Abstract
Liquid biopsy is rapidly gaining acceptance as a non-invasive approach for early lung cancer detection and monitoring.Cell-free (cf)DNA methylation libraries can be prepared from very low-input DNA, and robust methods are being developed at a fast pace.Methylation data of circulating tumour (ct)DNA could be used for early detection and risk stratification in lung cancer screening programmes.Several challenges need to be addressed for the successful clinical implementation of cfDNA methylation analysis for lung cancer management.Considering the evolving approaches to lung cancer management involving liquid biopsy, we recommend technical modifications of current cfDNA methylation assay methods and introduce two lung cancer screening models.
The clinical use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation in managing lung cancer depends on its ability to differentiate between malignant and healthy cells, assign methylation changes to specific tissue sources, and elucidate opportunities for targeted therapy. From a technical standpoint, cfDNA methylation analysis is primed as a potential clinical tool for lung cancer screening, early diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment, pending the outcome of elaborate validation studies. Here, we discuss the current state of the art in cfDNA methylation analysis, examine the unique features and limitations of these new methods in a clinical context, propose two models for applying cfDNA methylation data for lung cancer screening, and discuss future research directions.
The clinical use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation in managing lung cancer depends on its ability to differentiate between malignant and healthy cells, assign methylation changes to specific tissue sources, and elucidate opportunities for targeted therapy. From a technical standpoint, cfDNA methylation analysis is primed as a potential clinical tool for lung cancer screening, early diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment, pending the outcome of elaborate validation studies. Here, we discuss the current state of the art in cfDNA methylation analysis, examine the unique features and limitations of these new methods in a clinical context, propose two models for applying cfDNA methylation data for lung cancer screening, and discuss future research directions.