Next-generation sequencing of circulating tumor DNA for detection of gene mutations in lung cancer: implications for precision treatment

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer remains a major global health problem, which causes millions of deaths annually. Because the prognosis is mainly determined by the stage of lung cancer, precise early diagnosis is of great significance to improve the survival and prognosis. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has been recognized as a sensitive and specific biomarker for the detection of early- and late-stage lung cancer, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of ctDNA has been accepted as a noninvasive tool for early identification and monitoring of cancer mutations. This study aimed to assess the value of NGS-based ctDNA analysis in detecting gene mutations in lung cancer patients. METHODS: A total of 101 subjects with pathological diagnosis of lung cancer were enrolled, and blood samples were collected. ctDNA samples were prepared and subjected to NGS assays. RESULTS: There were 31 cases harboring 40 gene mutations, and EGFR was the most frequently mutated gene (27.72%). In addition, there were seven cases with double mutations and one case with triple mutations, with EGFR p.T790M mutation exhibiting the highest frequency. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that NGS of ctDNA is effective in detecting gene mutations in lung cancer patients, and may be used as a liquid biopsy for lung cancer, which facilitates the development of precision treatment regimens for lung cancer.