Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Automated Decentralized cfDNA NGS Assay Identifies Alterations in Advanced Solid Tumors

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 09 May 2025

Current circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assays are typically centralized, requiring specialized handling and transportation of samples. More...

Introducing a flexible, decentralized sequencing system at the point of care, which requires minimal technical oversight, could significantly improve turnaround times and expand patient access to genomic profiling. In a new study, researchers assessed the clinical feasibility of an automated, decentralized cfDNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay designed to identify actionable genetic alterations in advanced solid tumors.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR, Tokyo, Japan), involved genomic profiling of plasma cfDNA from 298 patients with advanced solid tumors using an automated NGS assay. The team compared the tumor mutations detected in plasma cfDNA with those found in patient-matched tumor tissues, which were analyzed using an FDA-approved assay. They also examined clinical factors that could influence the sensitivity of ctDNA aberration (mut-ctDNA) detection. The researchers discovered that the sequencing success rates for cfDNA genomic profiling were significantly higher compared to archived tumor tissue (99% vs. 96%). The detection rates of mut-ctDNA ranged from 20% to 67% across various solid tumors, and targetable or resistance alterations were identified in 18% of patients.

The results, published in the journal Clinical Chemistry, also revealed that approximately 72% of patients showed consistent alterations between tissue and plasma samples. This level of concordance was linked to factors such as cancer type, tumor burden, and the metastatic location. Importantly, 63 plasma-only alterations were identified in 18% of patients, with these alterations being more common in patients who had previously received targeted treatments (24%) compared to those who had undergone chemotherapy (10%). The findings highlight the clinical viability of an automated, decentralized cfDNA genomic profiling method and emphasize the need to consider clinical factors when choosing between plasma- or tissue-based assays. This approach holds promise for improving patient access to timely genomic profiling and facilitating targeted therapy selection.


New
Gold Member
Immunochromatographic Assay
CRYPTO Cassette
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Capillary Blood Collection Tube
IMPROMINI M3
New
Pipette
Accumax Smart Series
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The ONC IN-CYT platform leverages cross indication biomarker cyto-signatures (Photo courtesy of OraLiva)

AI-Powered Cytology Tool Detects Early Signs of Oral Cancer

Each year, 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, yet only 28% of cases are identified at an early stage, when the five-year survival rate exceeds 85%. Most diagnoses occur in later stages, when... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The microfluidic device for passive separation of platelet-rich plasma from whole blood (Photo courtesy of University of the Basque Country)

Portable and Disposable Device Obtains Platelet-Rich Plasma Without Complex Equipment

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) plays a crucial role in regenerative medicine due to its ability to accelerate healing and repair tissue. However, obtaining PRP traditionally requires expensive centrifugation... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: PD-1 protein blockade is the standard treatment for advanced melanoma among the different types of immunotherapy (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Precision Tool Predicts Immunotherapy Treatment Failure in Melanoma Patients

Melanoma, though accounting for only about 4% of skin tumors, is the deadliest form of skin cancer due to its high potential to metastasize. While immunotherapy, especially PD-1 protein blockade, has revolutionized... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel method to analyze tumor growth rates (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Novel Method To Analyze Tumor Growth Rates Helps Tracks Progression Between Diagnosis and Surgery

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer often worry about how quickly their tumors grow while they wait for surgery, and whether delays in treatment might allow the disease to spread beyond the point of cure.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.