National Precision Oncology Program (NPOP) was launched in 2016. These investigators evaluated oncologists' practices, concerns, and perceptions regarding NGS and the NPOP. By means of a purposive total sampling approach, oncologists who had previously ordered NGS for at least 1 tumor sample via the NPOP were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Questions assessed the following: expectations for the NPOP, procedural requirements, applicability of testing results, and the summative utility of the NPOP. Interviews were assessed using an open coding approach. Thematic analysis was carried out to examine the completed codebook. Themes were defined deductively by reviewing the direct responses to interview questions as well as inductively by identifying emerging patterns of data. Of the 105 medical oncologists who were invited to participate, 20 (19 %) were interviewed from 19 different VA medical centers in 14 states. Five recurrent themes were observed. First: Educational Efforts Regarding Tumor DNA Sequencing Should be Undertaken; Second: Pathology Departments Share a Critical Role in Facilitating Test Completion; Third: Tumor DNA Sequencing via NGS Serves as the Most Comprehensive Testing Modality within Precision Oncology’ Fourth: The Availability of the NPOP Has Expanded Options for Select Patients; and Fifth: The Completion of Tumor DNA Sequencing through the NPOP Could Help Improve Research Efforts within VHA Oncology Practices. The authors concluded that medical oncologists believed that the availability of tumor DNA sequencing via the NPOP could potentially result in an improvement in outcomes for veterans with metastatic solid tumors. Efforts should be directed toward improving oncologists' understanding of sequencing, strengthening collaborative relationships between oncologists and pathologists, and examining the role of comprehensive NGS panels within the battery of precision tests.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, the interviewees solely included medical oncologists who served veterans within the VHA. although many of the perceptions and concerns surrounding tumor DNA sequencing are likely similar between oncologists within the VHA and those employed elsewhere, the familiarity of sequencing may vary across practice settings, and the availability of consultative support similar to that provided by the NPOP is potentially unavailable to oncologists external to the VHA. Thus, the implications of these findings may not be universally applicable. Second, the purposive sampling approach only sought participants who had requested at least 1 sample for sequencing via the NPOP. Oncologists who have never requested testing may have a lesser understanding of the indications and benefits of tumor DNA sequencing, and their input could have been valuable to further highlight the need for specific educational initiatives. Furthermore, oncologists who had not previously ordered testing may have felt that completing multi-gene NGS panels was simply not beneficial, and their perceptions regarding the use of tumor DNA sequencing could have been critically missed. Third, although the interviewees provided important information regarding the vital role of pathologists towards the completion of molecular sequencing, these researchers excluded providers who were not medical oncologists from this trial, and consequently, the perceptions of pathologists were not included. These investigators stated that a separate qualitative analysis is needed to examine the opinions and concerns regarding the rising number of requests for multi-gene NGS panels among this critical group of physicians.
Sha et al (2020) noted that tumor mutational burden (TMB), defined as the number of somatic mutations per mega-base of interrogated genomic sequence, varies across malignancies. Panel sequencing-based estimates of TMB have largely replaced WES-derived TMB in the clinic. Retrospective evidence suggested that TMB could predict the effectiveness of ICIs, and data from KEYNOTE-158 led to the recent FDA approval of pembrolizumab for the TMB-high tumor subgroup. Unmet needs include prospective validation of TMB cut-offs in relationship to tumor type and patient outcomes. In addition, standardization and harmonization of TMB measurement across test platforms are important to the successful implementation of TMB in clinical practice. The authors concluded that evaluation of TMB as a predictive biomarker creates the need to harmonize panel-based TMB estimation and standardize its reporting. These researchers stated that TMB can improve the predictive accuracy for immunotherapy outcomes; and has the potential to expand the candidate pool of patients for treatment with ICIs.
The authors stated that calculation of TMB from panel-based sequencing data has important limitations. There is a need to harmonize the types of mutations analyzed as missense mutations are included in all panels, but other types can vary. Another limitation of a pan-cancer TMB cut-off approach is the limited number of patients with high quality outcome data and available TMB data. These researchers stated that larger datasets for TMB and clinical outcome of ICI-treated patients will facilitate the optimization of TMB cut-offs within specific cancer types and potentially extend the approval of immune therapies to larger patient populations. In addition, prospective, randomized studies are needed to validate a TMB-high cutoff and to examine optimal TMB cut-offs in specific tumor types. They stated that TMB combined with other potential biomarkers and computational assistance is paving the way towards a precision immunotherapy approach.
Gambardella et al (2021) stated that molecular-matched therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment. In a retrospective, non-randomized, single-center study, these investigators examined the improvement in clinical outcomes of applying an in-house customized NGS panel in a single center. Patients with advanced solid tumors were molecularly selected to receive a molecular-matched treatment into early phase clinical trials versus best investigators choice, according to the evaluation of a multi-disciplinary molecular tumor board (MTB). The primary endpoint was PFS assessed by the ratio of patients presenting 1.3-fold longer PFS on matched therapy (PFS2) than with prior therapy (PFS1). Of a total of 231 molecularly screened patients, 87 were eligible for analysis. Patients who received matched therapy had a higher median PFS2 (6.47 months; 95 % CI: 2.24 to 14.43) compared to those who received standard therapy (2.76 months; 95 % CI: 2.14 to 3.91, log-rank p = 0.022). The proportion of patients with a PFS2/PFS1 ratio over 1.3 was significantly higher in the experimental arm (0.33 versus 0.08; p = 0.008). The authors demonstrated the pivotal role of the institutional MTB in evaluating the results of a customized NGS panel. These researchers stated that this process optimized the selection of available therapies, improving disease control. Moreover, they stated that prospective, randomized trials are needed to confirm this approach.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks that could have resulted in uncontrolled biases, such as its retrospective and non-randomized design, as well as the single-center setting, which yielded a reduced patient sample. Another drawback could be the short follow-up, yet this could also had limited the magnitude of benefit in the targeted therapy cohort. Indeed, at data cut-off (October 15, 2020), treatment is ongoing in 41 % of patients included in the molecular-matched cohort, compared to only 9 % in the standard therapy arm. In addition, these were early clinical trial results with a median follow-up time of greater than 3 months, classically a key time-point for phase-I development. Focusing on patients who are still under treatment and had a prior line, however, all those in the standard therapy cohort (6/6) had a PFS2/PFS1 ratio less than 1.3, compared to only 37.5 % (3/8) in the experimental treatment arm.
Tarawneh et al (2022) stated that increasing knowledge of cancer biology and an expanding spectrum of molecularly targeted therapies provide the basis for precision oncology. Despite extensive gene diagnostics, previous reports indicated that less than 10 % of patients benefit from this concept. In a retrospective study, these researchers analyzed all patients referred to their center's MTB from 2018 to 2021. Molecular testing by NGS included a 67-gene panel for the detection of short-sequence variants and copy-number alterations, a 53- or 137-gene fusion panel and an ultra-low-coverage whole-genome sequencing for the detection of additional copy-number alterations outside the panel's target regions. Immunohistochemistry for MSI and PD-L1 expression complemented NGS. A total of 109 patients were referred to the MTB. In all, 78 patients received therapeutic proposals (70 based on NGS) and 33 were treated accordingly. Evaluable patients treated with MTB-recommended therapy (n = 30) had significantly longer PFS than patients treated with other therapies (n = 17) (4.3 versus 1.9 months, p = 0.0094). A total of 7 patients treated with off-label regimens experienced major clinical benefits. The authors concluded that the combined focused sequencing assays detected targetable alterations in the majority of patients; and patient benefits appeared to lie in the same range as with large-scale sequencing approaches. They stated that this approach provides a reasonable 1st step for precision oncology and a good alternative to larger gene panels and WES, especially in centers where the implementation of these technologies is not (yet) feasible in the clinical practice.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. Potential interpretation biases of this study arose from the lack of randomization, its retrospective nature and the small patient population with a large heterogeneity in terms of diagnoses and previous treatments. Moreover, while these investigators observed a significant prolongation of PFS in patients receiving molecularly matched therapy, 15 % of patients not receiving matched therapy were lost to follow-up, as they continued their treatment at a different oncology clinic or practice; thus, their outcomes were not evaluable.
Strata Select
Strata Oncology, Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI), a next-generation precision oncology company, developed Strat Select, a molecular profiling test for patients with advanced cancer which features the Immunotherapy Response Score, a novel multivariate predictive biomarker algorithm for PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy benefit. The Immunology Response Score integrates pertinent biological factors (TMB, PD-L1, PD-1, and tumor microenvironment components) into a simple score to predict immunotherapy benefit across all solid tumors. Strata Select analyzes DNA and RNA across 437 genes to provide guidance for genomic-alteration targeted therapies. The targeted RNA sequencing enables analysis of 950 fusion isoforms involving 59 primary driver genes (Strata Oncology, 2023).
Currently, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed literature to support the sensitivity or specificity of this test.
Symphony
Symphony (Agendia) provides complete tumor profiling and is used to support therapeutic choices for breast cancer (Raman, 2013). SYMPHONY includes four assays to support breast cancer treatment decisions: MammaPrint® determines the risk of recurrence. BluePrint™ determines molecular subtypes and TargetPrint® determines estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 status. TheraPrint™ identifies alternative types of therapy for metastatic disease. SYMPHONY provides genomic information assisting with therapeutic decisions even for cases that have been otherwise classified as indeterminate, such as grade 2, small tumors, HER2 and/or lymph node positive. MammaPrint® determines if the patient is a candidate for chemotherapy. TargetPrint® determines if the patient is a candidate for hormonal therapy. BluePrint® provides information on the sub-classification of the tumor which guides the choice of therapies and combinations of therapies. TheraPrint® identifies alternative types of therapy for metastatic disease.
TargetPrint
TargetPrint®, ER/PR/HER2 Expression Assay (Agendia) is a microarray-based gene expression test which offers a quantitative assessment of the patient’s level of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2/neu overexpression within her breast cancer (Raman, et al., 2013). TargetPrint is offered in conjunction with MammaPrint to provide the physician an even more complete basis for treatment decisions. TargetPrint delivers an added benefit to the diagnostic process. Immunohistochemistry provides a semi-quantitative positive or negative result, whereas the gene expression result provided by TargetPrint allows physicians to integrate the absolute level of ER, PR and HER2 gene expression into treatment planning. TargetPrint determines if the patient is a candidate for hormonal therapy.
TargetPrint is a microarray-based gene expression test which offers a quantitative assessment of the patient’s level of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2/neu overexpression in breast cancer. The manufacturer states that TargetPrint is offered in conjunction with MammaPrint gene expression profiling to provide the physician an even more complete basis for treatment decisions. The manufacturer states that, as compared to Immunohistochemistry (IHC), TargetPrint provides additional information. Whereas IHC provides a semi-quantitative positive or negative result, the gene expression result provided by TargetPrint provides data on the absolute level of ER, PR and HER2 gene expression. Published information on the TargetPrint is limited to studies examining its correlation with measurements of ER, PR, and HER2 receptors (Gunven et al, 2011; Gevensleben et al, 2010; Roepman et al, 2009). There is a lack of evidence from published prospective clinical studies that demonstrates that quantification of ER, PR, and HER2 gene expression by TargetPrint alters management such that clinical outcomes are improved.
Tempus p-MSI Test
The Tempus p-MSI test (Tempus AI, Inc.) is a digital pathology algorithm that predicts if a prostate cancer patient is more likely to have a tumor that is microsatellite instability high (MSI-H). The p-MSI algorithm runs on digital images of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides and therefore does not consume tissue to run since the H&E is already required for diagnosis. Upon scanning the H&E, the algorithm predicts whether a patient is more likely than the typical prostate cancer patient to be MSI-H/dMMR, and therefore potentially eligible for immunotherapy. The results are reported as increased or decreased probability of MSI-H. Tempus p-MSI results must be confirmed through a tissue-based test.
Tempus p-Prostate Test
The Tempus p-Prostate test (Tempus AI, Inc) performs augmentative algorithmic analysis of digitized whole-slide imaging of histologic features for microsatellite instability (MSI) and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) status from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. The results are reported as increased or decreased probability of each biomarker.
Thyroid GuidePx
The Thyroid GuidePx (Protean BioDiagnostics) is a prognostic test that applies gene-expression profiling via targeted hybrid capture–enrichment RNA sequencing of 82 content genes and 10 housekeeping genes on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue. The test includes an algorithm reported as one of three molecular subtypes. Thyroid GuidePx purports to identify a low risk group with less than 5% recurrence rate.
ThyroSeq CRC
ThyroSeq Cancer Risk Classifier (CRC) (Sonic Healthcare USA) uses next-generation sequencing to assess the risk of thyroid cancer recurrence in patients with thyroid nodules, particularly those with indeterminate cytology, by examining 112 genes alterations in the nodule tissue, allowing doctors to categorize the risk as low, intermediate, or high based on the results; essentially helping them make more informed treatment decisions.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines on thyroid carcinoma does not include a narrative regarding the use of this test (NCCN, 2025). Moreover, there is insufficient evidence in the peer-reviewed published literature to support the sensitivity, specificity, or clinical utility of this specific test.
UriFind Blood Cancer Assay
UriFind (AnchorDx) is a non-invasive quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay that has been designed for detecting two DNA methylation biomarkers in urine specimens from patients suspected of having bladder cancer.
In November 2022, AnchorDx announced that they have enrolled the first patient in a multicenter, prospective clinical trial that will assess the performance of the UriFind assay in more than 1,000 targeted patients. In July 2021, the assay was granted a Breakthrough Device Designation (BTD) by the U.S. FDA. Results of this clinical trial are aimed towards meeting the requirements for an application for an FDA Premarketing Approval (PMA). The trial is expected to include about 10 sites of Urology clinics and 3 CAP/CLIA laboratories.
Urinary Biomarker Tests for Microhematuria and/or Bladder Cancer
BTA Stat, BTA TRAK, Cxbladder, ImmunoCyt, NMP22 BladderChek, UroVysion, Xpert
In the United States, bladder malignancy is the 4th commonest cancer in men and the 8th commonest in women (Leslie et al, 2024). Patients usually present with urinary tract symptoms (e.g., gross or microscopic hematuria or irritative voiding symptoms such as frequency, dysuria, and urgency). Evaluations of these patients usually entail voided-urine cytology, cystoscopy, and upper urinary tract imaging such as intravenous pyelography, renal sonography, or retrograde pyelography. Most newly diagnosed bladder cancers are superficial (non-muscle invasive; i.e., not invading beyond the lamina propria on histological examination), and are known as urothelial "transitional cell" carcinoma (TCC). These superficial bladder cancers are usually managed by transurethral resection. However, the literature shows that approximately 50 to 75 % of treated TCC recur. Furthermore, 10 to 15 % of TCC progress to muscle-invasive bladder cancer. According to the literature, the prevalence of recurrence after initial treatment as well as the natural history of TCC necessitates long-term follow-up. Following treatment, accepted guidelines provide that patients who have previously been diagnosed with TCC should usually undergo urine cytology/cystoscopy every 3 months in the 1st year, every 6 months in the 2nd year, and once-yearly afterwards.
Although unexplained hematuria is the most common presenting symptom in bladder cancer, it can be benign in most cases. The extent and need for evaluation is based on bladder cancer risk. The goal of the diagnostic evaluation is to determine the diagnosis, site, and extent of cancer, and the presence or absence of muscle-invasive disease. "Delays in diagnosis of bladder cancer have been suggested to contribute to a 34% increased risk of cancer-specific mortality and a 15% increased risk of all-cause mortality" (Lotan and Choueiri, 2025).
Cystoscopy is the gold standard as the initial procedure for both the diagnosis and management of urothelial malignancy. Cystoscopy is used to establish the diagnosis, assess whether or not muscle invasion is present, and provide initial therapy for non-muscle invasive lesions. Urine cytology is widely used in combination with cystoscopy to assess for the presence of carcinoma in situ (CIS) and detect upper-tract malignancies. The underlying concept is that cells in the urinary tract that are proliferating rapidly will be exfoliated. However, according to Lotan and Choueiri (2025), urine cytology has a relatively poor sensitivity, particularly for low-grade tumors. Nonetheless, false-positive results are rare with urine cytology (specificity greater than 98 percent in most studies). Thus, any positive cytology should be assumed to represent malignancy.
Multiple urine-based biomarker tests have been developed because of the low sensitivity of cytology and the need for a noninvasive diagnostic tool to supplement cystoscopy. Urine-based tumor markers have been developed that are based on differential expression of tumor-related proteins, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), methylation changes, or cellular markers. The pooled sensitivity of urine-based tumor markers ranges from 50 to 80 percent, and specificity ranges from 70 to 90 percent, depending on the analysis. The sensitivity of markers and cytology correlates closely with stage and grade (Lotan and Choueiri, 2025).
Some urine-based biomarker tests include the BTA Stat test (Bard Diagnostic Sciences, Inc.), the NMP22 test (e.g., NMP22 BladderChek, Matritech, Inc.), the AuraTek FDP test (PerImmune, Inc.), the UroVysion FISH Test (Vysis, Inc.), and Xpert Bladder Cancer Detection test (Cepheid). These tests are usually objective, qualitative (AuraTek FDP, BTA Stat, NMP22 BladderChek, Xpert), or quantitative (Cxbladder tests, NMP22 BC Test Kit, UroVysion), and have higher sensitivity than cytology, but some have lower specificity. So far, no single bladder tumor marker has emerged as the generally accepted test of choice, and none has been established as a screening tool for bladder malignancy.
Urine-based markers, such as proteins with increased cancer cell expression or chromosomal abnormalities in the urine, may be detected using a variety of laboratory methods to aid in the management of bladder cancer. The following are some markers/tests currently available:
- Bladder tumor antigen (BTA) (e.g., BTA Stat and BTA TRAK)
- Fluorescence immunocytology (e.g., ImmunoCyt/uCyt+)
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (e.g., UroVysion)
- mRNA quantification by RT-qPRC testing (e.g., Cxbladder)
- Nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) (e.g., NMP22 BladderChek).
Urine-based markers have a role in the detection of bladder cancer recurrence in individuals with a history of bladder cancer and are used adjunctively with urinary cytology and cystoscopy. These tests have also been proposed for bladder cancer screening, diagnosis of bladder cancer in individuals symptomatic of bladder cancer and for the evaluation of hematuria.
ImmunoCyt is an immunocytochemistry assay for the detection of tumor cells shed in the urine of patients previously diagnosed with bladder cancer (Chen, et al., 2006). This test is intended to augment the sensitivity of cytology for the detection of tumor cells in the urine of individuals previously diagnosed with bladder cancer. The test has been used for detection of tumor cells in the urine of individuals previously diagnosed with bladder cancer, and for use in conjunction with cystoscopy as an aid in the management of bladder cancer.
Two assays have been developed to detect NMP22 in voided urine. The original assay is the NMP22 BC test kit, a laboratory-based quantitative sandwich ELISA test using 2 antibodies. The NMP22 BladderChek Test is a qualitative immunochromatic assay designed as a point of care (POC) test (Mbeutcha et al, 2016).
UroVysion Bladder Cancer Kit (UroVysion Kit) (Baycare Laboratories) is designed to detect aneuploidy for chromosomes 3, 7, 17, and loss of the 9p21 locus via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in urine specimens from persons with hematuria suspected of having bladder cancer (Raman, et al., 2013). FISH analysis is used in conjunction with cystoscopy to monitor for recurrence among those with previously diagnosed bladder cancer. FISH analysis is a surveillance tool in established primary and secondary bladder adenocarcinoma.
An assessment by the Adelaide Health Technology Assessment (Mundy & Hiller, 2009) concluded that the NMP22 BladderCheck and UroVysion FISH assay, designed for the detection of bladder cancer in high risk patients, have poor sensitivity and poor positive predictive values. The assessment recommended that these assays not be used in asymptomatic patients. The assessment suggested, however, that these tests may be useful in the monitoring of patients with transitional cell carcinoma between cystoscopies. The AHTA recommended that this technology not be assessed further.
The American Urologic Association’s guideline on "Diagnosis, evaluation and follow-up of asymptomatic microhematuria (AMH) in adults" (Davis et al, 2012) stated that "The use of urine cytology and urine markers (Nuclear Matrix Protein 22 [NMP22], bladder tumor antigen [BTA]-stat, and UroVysion fluorescence in situ hybridization assay [FISH]) is not recommended as a part of the routine evaluation of the asymptomatic microhematuria patient".
An assessment prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Meleth, et al., 2014) found: "Although UroVysion is marketed as a diagnostic rather than a prognostic test, limited evidence from two small studies (total N=168) rated as low or medium risk of bias supported associations between test result and prognosis for risk of recurrence. We found no studies that directly assessed the impact of a test of interest on both physician decision-making and downstream health outcomes to establish clinical utility. We attempted to construct an indirect chain of evidence to answer the overarching question, but we were unable to do so. Even in the cases where the tests seemed to add value in determining prognosis (i.e., evidence of clinical validity), we found no evidence that using the test was related to improved outcomes for patients."
Xpert Bladder Cancer Detection (Cepheid) is a non-invasive urinary biomarker test that uses reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to evaluate five target mRNAs (ABL1, CRH, IGF2, UPK1B, ANXA10) overexpressed in patients with bladder cancer. This is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test created to monitor the recurrence of bladder cancer (BC) in patients previously diagnosed with BC.
In a prospective study, D'Elia et al (2021) evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor test in the follow-up of patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The study included 1015 samples of which 416 patients (mean age 72.2 ± 10.3 years) were under follow-up for NMIBC. Patients underwent voided urinary cytology, the Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor test and cystoscopy and, if positive, a transurethral resection of the bladder. Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor was reported as negative or positive: cut-off total Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) = 0.5. The authors identified 168 recurrent tumors: 126 (75%) were low-grade (LG) and 42 (25%) high-grade (HG). Overall sensitivity was 17.9% for cytology, 52.4% for Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor and 54.2% for the two tests combined. The sensitivity of cytology increased from 6.3% in LG to 52.4% in HG tumors whereas Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor showed a sensitivity ranging from 42.9% in LG to 80.9% in HG tumors. Combined cytology and Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor yielded an overall sensitivity of 45.2% for LG and 80.9% for HG tumors. Overall specificity was 98.5% for cytology and 78.4% for Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor and 78.2% for the two tests combined. The area under the curve (AUC) for Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor was 0.71; stratifying the patients according to the European Association of Urology risk groups, the AUC was 0.69, 0.67 and 0.85 for low, intermediate and high risk, respectively (p = 0.0003). The authors concluded that the data confirms a significantly higher sensitivity of Xpert Bladder Cancer Monitor than for cytology in a larger patient cohort. The authors state that the test performed very well in terms of specificity but could not reach the high value of cytology. Along with voided urinary cytology the test could allow to reduce cystoscopies in follow-up patients, reducing discomfort to the patients and costs.
Kavcic et al (2022) state that a variety of commercially available urinary molecular markers have been introduced for detecting and monitoring urothelial carcinoma (UC). Thus, the authors prospectively evaluated the UroVysion Bladder Cancer Kit (FISH) and the Xpert Bladder Cancer Detection (Xpert) test that were performed on voided urine samples after negative cystoscopy and negative abdominal ultrasound (US) and/or negative computed tomography urography (CTU). Urine specimens from 156 patients diagnosed with hematuria and suspected of having UC and 48 patients followed up after treatment of UC were analyzed using FISH and Xpert. The authors found that among 204 patients, 20 had UC, 11 located in the bladder, 6 in the ureter, and 3 in the renal pelvis. FISH had an overall sensitivity (SN) of 78%, a specificity (SP) of 93%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96%. Xpert had an overall SN of 90%, an SP of 85%, and an NPV of 98%. Both tests had high SN, SP, and NPV. The SP of FISH was significantly higher. The authors report that by using FISH and Xpert in addition to cystoscopy, renal and bladder US, and/or CTU in the diagnostic workup of patients with hematuria and follow-up after transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB), a substantial number of patients (10%) otherwise missed were discovered to have UC.
In an observational study, Schmitz-Dräger and colleagues (2024) analyzed the potential of an mRNA-based urine assay, the Xpert Bladder Cancer Detection- CE-IVD (Xpert BC-D), in 324 patients with painless hematuria and no history of underlying bladder cancer (UCa). Patients received urological workup, including urethrocystoscopy (WLC), upper tract imaging, urine cytology and Xpert BC-D. Patients with positive WLC were recommended to undergo tumor resection (TUR-B). The authors found that 8 of 28 patients with a positive TUR-B had Ta low grade (LG) tumors; the others were diagnosed with high grade (HG) lesions (Ta: 4, CIS: 2, T1:11, > T1:3). The Xpert BC-D was reported as more sensitive than urine cytology (96% vs. 61%) (p = 0.002). Increased risk ratios (RR) were observed for gross hematuria, gender, urine cytology, and positive Xpert BC-D (all p < 0.05). Age and positive Xpert BC-D remained independent predictors of UCa in multivariate analysis. Simulating a triage with WLC restricted to patients with positive Xpert BC-D could have saved 240 (74.1%) assessments at the cost of missing one pTa LG tumor. The authors concluded that the results suggest a potential role for Xpert BC-D in preselecting patients with hematuria for either further invasive diagnosis or an alternate diagnostic procedure.
Chou et al (2015) systematically reviewed the evidence on the accuracy of urinary biomarkers for diagnosis of bladder cancer in adults who have signs or symptoms of the disease or are undergoing surveillance for recurrent disease. Data sources included Ovid MEDLINE (January 1990 through June 2015), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and reference lists. A total of 57 studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative or qualitative nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22), qualitative or quantitative bladder tumor antigen (BTA), FISH, fluorescent immunohistochemistry (ImmunoCyt [Scimedx]), and Cxbladder (Pacific Edge Diagnostics USA) using cystoscopy and histopathology as the reference standard met inclusion criteria; case-control studies were excluded. Dual extraction and quality assessment of individual studies were carried out; overall strength of evidence (SOE) was also assessed. Across biomarkers, sensitivities ranged from 0.57 to 0.82 and specificities ranged from 0.74 to 0.88. Positive likelihood ratios ranged from 2.52 to 5.53, and negative likelihood ratios ranged from 0.21 to 0.48 (moderate SOE for quantitative NMP22, qualitative BTA, FISH, and ImmunoCyt; low SOE for others). For some biomarkers, sensitivity was higher for initial diagnosis of bladder cancer than for diagnosis of recurrence. Sensitivity increased with higher tumor stage or grade. Studies that directly compared the accuracy of quantitative NMP22 and qualitative BTA found no differences in diagnostic accuracy (moderate SOE); head-to-head studies of other biomarkers were limited. Urinary biomarkers plus cytologic evaluation were more sensitive than biomarkers alone but missed about 10 % of bladder cancer cases. The authors concluded that urinary biomarkers miss a substantial proportion of patients with bladder cancer and are subject to false-positive results in others; accuracy is poor for low-stage and low-grade tumors. They stated that research is needed to understand how the use of these biomarkers with other diagnostic tests affect the use of cystoscopy and clinical outcomes.
In an editorial that accompanied the afore-mentioned study, Abbosh and Plimack (2015) stated that "Until urinary biomarkers become available that are sufficiently accurate to supplant the current recommended detection algorithms in biomarker-negative patients, they will not be a cost-effective addition to strategies to detect bladder cancer".
Urine-based bladder tumor marker tests have been shown to be useful as an adjunct to urine cytology and cystoscopy in monitoring for recurrences of bladder cancer, but according to the available literature should not be used as a screening tool for bladder malignancy. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF, 2004) has concluded that the potential harms of screening for bladder cancer using available tests, such as microscopic urinalysis, urine dipstick, urine cytology, or such new tests as bladder tumor antigen (BTA) or nuclear matrix protein (NMP22) immunoassay, outweigh any potential benefits. In 2011, the USPSTF stated that primary care–feasible screening tests for bladder cancer include urinalysis for hematuria, urinary cytology, and tests for other urine biomarkers. However, no evidence was found regarding the diagnostic accuracy of screening tests in asymptomatic persons. The USPSTF found no direct evidence that bladder cancer screening is associated with improved health outcomes compared with no screening.
The 2025 American Urological Association (AUA)/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) guidelines provide the following recommendations for diagnosis, evaluation, and follow-up of microhematuria (MH) in regards to use of urine-based tumor markers (UBTMs):
- Clinicians should not routinely use urine cytology or urine-based tumor markers to decide whether to perform cystoscopy in the initial evaluation of low/negligible- or high-risk patients with microhematuria. (Strong Recommendation; Evidence Level: Grade C)
- Clinicians should not routinely use cytology or urine-based tumor markers as adjunctive tests in the setting of a normal cystoscopy. (Strong Recommendation; Evidence Level: Grade C)
- In appropriately counseled intermediate-risk patients who want to avoid cystoscopy and accept the risk of forgoing direct visual inspection of the bladder urothelium, clinicians may offer urine cytology or validated urine-based tumor markers (i.e., Cxbladder Triage, Cxbladder Resolve, NMP22 BladderChek, UroVysion, and Xpert) to facilitate the decision regarding utility of cystoscopy. Renal and bladder ultrasound should still be performed in these cases. (Conditional Recommendation; Evidence Level: Grade C)
Per the AUA/SUFU, a conditional recommendation with strength of evidence C is defined as:
- Balance between benefits and risks/burdens unclear
- Net benefit (or net harm) comparable to other options
- Alternative strategies may be equally reasonable
- Better evidence likely to change confidence
- Strength of low certainty
The AUA/SUFU states that previous guidelines recommended against using urine-based tumor markers (UBTMs) including cytology for evaluating MH. While data now exist that may support consideration in intermediate-risk populations, use of UBTMs and cytology in low- and high-risk groups is not supported at this time. Moreover, the Panel acknowledges that the strength of evidence in clinical studies for use of UBTM in intermediate-risk patients is highly variable. The randomized control trial (Lotan et al, 2025), cited by AUA/SUFU, focused on use of Cxbladder Triage based on patient risk for urothelial cancer. However, the authors of that study acknowledged that their definitions of risk did not match to those of the AUA. Thus, one cannot accurately make conclusions about AUA intermediate-risk patients based upon the confounding data of including low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients together. Furthermore, the Panel notes that the AUA/SUFU proposed risk stratification criteria has not been validated and is "imperfect". "For example, it groups together the risk of urothelial malignancy with other urologic cancers while the risk factors are primarily those for bladder cancer. A risk categorization system for renal cortical neoplasms among people with MH may look quite different. Furthermore, the risk stratification system weighs different risk factors such as smoking and degree of hematuria equally, though they may contribute differently to risk of malignancy."
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Biomarkers Compendium (NCCN, 2025) provides a category 2B recommendation for use of urine biomarker testing in the follow-up of high risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Category 2B is based upon lower-level evidence, there is NCCN consensus (greater than or equal to 50%, but less than 85% support of the Panel) that the intervention is appropriate. Moreover, NCCN clinical practice guidelines for "Bladder cancer" (Version 1.2025) states that biomarkers have a limited role in the initial evaluation and management of non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Any suspected patient with bladder cancer should undergo cystoscopy, transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), and examination under anesthesia (EUA) for diagnosis/disease risk stratification, which will drive subsequent treatment options offered to patients. Moreover, there is no routine role for obtaining urine cytology or other urinary biomarkers in low-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).
Cxbladder
Cxbladder is a suite of non-invasive genomic urine tests designed to help rule out urothelial bladder cancer in patients experiencing hematuria and to monitor for recurrent disease in those who have been treated for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Each Cxbladder test uses quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to measure the mRNA gene expression of 5 genotypic biomarkers (MDK, CDK1 [CDC2], IGFBP5, HOXA13 and CXCR2) and combines these with specific phenotypic biomarkers and clinical characteristics to derive a test score.
O'Sullivan and colleagues (2012) examined if the RNA assay uRNA® and its derivative Cxbladder® have greater sensitivity for the detection of bladder cancer than cytology, NMP22™ BladderChek™ and NMP22™ ELISA, and whether they are useful in risk stratification. A total of 485 patients presenting with gross hematuria but without a history of urothelial cancer were recruited prospectively from 11 urology clinics in Australasia. Voided urine samples were obtained before cystoscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of the RNA tests were compared to cytology and the NMP22 assays using cystoscopy as the reference. The ability of Cxbladder to distinguish between low grade, stage Ta urothelial carcinoma and more advanced urothelial carcinoma was also determined. uRNA detected 41 of 66 urothelial carcinoma cases (62.1 % sensitivity, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 49.3 to 73.8) compared with NMP22 ELISA (50.0 %, 95 % CI: 37.4 to 62.6), BladderChek (37.9 %, 95 % CI: 26.2 to 50.7) and cytology (56.1 %, 95 % CI: 43.8 to 68.3). Cxbladder, which was developed on the study data, detected 82 %, including 97 % of the high grade tumors and 100 % of tumors stage 1 or greater. The cut-offs for uRNA and Cxbladder were pre-specified to give a specificity of 85 %. The specificity of cytology was 94.5 % (95 % CI: 91.9 to 96.5), NMP22 ELISA 88.0 %, (95 % CI: 84.6 to 91.0) and BladderChek 96.4 % (95 % CI: 94.2 to 98.0). Cxbladder distinguished between low-grade Ta tumors and other detected urothelial carcinoma with a sensitivity of 91 % and a specificity of 90 %. The authors concluded that uRNA and Cxbladder showed improved sensitivity for the detection of urothelial carcinoma compared to the NMP22 assays. Stratification with Cxbladder provides a potential method to prioritize patients for the management of waiting lists.
An UpToDate review on "Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and staging of bladder cancer" (Lotan and Choueiri, 2013) does not mention the use of mRNA biomarkers/PCR testing as a management tool for bladder cancer. Furthermore, NCCN’s clinical practice guideline on "Bladder cancer" (Version 1.2014) does not mention the use of mRNA biomarkers/PCR testing as a management tool for bladder cancer.
An assessment of urinary biomarkers for diagnosis of bladder cancer prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Chou, et al., 2016) identified only one study of Cxbladder meeting inclusion criteria, graded as moderate quality, with an overall strength of evidence of "low".
Cxbladder Triage and the Cxbladder Detect+ are urine-based tests designed to rule out the presence of bladder cancer in low-risk patients with hematuria. The test uses an algorithm to incorporate clinical risk factor markers (age, sex, smoking history and macrohematuria frequency) and genetic information (mRNA), using gene-expression profiling by real-time quantitative PCR of 5 biomarker genes (MDK, HOXA13, CDC2 [CDK1], IGFBP5, and CXCR2), to determine a risk score for having urothelial carcinoma. The Cxbladder Detect+ includes urinary analysis of 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms for the FGFR3 and TERT genes, in addition to the current 5 mRNA biomarkers and clinical risk factors.
Lotan et al (2017) noted that patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) undergo rigorous surveillance for recurrence. Non-invasive urine tests are not currently recommended by guideline panels owing to insufficient clinical benefit. In a prospective study, these researchers compared the performance of the Cxbladder Monitor test to other commonly available urine markers and cytology for surveillance of patients with UC. A total of 1,036 urine samples were collected from 803 patients undergoing surveillance for UC. Of these, 1,016 samples were directly assessed using cytology, NMP22 Bladderchek and NMP22 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the clinically validated Cxbladder Monitor test. An exploratory analysis was also performed comparing data from 157 samples where UroVysion fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed locally. The sensitivity of Cxbladder Monitor (0.91) significantly out-performed cytology (0.22), NMP22 ELISA (0.26), and NMP22 BladderChek (0.11). The negative predictive value (NPV) of Cxbladder Monitor was also superior at 0.96 compared with cytology (0.87), NMP22 ELISA (0.87), and NMP22 BladderChek (0.86). All false-negative results (n = 14) observed using Cxbladder Monitor were also negative for cytology, NMP22 ELISA, and NMP22 BladderChek. In the more limited set, UroVysion FISH also had inferior sensitivity (0.33) and NPV (0.92). The authors concluded that the Cxbladder Monitor test significantly out-performed current Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved urine-based monitoring tests, as well as cytology, in a large representative population undergoing surveillance for recurrent UC. This supported using Cxbladder Monitor as a confirmatory negative adjunct to cystoscopy or to justify postponing cystoscopic investigations in patients with a low-risk of recurrence.
The authors noted that the performance characteristics of the comparator FDA-approved non-invasive urine tests performed centrally by independent laboratories as part of the study were lower than those reported previously. Cytology results obtained as part of standard of care (SOC) and used in the patient evaluation was also collected and referred to as local cytology. A comparison of local versus central cytology confirmed the validity of study cytology results. Central and local cytology review was comparable for sensitivity with an overall agreement of greater than 90 %, suggesting that locally and centrally obtained results were comparable and not subject to any significant confounding factors or bias. However, differences in outcomes across locations for UroVysion FISH results was a potential limitation of the analyses performed in this study, as this test was not performed as part of central pathologic review. Although Cxbladder Monitor compared favorably to FISH across the available data, the broad confidence intervals (CIs) were indicative of the relatively low sample size of this analysis. Overall, this test showed a change in the use of urine biomarker diagnostic tests to concentrate specifically on performance metrics (sensitivity and NPV) that added significant utility to the surveillance clinical pathway by ruling out recurrent UC. These investigators noted that although a negative result is highly correlated with the absence of disease, a result that is not negative only suggests that a patient should continue with physician-prescribed procedures and does not require additional work-up, nor is a non-negative result indicative of future recurrence.
Konety et al (2019) stated that Cxbladder diagnostic tests combine genomic information from urinary mRNA with phenotypic information to either rule out low-risk individuals or identify patients at a high risk of UC. In a retrospective study, these researchers examined the performance of Cxbladder and urinary cytology, and Cxbladder's adjudication of atypical cytology and equivocal cystoscopy. They analyzed pooled data from 3 prospective Cxbladder clinical trials and 1 real-world clinical study. Physicians were blinded to Cxbladder results, and Cxbladder providers were blinded to clinical results. This trial analyzed diverse urology practices in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. A total of 1,784 consecutive, prospectively recruited patients with hematuria or previously diagnosed UC provided 852 samples with both local cytology and Cxbladder results; 153 had atypical cytologies and 14 had both atypical cytology and equivocal cystoscopy. Outcome measures included NPV and proportion of tumors missed for Cxbladder and local cytology, as well as evaluation of Cxbladder for adjudicating atypical cytology and equivocal cystoscopy. Cxbladder ruled out 35 % of patients and NPV 97 % (95 % CI: 94 % to 98 %) compared with 93 % (95 % CI: 91 % to 94 %) for cytology; Cxbladder missed 8.5 % and cytology missed 63 % of tumors. UC was diagnosed in 26/153 cases of atypical cytology (17 %). Cxbladder correctly adjudicated all these patients including those with both atypical cytology and equivocal cystoscopy; these patients had a positive Cxbladder result and were diagnosed with UC by pathology. The incidence of patients with both atypical cytology and equivocal cystoscopy was low. The authors concluded that Cxbladder correctly adjudicated all patients diagnosed with UC among those with atypical cytology and equivocal cystoscopy, and out-performed cytology for accurately identifying patients who did not have UC.
The authors stated that drawbacks of this trial included the fact that cytology interpretation was not centralized, rather a deliberate choice to better reflect real-world clinical conditions. Furthermore, although the proportion of atypical cytologies was within the representative range, there were a limited number of atypical cytologies with equivocal cystoscopies.
Laukhtina et al (2021) conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) on the diagnostic accuracy of novel urinary biomarker tests (UBTs) in non-nuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched up to April 2021 to identify studies addressing the diagnostic values of UBTs: Xpert bladder cancer, Adxbladder, Bladder EpiCheck, Uromonitor and Cxbladder Monitor, and Triage and Detect. The primary endpoint was to assess the pooled diagnostic values for disease recurrence in NMIBC patients using a DTA meta-analysis and to compare them with cytology using an NMA. The secondary endpoints were the diagnostic values for high-grade (HG) recurrence as well as for the initial detection of bladder cancer. Twenty-one studies, comprising 7330 patients, were included in the quantitative synthesis. In most of the studies, there was an unclear risk of bias. For NMIBC surveillance, novel UBTs demonstrated promising pooled diagnostic values with sensitivities up to 93%, specificities up to 84%, positive predictive values up to 67%, and negative predictive value up to 99%. Pooled estimates for the diagnosis of HG recurrence were similar to those for the diagnosis of any-grade recurrence. The analysis of the number of cystoscopies potentially avoided during the follow-up of 1000 patients showed that UBTs might be efficient in reducing the number of avoidable interventions with up to 740 cystoscopies. The NMA revealed that diagnostic values (except specificity) of the novel UBTs were significantly higher than those of cytology for the detection of NMIBC recurrence. There were too little data on UBTs in the primary diagnosis setting to allow a statistical analysis. The authors concluded that their analyses support high diagnostic accuracy of the studied novel UBTs, supporting their utility in the NMIBC surveillance setting. All of these might potentially help prevent unnecessary cystoscopies safely. There are not enough data to reliably assess their use in the primary diagnostic setting. These results have to be confirmed in a larger cohort as well as in head-to-head comparative studies.
In a validation study, Raman et al (2021) evaluated the diagnostic performance of Cxbladder Resolve (CxbR) in identifying high-impact tumors (HIT), and validated the algorithm of Cxbladder (Cxb) tests to segregate high-impact from low-impact tumors. CxbR was developed in 863 hematuria patients in 3 studies in United States, Australia and New Zealand. CxbR, separately and combined with other Cxb tests, was validated in a prospective, observational U.S. study in 548 hematuria patients. All UC diagnoses were confirmed by histopathology. The authors found that in the development data set, CxbR sensitivity was 92.4% (95% CI 83.3-96.7) and specificity 93.8% (95% CI 86.8-97.2) for identifying HIT within the high priority category. During external validation, sequential Cxb tests correctly ruled out 87.6% of patients from further workup (negative predictive value 99.4%); 100% of HIT were correctly identified (specificity 96.3%), and 3 low-grade tumors were missed. In both studies, all patients with HIT were correctly assigned to prioritized evaluation. The authors concluded that CxbR has high sensitivity and specificity, correctly identifying all HIT. Sequential Cxb tests accurately segregate patients with a low vs high probability of HIT, focusing resources on those patients, with a diagnostic yield 4.8-fold higher than American Urological Association (AUA) guideline stratification.
Lotan et al (2023) developed enhanced Cxbladder tests that incorporate DNA analysis of 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms for the FGFR3 and TERT genes, in addition to the current 5 mRNA biomarkers and clinical risk factors. Two multicenter, prospective studies were undertaken in: (i) U.S. patients with gross hematuria aged 18 years or older, and (ii) Singaporean patients with gross hematuria or microhematuria who were older than 21 years. All patients provided a midstream urine sample and underwent cystoscopy. Samples were retrospectively analyzed using enhanced Cxbladder-Triage (risk stratifies patients), enhanced Cxbladder-Detect (risk stratifies patients and detects positive patients), and the combination enhanced Cxbladder-Triage × Cxbladder-Detect. The authors found that in the pooled cohort (N=804; gross hematuria: n=484, microhematuria: n=320), enhanced Cxbladder-Detect had a sensitivity of 97% (95% CI 89%-100%), specificity of 90% (95% CI 88%-92%), and negative predictive value of 99.7% (95% CI 99%-100%) for detection of urothelial carcinoma. Overall, 83% of patients were enhanced Cxbladder-Detect-negative (ie, needed no further work-up). Of 133 enhanced Cxbladder-Detect-positive patients, 59 had a confirmed tumor, of which 19 were low-grade noninvasive papillary carcinoma or papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential. In total, 40 tumors were high-grade Ta, T1-T4, Tis, including concomitant carcinoma in situ. Of the 74 patients with normal cystoscopy, 41 were positive by single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. Enhanced Cxbladder-Triage and enhanced Cxbladder-Detect had significantly better specificity than the first-generation Cxbladder tests (P < .001). The authors acknowledged limitations to their study, such as pooling data from 2 different study, and that results may have been affected by referral bias, as the study relied on referrals from primary care to urology. Data were also subject to potential selection bias due to patient eligibility, particularly among those presenting with microhematuria. Lastly, some of the urine samples and patients included in the current analytical validation study were also used during the development of the Cxb+ tests. Thus, external validation is needed and ongoing, particularly with regard to the choice of test thresholds. The authors concluded that their study in ethnically diverse patients with hematuria showed the analytical validity of the enhanced Cxbladder tests. Furthermore, addition of detection of DNA SNPs from FGFR3 and TERT enhances the performance of Cxbladder tests, and is analytically validated in patients with microhematuria or gross hematuria, providing accurate risk stratification and guidance on which patients require further evaluation by cystoscopy.
Li et al (2023) noted that bladder cancer surveillance is associated with high costs and patient burden. CxMonitor (CxM) allows patients to skip their scheduled surveillance cystoscopy if CxM-negative indicating a low probability of cancer presence. In a prospective, multi-center study, these researchers presented outcomes from of CxM to reduce surveillance frequency during the coronavirus pandemic. Eligible patients due for cystoscopy from March to June 2020 were offered CxM and skipped their scheduled cystoscopy if CxM-negative. CxM-positive patients came for immediate cystoscopy. The primary outcome was safety of CxM-based management, assessed by frequency of skipped cystoscopies and detection of cancer at immediate or next cystoscopy. Patients were surveyed on satisfaction and costs. During the study period, a total of 92 patients received CxM and did not differ in demographics nor history of smoking/radiation between sites; 9 of 24 (37.5 %) CxM-positive patients had 1 T0, 2 Ta, 2 Tis, 2 T2, and 1 Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) on immediate cystoscopy and subsequent evaluation; 66 CxM-negative patients skipped cystoscopy, and none had findings on follow-up cystoscopy requiring biopsy – 6 of these patients did not attend follow-up, 4 elected to undergo additional CxM instead of cystoscopy, 2 stopped surveillance, and 2 died of unrelated causes. CxM-negative and CxM-positive patients did not differ in demographics, cancer history, initial tumor grade/stage, AUA risk group, or number of prior recurrences. Median satisfaction (5/5, inter-quartile range [IQR] 4 to 5) and costs (26/33, 78.8 % no out-of-pocket costs) were favorable. The authors concluded that CxM safely reduced frequency of surveillance cystoscopy in real-world settings and appeared acceptable to patients as an at-home test. Moreover, these researchers stated that additional validation and cost-effectiveness analyses are needed.
The authors stated that this study had several drawbacks. First, it primarily reflected a small series (n = 92) that may or may not be generalizable to other settings with a limited follow-up period (next scheduled cystoscopy up to 12 months after scheduled cystoscopy). Thus, these findings only supported skipping 1 cystoscopy with re-surveillance necessary on alternative visits. Second, there was also variation in implementation across sites as repeat CxM instead of follow-up cystoscopy was carried out for some CxM-negative patients at Michigan due to patient preference. Third, some subjects were lost to follow-up due to events such as change of address, missed appointments, or death from co-morbidities. These drawbacks reflected the reality of differences in care between institutions and the complexity of real-world practice. Fourth, this trial had limited enrollment of patients from under-represented groups despite CxM being offered to all eligible patients; this likely reflected existing social inequities in access to bladder cancer care.
Soorojebally et al (2023) noted that bladder cancer detection and follow-up is based on cystoscopy and/or cytology, but it remains imperfect and invasive. Current research focuses on diagnostic biomarkers that could improve bladder cancer detection and follow-up by discriminating patients at risk of aggressive cancer who need confirmatory TURBT (Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor) from patients at no risk of aggressive cancer who could be spared from useless explorations. These investigators carried out a systematic review of data on the clinical validity and clinical use of 11 urinary biomarkers (VisioCyt, XpertBladder, BTA stat, BTA TRAK, NMP22 BC, NMP22 BladderChek Test, ImmunoCyt/uCyt1+, UroVysion Bladder Cancer Kit, Cxbladder, ADXBLADDER, Urodiag) for bladder cancer diagnosis and for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) follow-up. All available studies on the 11 biomarkers published between May 2010 and March 2021 and present in Medline were reviewed. The main endpoints were clinical performance for bladder cancer detection, recurrence or progression during NMIBC monitoring, and additional value compared to cytology and/or cystoscopy. Most studies on urinary biomarkers had a prospective design and high-level of evidence; however, their results should be interpreted with caution given the heterogeneity among studies. Most of the biomarkers under study displayed higher detection sensitivity compared with cytology, but lower specificity. Some biomarkers may have clinical use for NMIBC surveillance in patients with negative or equivocal cystoscopy or negative or atypical urinary cytology findings, and also for recurrence prediction. The authors concluded that urinary biomarkers might have a complementary place in bladder cancer diagnosis and NMIBC surveillance; however, their clinical benefit remains to be confirmed.
Maas et al (2023) stated that urinary biomarkers to detect bladder cancer have been the subject of research for decades. The idea that urine -- being in continuous contact with tumor tissue -- should provide a vector of tumor information remains an attractive concept. Research on this topic has resulted in a complex landscape of many different urine markers with varying degrees of clinical validation. These markers range from cell-based assays to proteins, transcriptomic markers and genomic signatures, with a clear trend towards multiplex assays. Unfortunately, the number of different urine markers and the efforts in research and development of clinical grade assays are not reflected in the use of these markers in clinical practice, which is currently limited. Numerous prospective trials are in progress with the objective of increasing the quality of evidence regarding urinary biomarkers in bladder cancer to achieve guideline implementation. The current research landscape suggests a division of testing approaches. Some efforts are directed towards addressing the limitations of current assays to improve the performance of urinary biomarkers for a straightforward detection of bladder cancer. Furthermore, comprehensive genetic analyses are emerging based on advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and are expected to substantially affect the potential application of urinary biomarkers in bladder cancer.
McGee, et al. (2025) aimed to validate the use of Cxbladder tests (Cxbladder Triage and Cxbladder Monitor) in diagnosing and monitoring urothelial carcinoma (UC). The study was conducted at the Royal Perth Hospital in Perth, WA, Australia, and involved 236 patients (134 for Cxbladder Triage and 102 for Cxbladder Monitor).The study collected de-identified patient demographic data, including smoking status, risk of environmental exposures, family history, type of hematuria, and date of last recurrence. The Cxbladder tests calculate a score based on mRNA expression of five genotypic biomarkers in urine samples, combined with clinical questions about age, sex, smoking history, visible hematuria, and history of previous UC. Cxbladder Triage and Monitor demonstrated negative predictive values (NPV) of 96.43% and 95.16%, respectively. Cxbladder Triage, combined with upper tract imaging, was able to rule out UC completely in low-risk patients. The tests showed a sensitivity of 95.1% for Cxbladder Triage and 93% for Cxbladder Monitor. The study was conducted in a single center, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The authors noted that there were logistical challenges associated with the specialized processing of samples in New Zealand, which could affect the implementation of the test in other settings.
Guduguntla et al. (2025) evaluated the outcomes of a bladder cancer surveillance program using Cxbladder Monitor (CxM) in patients eligible for annual cystoscopy surveillance according to European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. The objective was to assess whether alternating yearly surveillance cystoscopy with CxM testing could safely reduce cystoscopy frequency, impact waiting lists, reduce costs, and maintain patient satisfaction. This was a retrospective study conducted in 2022 involving 109 eligible and consenting patients, of whom 98 commenced the new surveillance protocol starting with CxM instead of cystoscopy. Patients with a negative CxM test were scheduled for flexible cystoscopy 12 months later, while those with a positive CxM underwent immediate cystoscopy and imaging if indicated. The study measured CxM test results, recurrence detection, treatment patterns, impact on cystoscopy waitlists, cost comparison, and patient satisfaction. Results showed that 90 patients had a negative CxM, with 70 of these having no recurrence at the subsequent cystoscopy or imaging. Among 8 patients with positive CxM, 3 were true positives (positive predictive value 0.375). Recurrences detected after a negative CxM were all non-invasive, with no progression to muscle-invasive disease. The investigators reported that the protocol reduced the hospital cystoscopy waitlist by approximately 59% and saved about $850 AUD per test compared to cystoscopy. All suitable patients consented to continue with the CxM-based surveillance schedule.
The drawbacks of the study include its retrospective, single-center design, which limits generalizability to broader or more diverse patient populations. The study had a limited sample size (98 patients commenced the protocol), reducing statistical power and the ability to detect rare or late recurrences. There was no randomized control group or direct comparison to standard surveillance protocols, so the incremental benefit of the Cxbladder Monitor (CxM) strategy over standard cystoscopy cannot be definitively established. Additionally, the follow-up period was relatively short, and long-term oncologic safety, particularly the risk of missing high-grade or muscle-invasive recurrences, remains uncertain. The study also reported that some patients with negative CxM subsequently had non-invasive recurrences detected at the next cystoscopy, highlighting the potential for false negatives and the need for ongoing vigilance.
AUA guidelines for patients with microhematuria (greater than or equal to 3 red blood cells [RBC]/high-power field [hpf]) include cystoscopy for most people over age 40 due to risk of urothelial cancer (UC). Cxbladder Triage (CxbT) is a urinary genomic test with UC negative predictive value of 99%. In a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial, Lotan and colleagues (2024) compared the Cxbladder Triage to cystoscopy in asymptomatic patients with microhematuria. All patients with hematuria provided urine for a CxbT. Those categorized as lower risk (LR), defined as 3 to 29 RBC/hpf and minimal smoking history (less than 10 pack-years) were randomized between the test group provided with the CxbT result vs the standard of care (SOC) control group. Negative CxbT patients were offered omission of cystoscopy with surveillance. "Not lower risk" (NLR) patients (greater than 30 RBC/hpf or greater than 10 pack-year smoking history) had a CxbT but otherwise SOC. Patient decision and outcomes were then recorded. Of 390 eligible patients, 255 were NLR and 135 were LR randomized to CxbT informed decision or SOC. The median age was 62 years (range 18-94) and 54% were male. The authors found that overall, 63% of CxbT tests were negative. For NLR patients, 82% had cystoscopy. In the LR control group, cystoscopy was performed in 67% of SOC and 27% in the test group (relative risk 0.41 [95% CI 0.27-0.61]). Compared to cystoscopy, CxbT had 90% sensitivity, 56% specificity, and 99% negative predictive value for UC. The authors concluded that use of CxbT in patients with LR hematuria resulted in 59% reduction of cystoscopy use, and that the clinical utility of CxbT can reduce the burden of unnecessary cystoscopies.
Lotan et al (2024) acknowledged limitations to the study described above. The willingness of patients who did not have cystoscopy to return for follow-up was lower than expected, so in this study many didn’t have the requested repeat CxbT values or ultrasounds. The author's risk stratification did not align with the 2020 AUA microhematuria guidelines; thus, many of their lower risk (LR) patients would be considered intermediate or even high risk (based on age alone). Therefore, the authors could not give risk-specific performance data, either for outcomes or cystoscopy reduction, under the AUA risk stratification scheme. In addition, there was an unusually high number of patients whose complete data could not be source verified and was therefore lost to analysis. Finally, the 10 LR patients in the test arm who had a positive CxbT also were provided with their Cxbladder Detect result, a test that has a higher positive predictive value. Therefore, it is possible that without that additional information, some of the 8 patients who chose cystoscopy might not have.
Bladder CARE
Bladder CARE (Pangea Laboratory LLC) is a non-invasive epigenetic assay indicated for early detection and surveillance of bladder cancer and upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). This assay was granted FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for the quantitative detection of bladder cancer and UTUC-DNA from urine specimens collected at the clinic with the Pangea collection device. Bladder CARE measures the methylation level of three bladder cancer-specific DNA biomarkers: TRNA-Cys, SIM2, and NKX1-1. Using a proprietary algorithm developed by Pangea Laboratory, results are expressed as values on the Bladder CARE Index (BCI), which are proportional to the abundance of cancer DNA in the urine sample. Patients with a BCI less than 2.5 are classified as “negative” for the presence of bladder cancer, while patients with a BCI greater than 2.5 and greater than 10.0 are classified as “low positive” and “positive”, respectively. This assay results are intended to be used in conjunction with current standard diagnostic procedures, as an aid for the initial diagnosis of bladder cancer and UTUC for patients presenting with hematuria and suspected of having bladder cancer and UTUC.
In a feasibility study, Piatti and colleagues (2021) collected urine samples from 136 healthy and 77 bladder cancer subjects using the at-home Bladder CARE Urine Collection Kit and analyzed with Bladder CARE test. The test measures the methylation level of three BC-specific biomarkers and two internal controls using methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes coupled with qPCR. The investigators report that Bladder CARE showed an overall sensitivity of 93.5%, a specificity of 92.6%, and a PPV and NPV of 87.8% and 96.2%, respectively. Moreover, Bladder CARE has an level of detection (LOD) as low as 0.046%, which equates to detecting 1 cancer cell for every 2,200 cells analyzed. The investigators also report providing evidence that bisulfite-free methods to assess DNA methylation, like Bladder CARE, are advantageous compared to conventional methods that rely on bisulfite conversion of the DNA. The investigators concluded that highly sensitive detection of bladder cancer in urine samples is possible using Bladder CARE. The low LOD of the test and the measurement of epigenetic biomarkers make Bladder CARE a good candidate for the early detection of BC and possibly for the routine screening and surveillance of BC patients. Bladder CARE and the at-home urine sample collection system have the potential to (i) reduce unnecessary invasive testing for bladder cancer, (ii) reduce the burden of surveillance on patients and on the healthcare system, (iii) improve the detection of early stage bladder cancer, and (iv) allow physicians to streamline the monitoring of patients. However, the investigators acknowledged that one limitation of this study is that no clinical and follow-up information was available for the control cohort (“healthy” status was based on self-report); therefore, these suppositions are purely speculative, and more data need to be generated in the future order to better understand the reason for false-positive cases. Moreover, within the cancer cohort the investigators found 5 false-negative cases. A closer look at the data did not show any apparent correlation between false-negative cases and tumor type, grade, urine DNA yield, or presence of blood and leukocytes in the urine. Previously conducted interference experiments for urinary tract infections and hematuria revealed that these conditions do not interfere with Bladder CARE test results. A possible explanation for false-negative cases is that the concentration of cancer cells in these samples may have been below Bladder CARE’s LOD. Thus, additional studies are required to fully elucidate this aspect.
In a prospective cohort study, Ghoreifi et al (2023) explored the accuracy of a urine-based epigenetic test for detecting upper tract urothelial carcinoma. In a total of 50 patients, urine samples were prospectively collected from primary upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients before radical nephroureterectomy, ureterectomy, or ureteroscopy between December 2019 and March 2022. Samples were analyzed with Bladder CARE and 2 internal control loci using methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes coupled with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results were reported as the Bladder CARE Index (BCI) score and quantitatively categorized as positive (>5), high risk (2.5-5), or negative (<2.5). The findings were compared with those of 1:1 sex/age-matched cancer-free healthy individuals. The investigators found that the BCI results were positive in 47, high risk in 1, and negative in 2 patients. A significant correlation was found between BCI values and tumor size. Urine cytology was available for 35 patients, of whom 22 (63%) results were false-negative. Upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients had significantly higher BCI values compared to the controls (mean 189.3 vs 1.6, P < .001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the Bladder CARE test for detecting upper tract urothelial carcinoma were 96%, 88%, 89%, and 96%, respectively. The investigators concluded that Bladder CARE is an accurate urine-based epigenetic test for the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma, with much higher sensitivity than standard urine cytology.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines for “Bladder cancer” (Version 1.2025) does not provide a recommendation for testing cysteinyl-tRNA (TRNA-Cys), SIM2, or NKX1 in the diagnosis or management of bladder cancer or upper genitourinary tract tumors.
UroAmp MRD
UroAmp MRD (Convergent Genomics) is a non-invasive genomic urine test indicated for detecting bladder cancer or predicting its recurrence before clinical signs or symptoms appear. The test interrogates 60 urothelial cancer genes while broadly measuring changes across the wole genome. Moreover, it uses an algorithm reported as minimal residual disease (MRD) status positive or negative and quantitative disease burden, a measure of a patient’s disease burden compared to bladder cancer patients previously tested with UroAmp. UroAmp MRD is purported to help monitor disease progression, recurrence, and response to therapeutic interventions.
In a prospectively designed and accrued cohort study, Rac et al (2024) examined the utility of urinary comprehensive genomic profiling (uCGP) for predicting recurrence risk following transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and evaluating longitudinal IVT response. Urine was collected before and after intravesical therapy (IVT) instillation and uCGP testing was done using the UroAmp™ platform. UroAmp uses next‐generation sequencing to detect six classes of mutations. Five of these—single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs), small insertion‐deletions (INDELs), targeted gene‐level copy‐number variants (CNVs), microsatellite instability (MSI), and copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity (LOH)—are assayed across a 60‐gene panel, while the sixth mutation type is whole‐genome aneuploidy. UroAmp is a tumor‐naïve test. Detected mutations are annotated using publicly available data sources, including dbSNP, 1000 Genomes Project, The Cancer Genome Atlas, Sanger/COSMIC, and AARC Project GENIE. Mutation profiles serve as input features to machine‐learned algorithms disease and molecular grade prediction. UroAmp risk algorithms are calculated independent of any clinical features. The investigators found that baseline uCGP following TURBT identified patients with high (61%) and low (39%) recurrence risk. At 24 months, recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was 100% for low‐risk and 45% for high‐risk patients with a hazard ratio (HR) of 9.3. Longitudinal uCGP classified patients as minimal residual disease (MRD) Negative, IVT Responder, or IVT Refractory with 24‐month RFS of 100%, 50%, and 32%, respectively. Compared with MRD Negative patients, IVT Refractory patients had a HR of 10.5. Collectively, uCGP enables noninvasive risk assessment of patients following TURBT and induction IVT. uCGP could inform surveillance cystoscopy schedules and identify high‐risk patients in need of additional therapy. The investigators acknowledged study limitations, with the most significant being the cohort size. This study was powered for general assessment of MRD detection and its longitudinal relationship with recurrence. However, it was not powered to evaluate progression, which is a critical consideration but would require larger sample size and follow‐up. The limited cohort size also restricted the investigators’ ability to assess individual molecular relationships.
VEGF
Tumour angiogenesis is associated with invasiveness and the metastatic potential of various cancers. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the most potent and specific angiogenic factor identified to date, regulates normal and pathologic angiogenesis. An evidence report from Cancer Care Ontario (Welch et al, 2008) on the use of the VEGF inhibitor bevacizumab in colorectal cancer explained that the increased expression of VEGF has been correlated with metastasis, recurrence, and poor prognosis in many cancers, including colorectal cancer. Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2007) explained that bevacizumab (Avastin) is a recombinant humanised monoclonal IgG1 antibody that acts as an angiogenesis inhibitor. It targets the biological activity of VEGF, which stimulates new blood vessel formation in the tumour. However, neither the FDA approved labeling of bevacizumab or evidence-based guidelines recommend measurement of VEGF to diagnose colorectal cancer or to select patients for treatment. In a special report on pharmacogenomics of cancer, the BlueCross and BlueShield Association's Technology Evaluation Center (TEC) (2007) stated that pre-treatment VEGF levels do not appear to be predictive of response to anti-angiogenic therapy.
Shin and colleagues (2013) evaluated inhibitory effects of bevacizumab on VEGF signaling and tumor growth in-vitro and in-vivo, and assessed phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and downstream signaling in endothelial cells as pharmacodynamic markers using phospho-flow cytometry. These researchers also validated markers in patients with mCRC treated with bevacizumab-based chemotherapy. In in-vitro studies, bevacizumab inhibited proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in association with reduced VEGF signaling. Notably, bevacizumab inhibited VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-2, Akt, and extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In-vivo, treatment with bevacizumab inhibited growth of xenografted tumors and attenuated VEGF-induced phosphorylation of Akt and ERK. The median percentages of VEGFR2 + pAkt + and VEGFR2 + pERK + cells, determined by phospho-flow cytometry, were approximately 3-fold higher in mCRC patients than in healthy controls. Bevacizumab treatment decreased VEGFR2 + pAkt + cells in 18 of 24 patients on day 3. The authors concluded that bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy decreased the number of VEGFR2 + pAkt + cells, reflecting impaired VEGFR2 signaling. Together, these data suggested that changes in the proportion of circulating VEGFR2 + pAkt + cells may be a potential pharmacodynamic marker of the effectiveness of anti-angiogenic agents, and could prove valuable in determining drug dosage and administration schedule.
Veristrat
Mass spectrometry based proteomic profiling (such as Veristrat) is a multivariate serum protein test that uses mass spectrometry and proprietary algorithms to analyze proteins in an individual’s serum.
NCCN guidelines on non-small cell lung cancer (NCCN, 2015) recommend proteomic testing for patients with NSCLC and wild-type EGFR or with unknown EGFR status. The guidelines state that a patient with a "poor" classification should not be offered erlotinib in the second-line setting. For support, NCCN guidelines reference a study by Gregorc, et al. (2014), who reported that serum protein test status (Veristrat) is predictive of differential benefit in overall survival for erlotinib versus chemotherapy in the second-line setting, and that patients classified as likely to have a poor outcome have better outcomes on chemotherapy than on erlotinib. From Feb 26, 2008, to April 11, 2012, patients (aged ≥18 years) with histologically or cytologically confirmed, second-line, stage IIIB or IV non-small-cell lung cancer were enrolled in 14 centrers in Italy. Patients were stratified according to a minimization algorithm by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, smoking history, center, and masked pretreatment serum protein test classification, and randomly assigned centrally in a 1:1 ratio to receive erlotinib (150 mg/day, orally) or chemotherapy (pemetrexed 500 mg/m2, intravenously, every 21 days, or docetaxel 75 mg/m2, intravenously, every 21 days). The proteomic test classification was masked for patients and investigators who gave treatments, and treatment allocation was masked for investigators who generated the proteomic classification. The primary endpoint was overall survival and the primary hypothesis was the existence of a significant interaction between the serum protein test classification and treatment. Analyses were done on the per-protocol population. Investigators randomly assigned 142 patients to chemotherapy and 143 to erlotinib, and 129 (91%) and 134 (94%), respectively, were included in the per-protocol analysis. 88 (68%) patients in the chemotherapy group and 96 (72%) in the erlotinib group had a proteomic test classification of good. Median overall survival was 9·0 months (95% CI 6·8–10·9) in the chemotherapy group and 7·7 months (5·9–10·4) in the erlotinib group. The investigators noted a significant interaction between treatment and proteomic classification (pinteraction = 0·017 when adjusted for stratification factors; pinteraction=0·031 when unadjusted for stratification factors). The investigators found that patients with a proteomic test classification of poor had worse survival on erlotinib than on chemotherapy (hazard ratio 1·72 [95% CI 1·08–2·74], p=0·022). There was no significant difference in overall survival between treatments for patients with a proteomic test classification of good (adjusted HR 1·06 [0·77–1·46], p=0·714). In the group of patients who received chemotherapy, the most common grade 3 or 4 toxic effect was neutropenia (19 [15%] vs one [<1%] in the erlotinib group), whereas skin toxicity (one [<1%] vs 22 [16%]) was the most frequent in the erlotinib group.
Glossary of Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Biopsy specimen | Tissue removed from the body and examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present |
| Germline mutation | Inherited; can be passed onto offspring |
| Liquid biopsy | A noninvasive diagnostic approach involving the isolation of circulating tumor markers such as cell-free nucleic acids and circulating tumor cells from peripheral blood, thus, analyzing tumor DNA in blood called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) |
| Mutation | Any change in the DNA of a cell |
| Oncogenes | A gene which in certain circumstances can transform a cell into a tumor cell |
| Phenotype | The observable characteristics in an individual resulting from the expression of genes |
| Serum tumor marker test | A blood test that measures the amount of tumor markers (or biomarkers). Tumor markers are released into the blood by tumor cells or by other cells in response to tumor cells. A high level of a tumor marker may be a sign of cancer |
| Somatic mutation | Acquired; cannot be inherited by offspring |
| Somatic genomic testing | Looks for changes in the genes of cancer cells |
| Tumor | A mass formed when normal cells begin to change and grow uncontrollably. A tumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body). Also called a nodule or mass. |
| Tumor suppressor genes | A type of gene that makes a protein called a tumor suppressor protein that helps control cell growth. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes may lead to cancer. Also called antioncogene. |
Appendix
| Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|
| a2-PAG | Pregnancy-associated alpha2 glycoprotein |
| BCM | Breast cancer mucin |
| BTA | Bladder tumor antigen |
| CA19-9 | Cancer antigen 19-9 |
| CA50 | Cancer antigen 50 |
| CA72-4 | Cancer antigen 72-4 |
| CA195 | Cancer antigen 195 |
| CA242 | Cancer antigen 242 |
| CA549 | Cancer antigen 549 |
| CA-SCC | Squamous cell carcinoma |
| CAM17-1 | Monoclonal antimucin antibody 17-1 |
| CAM26 | Monoclonal antimucin antibody 26 |
| CAM29 | Monoclonal antimucin antibody 29 |
| CAR3 | Antigenic determinant recognized by monoclonal antibody AR3 |
| DU-PAN-2 | Sialylated carbohydrate antigen DU-PAN-2 |
| FDP | Fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products |
| GCC | Guanylyl cyclase C |
| MCA | Mucin-like carcinoma-associated antigen |
| NMP22 | Nuclear matrix protein22 |
| NSE | Neuron-specific enolase |
| PLAP | Placental alkaline phosphatase |
| PNA-ELLA | Peanut lectin-bonding assay |
| SLEX | Sialylated Lewis X-antigen |
| SLX | Sialylated SSEA-1 antigen |
| SPAN-1 | Sialylated carbonated antigen SPAN-1 |
| ST-439 | Sialylated carbonated antigen ST-439 |
| TAG12 | Tumor-associated glycoprotein 12 |
| TAG72 | Tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 |
| TAG72.3 | Tumor-associated glycoprotein 72.3 |
| TATI | Tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor |
| TNF-a | Tumor necrosis factor alpha |
| TPA | Tissue polypeptide antigen |
References
The above policy is based on the following references:
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