Next-Generation Sequencing on Circulating Tumor DNA in Advanced Solid Cancer: Swiss Army Knife for the Molecular Tumor Board? A Review of the Literature Focused on FDA Approved Test

Abstract

FDA-approved next-generation sequencing assays based on cell-free DNA offers new opportunities in a molecular-tumor-board context thanks to the noninvasiveness of liquid biopsy, the diversity of analyzed parameters and the short turnaround time. It gives the opportunity to study the heterogeneity of the tumor, to elucidate complex resistance mechanisms and to adapt treatment strategies. However, lowering the limit of detection and increasing the panels’ size raise new questions in terms of detection of incidental germline alterations, occult malignancies and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential mutations. In this review, after a technological discussion and description of the common problematics encountered, we establish recommendations in properly using these FDA-approved tests in a molecular-tumor-board context.

Keywords

• cfDNA
• liquid biopsy
• next-generation sequencing
• molecular tumor board
• FDA-approved