Usefulness of Two Independent DNA and RNA Tissue-Based Multiplex Assays for the Routine Care of Advanced NSCLC Patients

Personalized medicine is nowadays a paradigm in lung cancer management, offering important benefits to patients. This study aimed to test the feasibility and utility of embedding two multiplexed genomic platforms as the routine workup of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Two parallel multiplexed approaches were performed based on DNA sequencing and direct digital detection of RNA with nCounter® technology to evaluate gene mutations and fusions. The results were used to guide genotype-directed therapies and patient outcomes were collected. A total of 224 advanced non-squamous NSCLC patients were prospectively included in the study. Overall, 85% of samples were successfully characterized at DNA and RNA levels and oncogenic drivers were found in 68% of patients, with KRAS, EGFR, METΔex14, BRAF, and ALK being the most frequent (31%, 19%, 5%, 4%, and 4%, respectively). Among all patients with complete genotyping results and follow-up data (n = 156), the median overall survival (OS) was 1.90 years (confidence interval (CI) 95% 1.69–2.10) for individuals harbouring an actionable driver treated with a matched therapy, compared with 0.59 years (CI 95% 0.39–0.79) in those not eligible for any targeted therapy and 0.61 years (CI 95% 0.12–1.10) in patients with no drivers identified (p < 0.001). Integrating DNA and RNA multiplexing technologies into the routine molecular testing of advanced NSCLC patients is feasible and useful and highlights the necessity of widespread integrating comprehensive molecular diagnosis into lung cancer care.

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Biomarker utilization in non-small cell lung cancer, are we treating after testing?

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.9609 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 9609-9609

Author(s):

Elias Makhoul ◽

Jong Taek Kim ◽

Wenjuan Zhang ◽

Jean Raphael Lopategui ◽

Ani Sarkis Balmanoukian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Targeted Therapy ◽

Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Targeted Therapies ◽

Small Cell ◽

Molecular Testing ◽

Small Cell Lung ◽

Nsclc Patients

9609 Background: Targeted therapy in EGFR and ALK mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been the standard of care for nearly a decade with subsequent FDA approvals for ROS1 and BRAF V600 mutated NSCLC occurring in 2016 and 2017. However, recent studies have shown suboptimal utilization of genomic profiling results in these patients. In 1 recent study of community oncologists, ~70% of EGFR/ALK+ patients received appropriate targeted therapy, while patients with other gene mutations (including BRAF and ROS1) only received targeted therapy ~30% of the time. Left unanswered was what patients were receiving instead and why. Additionally, it is unknown if this finding is generalizable to the academic setting. We aimed to investigate whether in our patient population, NSCLC patients with actionable mutations received associated FDA approved therapies and if not why. Methods: The pathology database was queried for all NSCLC with molecular testing (including qPCR, FISH and NGS) from 2009 to 2019. Patients with sensitizing EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or BRAF mutations that were detected after the first FDA approval for their respective targeted therapies were included for analysis with those lost to follow up subsequently excluded. Basic demographic and clinical variables were collected as well as treatment records. Results: 2160 NSCLC patients were evaluated (2160 EGFR, 1417 ALK, 810 ROS1, 589 BRAF). 468 patients were identified with targetable mutations (411 EGFR, 46 ALK, 5 ROS1, 6 BRAF). No patient had more than 1 targetable mutation. Of those patients, 248 were at an advanced stage and had clinical follow up (202 EGFR, 37 ALK, 4 ROS1, 5 BRAF). Of those patients 197/202 (97.5%), 33/37 (89.2%), 3/4 (75%) and 1/5 (20%) received EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or BRAF targeted therapy respectively. Across biomarkers 14/248 patients (5.6%) did not receive subsequent targeted therapy. 10 patients (5 EGFR, 3 ALK, 1 ROS1 and 1 BRAF) passed away before targeted therapy could be initiated. Physician choice and missed findings accounted for the remaining four cases. Conclusions: The vast majority of advanced NSCLC patients analyzed in this study received appropriate targeted therapy matched to genomic findings. The main reason (~4% of total cases) that patients did not receive therapy was due to rapidly progressive disease and death before it could be initiated. These findings are at odds with those published from the community setting. This may be due to multiple factors, including clinician education, ease of access to targeted therapies across patient populations and incomplete data in the previous study populations.

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Efficacy of EGFR-TKIs monotherapy versus TKI plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment in EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma with liver metastases.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.e21099 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e21099-e21099

Author(s):

Huijuan Wang ◽

Mengmeng Li ◽

Mina Zhang ◽

Zhang guo Wei ◽

Xiangtao Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Liver Metastases ◽

Egfr Mutation ◽

Advanced Nsclc ◽

Small Cell Lung ◽

First Line ◽

Chemotherapy Group ◽

Nsclc Patients ◽

Egfr Tkis

e21099 Background: Liver metastasis is one of the most reasons for the poor prognosis of patients with advanced lung cancer. Seeking for active and effective treatment measures is very important for these patients. At present, the first-line standard treatment of the advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutation is EGFR-TKIs monotherapy. However, its efficacy is poor in the advanced non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutation and liver metastases. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs plus chemotherapy in patients with EGFR mutation of advanced non-small cell lung cancer with liver metastases. Methods: The clinical data of a total of 384 advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation positive who were admitted to The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital from February 2017 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 75 patients with liver metastases. Patients were divided into two groups, and accepted EGFR-TKIs monotherapy or EGFR-TKIs plus chemotherapy, respectively. All patients treatment response were evaluated by the RECIST1.1 Response evaluation criteria in solid tumors.Progression free-survival (PFS) were also analyzed. Results: In the study, 75 patients were finally screened. There were 37 patients in the EGFR-TKIs monotherapy group and 38 patients in the TKI plus chemotherapy group. The median follow-up time was 23.0 months. At the latest follow-up date (2021-01-01), 57 patients had disease progression and 35 patients had died. Comparing with EGFR-TKIs monotherapy,the first-line PFS of EGFR-TKI plus chemotherapy group was longer, and the median PFS was 12.7 months VS 7.4 months (P = 0.018).The ORR of primary lung lesions was no significant difference between these two groups（65.8%VS 51.4% P = 0.204), and DCR (97.4% VS 94.6% P = 0.981) also had no difference between two groups（P > 0.05）. ORR of liver metastases in the EGFR-TKIs plus chemotherapy group was significantly higher than EGFR-TKIs monotherapy group ORR (65.8%VS 40.5%，P = 0.028). Conclusions: In advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation and liver metastases, comparing with EGFR-TKIs monotherapy, taking EGFR-TKIs plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment had longer PFS, and better efficacy on liver lesions.

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Tumour tissue sampling for lung cancer management in the era of personalised therapy: what is good enough for molecular testing?

European Respiratory Journal ◽

10.1183/09031936.00197013 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 44 (4) ◽

pp. 1011-1022 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Lucia Kim ◽

Ming Sound Tsao

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Kinase Inhibitors ◽

Tumour Progression ◽

Growth Factor Receptor ◽

Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Tumour Tissue ◽

Molecular Testing ◽

Anaplastic Lymphoma ◽

Cancer Management ◽

Nsclc Patients

In the era of personalised cancer therapy, the demand for molecular profiling of the patient’s tumour is steadily increasing. In advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements has become an essential component of clinical practice to select patients who are most likely to benefit from EGFR and ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors, respectively. Furthermore, obtaining tissue specimens from recurrent or metastatic tumours or from patients who develop resistance to initial effective therapies are essential for our understanding of the molecular basis of tumour progression and development of drug resistance. Therefore, the sampling of tumour tissue that is representative and is adequate in quantity and quality for pathological diagnosis and genomic profiling is crucial. In this review, we will discuss factors that should be considered in obtaining and processing biopsy specimens to enable routine molecular analysis in NSCLC patients.

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Liquid Biopsy Analysis in Clinical Practice: Focus on Lung Cancer

Journal of Molecular Pathology ◽

10.3390/jmp2030021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 241-254

Author(s):

Pasquale Pisapia ◽

Francesco Pepe ◽

Antonino Iaccarino ◽

Roberta Sgariglia ◽

Mariantonia Nacchio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Liquid Biopsy ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Molecular Testing ◽

Specific Information ◽

Sample Collection ◽

Timely Manner ◽

Oncology Practice ◽

Nsclc Patients ◽

To Receive

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite the emergence of highly effective targeted therapies, up to 30% of advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients do not undergo tissue molecular testing because of scarce tissue availability. Liquid biopsy, on the other hand, offers these patients a valuable opportunity to receive the best treatment options in a timely manner. Indeed, besides being much faster and less invasive than conventional tissue-based analysis, it can also yield specific information about the genetic make-up and evolution of patients’ tumors. However, several issues, including lack of standardized protocols for sample collection, processing, and interpretation, still need to be addressed before liquid biopsy can be fully incorporated into routine oncology practice. Here, we reviewed the most important challenges hindering the implementation of liquid biopsy in oncology practice, as well as the great advantages of this approach for the treatment of NSCLC patients.

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Development of nomogram based on immune-related gene FGFR4 for advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients with sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors

Journal of Translational Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12967-020-02679-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Li Wang ◽

Zhixuan Ren ◽

Bentong Yu ◽

Jian Tang

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Immune Checkpoint ◽

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽

Advanced Nsclc ◽

Cancer Genomics ◽

Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽

Small Cell ◽

Small Cell Lung ◽

Nsclc Patients

Abstract Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a frontier in the field of clinical technology for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, the predictive biomarker of ICIs mainly including the expression of PD-L1, TMB, TIICs, MMR and MSI-H. However, there are no official biomarkers to guide the treatment of ICIs and to determine the prognosis. Therefore, it is essential to explore a systematic nomogram to predict the prognosis of ICIs treatment in NSCLC Methods In this work, we obtained gene expression and clinical data of NSCLC patients from the TCGA database. Immune-related genes (IRGs) were downloaded from the ImmPort database. The detailed clinical annotation and response data of 240 advanced NSCLC patients who received ICIs treatment were obtained from the cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to perform survival analyses, and selected clinical variables to develop a novel nomogram. The prognostic significance of FGFR4 was validated by another cohort in cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics. Results 3% of the NSCLC patients harbored FGFR4 mutations. The mutation of FGFR4 were confirmed to be associated with PD-L1, and TMB. Patients harbored FGFR4 mutations were found to have a better prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) to ICIs treatment (FGFR4: P = 0.0209). Here, we built and verified a novel nomogram to predict the prognosis of ICIs treatment for NSCLC patients. Conclusion Our results showed that FGFR4 could serve as novel biomarkers to predict the prognosis of ICIs treatment of advanced NSCLC. Our systematic prognostic nomogram showed a great potential to predict the prognosis of ICIs for advanced NSCLC patients.

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A Linear Discriminant Analysis Model Based on the Changes of 7 Proteins in Plasma Predicts Response to Anlotinib Therapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2021.756902 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Fei Xu ◽

Haiyan Xu ◽

Zhiyi Wan ◽

Guangjian Yang ◽

Lu Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Discriminant Analysis ◽

Advanced Nsclc ◽

Predictive Marker ◽

Small Cell ◽

Small Cell Lung ◽

Protein Biomarkers ◽

Linear Discriminant ◽

Model Based ◽

Nsclc Patients

BackgroundAnlotinib is a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor mainly targeting angiogenesis signaling. The predictive marker of anlotinib’s efficacy remains elusive. This study was designed to explore the predictive marker of anlotinib in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 52 advanced NSCLC patients who underwent at least one line of targeted therapy or chemotherapy between August 2018 and March 2020. Patients were divided into durable responders (DR) and non-durable responders (NDR) based on the median progression-free survival (PFS, 176 days). The Olink Immuno-Oncology panel (92 proteins) was used to explore the predictive protein biomarkers in plasma samples before treatment (baseline) and on the first treatment evaluation (paired).ResultsAt baseline, the response to anlotinib was not significantly associated with age, gender, smoke history, histology, oligo-metastases, EGFR mutations, and other clinical characteristics. The results of PFS-related protein biomarkers at baseline were all not satisfying. Then we assessed the changes of 92 proteins levels in plasma on the first treatment evaluation. We obtained a Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model based on 7 proteins, with an accuracy of 100% in the original data and an accuracy of 89.2% in cross validation. The 7 proteins were CD70, MIC-A/B, LAG3, CAIX, PDCD1, MMP12, and PD-L2. Multivariate Cox analysis further showed that the changes of CD70 (HR 25.48; 95% CI, 4.90–132.41, P=0.000) and MIC-A/B (HR 15.04; 95% CI, 3.81–59.36, P=0.000) in plasma were the most significant prognostic factors for PFS.ConclusionWe reported herein a LDA model based on the changes of 7 proteins levels in plasma before and after treatment, which could predict anlotinib responders among advanced NSCLC patients with an accuracy of 100%. Further studies are warranted to verify the prediction performance of the LDA model.

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Morphological and Genetic Heterogeneity of Synchronous Multifocal Lung Adenocarcinoma in a Chinese Cohort

10.21203/rs.3.rs-77421/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Donglin Zhu ◽

Dan Cao ◽

Minghong Shen ◽

Jinghuan Lv

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Primary Lung Cancer ◽

Gene Mutations ◽

Tumor Location ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Molecular Testing ◽

Additional Tool ◽

Molecular Features ◽

Pathologic Features ◽

Genotypic Analysis

Abstract Background: Synchronous multifocal lung cancer (SMLC) is seen with increasing frequency in clinical practice globally. Because of innate variation in clinical management and outcome, it is vital to distinguish properly between synchronous multifocal primary lung cancer (SMPLC) and intrapulmonary metastasis (IM). The pathologic features and principal classification criteria of multifocal lung cancer remain unclear. Methods: We have collected a unique cohort of Chinese patients with SMLC, and fully explored the morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of the disease. Twenty-one SMLC patients with a total of 50 tumors were included in our study. The pathological features presented by these cases were analyzed, including tumor location, tumor size, pathological types, predominant pattern of adenocarcinoma, and immunohistochemical staining. We undertook molecular testing of nine driver oncogenes associated with lung cancer, including EGER, KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, ALK, ROS1, RET, HER2, and PIK3CA. Results: According to Martini-Melamed classification and refined standard, 8 and 17 cases were considered as SMPLC respectively. Gene mutations were identified in 18 tumors (36%). There were 12 patients had different gene mutations. Conclusions: We demonstrate that conventional morphological assessment is not sufficient to establish clearly the clonal relationship of SMPLC. Instead the evaluation of histological subtypes, including non-mucinous adherent components, is required. Multiplex genotypic analysis may also prove a useful additional tool.

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Circulating mRNA Expression of astrocyte-Elevated Gene-1 Associated with Treatment Response and Survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Pemetrexed

10.21203/rs.3.rs-472588/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

You-Lung Chang ◽

Yen-Fu Chen ◽

Ying-Yin Chen ◽

Shih-Chieh Chang ◽

Cheng-Yu Chang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Mrna Expression ◽

Treatment Response ◽

Cell Lung Cancer ◽

Advanced Nsclc ◽

Small Cell ◽

Small Cell Lung ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Nsclc Patients

Abstract Backgrounds: Astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) functions as an oncogene and regulates angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this prospective study, we assessed the values of plasma AEG-1 mRNA expression by liquid biopsy associated with tumor response and survival in NSCLC patients treated with pemetrexed. Methods: Patients diagnosed advanced NSCLC were enrolled to be treated with pemetrexed combined platinum as first-line chemotherapy. All patients underwent blood sampling before any cancer treatment (C0) and at first response evaluation after two cycles (C2) treatments. Response to chemotherapy and survival were assessed. Plasma mRNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and quantification of RNA was performed by real-time PCR.Results: A total of 50 patients with advanced NSCLC were included and 13 of 50 patients combined with bevacizumab. In patient groups of SD (n = 13) and PD (n = 10), the plasma mRNA of AEG-1, thymidylate synthase (TS) and CK19 were elevated significantly at C2 compared to patients in treatment response group (PR, n = 27) (PR v.s. SD or PD, AEG-1: 1.22 ± 0.80 v.s. 4.51 ± 15.45, p = 0.043). NSCLC patients had elevated AEG-1 (AEG-1 ≥ 2) after 2-cycle chemotherapy had shorter PFS and OS (high AEG-1 v.s. low AEG-1, median, PFS: 5.5 v.s. 11.9 months, p = 0.021; OS: 25.9 v.s. 40.8 months, p = 0.019, respectively). In Cox regression analysis, increased plasma mRNA expression of AEG-1indicated poor prognosis in survival.Conclusion: Circulating mRNA concentration of AEG-1 could be a predictive and prognostic biomarker in NSCLC patients treated with pemetrexed. Increased expression of AEG-1 contributed to the chemoresistance and caused lung cancer progression.

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Impact of rapid multigene assays with short turnaround time (TAT) on the development of precision medicine for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.9094 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 9094-9094

Author(s):

Shingo Matsumoto ◽

Takaya Ikeda ◽

Kiyotaka Yoh ◽

Akira Sugimoto ◽

Terufumi Kato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Precision Medicine ◽

Targeted Therapies ◽

Advanced Nsclc ◽

Genetic Alterations ◽

Braf V600e ◽

Gene Testing ◽

Genomic Screening ◽

Nsclc Patients

9094 Background: A variety of oncogene drivers have been identified in NSCLC and molecularly-stratified precision medicine has led to improved survival in advanced NSCLC. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based testing is utilized to detect actionable gene alterations; however, the TAT of NGS is often too long to translate into clinical decision making. Thus, rapid multi-gene testing alternatives are needed. Methods: A lung cancer genomic screening project (LC-SCRUM-Asia) capturing clinical outcome was established in 2013 to identify patients with oncogene drivers and to support the development of novel targeted therapies. Since February 2013 to May 2019 (LC-SCRUM-Asia 1st-phase), single gene testing and/or a targeted NGS assay, Oncomine Comprehensive Assay (OCA), were used for the genomic screening. Since June 2019 to December 2020 (2nd-phase), a multi-gene PCR assay (Amoy 9-in-1 test) and a rapid NGS assay (Genexus/Oncomine Precision Assay [OPA]) were also implemented as rapid multi-gene testing. Results: A total of 10667 Japanese NSCLC patients, including 6826 in the 1st-phase and 3841 in the 2nd-phase, were enrolled in the LC-SCRUM-Asia. Success rate for OCA: 93%, for 9-in-1 test: 98%, for Genexus/OPA: 96%. Median TAT for OCA: 21 days, for 9-in-1 test: 3 days, for Genexus/OPA: 4 days. The frequencies of genetic alterations detected in the 1st-/2nd-phase were EGFR: 17/24%, KRAS: 15/16%, HER2 ex20ins: 4/3%, ALK fusions: 3/3%, RET fusions: 3/2%, ROS1 fusions: 3/2%, MET ex14skip: 2/2%, BRAF V600E: 1/1%, NRG1 fusions: 0/0.2% and NTRK3 fusions: 0.05/0.04%. Overall percent agreement of 9-in-1 test compared with OCA for EGFR/KRAS/HER2/BRAF/MET/ALK/ROS1/RET/NTRK3 alterations was 98%, and that of OPA compared with OCA was 95%. The rate of patients who received targeted therapies as 1st-line treatment was significantly elevated in the 2nd-phase compared with the 1st-phase (510/3841 [13%] vs. 567/6826 [8%], p < 0.001). Through the genomic screening, 1410 (37%) and 1269 (18%) candidate patients for clinical trials of KRAS, HER2, BRAF, MET, ALK, ROS1, RET or TRK-targeted drugs were identified in the 2nd-phase and in the 1st-phase, respectively. The rate of patients who were actually enrolled into the genotype-matched clinical trials were also significantly higher in the 2nd-phase than in the 1st-phase (222 [6%] vs. 186 [3%], p < 0.001). In 1st-line treatments for advanced NSCLC patients, the median progression-free survival was 8.5 months (95% CI, 7.7−9.4) in the 2nd-phase (n = 1839) versus 6.1 months (95% CI, 5.9−6.3) in the 1st-phase (n = 4262) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both the 9-in-1 test and Genexus/OPA had short TATs (3−4 days), high success rates (96−98%) and good concordance (95−98%) compared with another NGS assay (OCA). These rapid multi-gene assays highly contributed to enabling precision medicine and the development of targeted therapies for advanced NSCLC.

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Circulating Tumor Cell PD-L1 Expression as Biomarker for Therapeutic Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in NSCLC

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells8080809 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 809 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Kloten ◽

Lampignano ◽

Krahn ◽

Schlange

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Immune Checkpoint ◽

Advanced Nsclc ◽

Immune Cell ◽

Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽

Predictive Biomarker ◽

Immune Checkpoint Blockade ◽

Tissue Samples ◽

Programmed Death ◽

Nsclc Patients

Over the last decade, the immune checkpoint blockade targeting the programmed death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis has improved progression-free and overall survival of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. PD-L1 tumor expression, along with tumor mutational burden, is currently being explored as a predictive biomarker for responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, lung cancer patients may have insufficient tumor tissue samples and the high bleeding risk often prevents additional biopsies and, as a consequence, immunohistological evaluation of PD-L1 expression. In addition, PD-L1 shows a dynamic expression profile and can be influenced by intratumoral heterogeneity as well as the immune cell infiltrate in the tumor and its microenvironment, influencing the response rate to PD-1/PD-L1 axis ICIs. Therefore, to identify subgroups of patients with advanced NSCLC that will most likely benefit from ICI therapies, molecular characterization of PD-L1 expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) might be supportive. In this review, we highlight the use of CTCs as a complementary diagnostic tool for PD-L1 expression analysis in advanced NSCLC patients. In addition, we examine technical issues of PD-L1 measurement in tissue as well as in CTCs.

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