A review of trials investigating ctDNA-guided adjuvant treatment of solid tumors: The importance of trial design.

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) holds promise as a biomarker for guiding adjuvant treatment decisions in solid tumors. This review systematically assembles ongoing and published trials investigating ctDNA-directed adjuvant treatment strategies. A total of 57 phase II/III trials focusing on ctDNA in minimal residual disease (MRD) detection were identified, with a notable increase in initiation over recent years.

Comprehensive characterization of circulating tumor cells and cell-free DNA in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Advances in therapeutic approaches for melanoma urge the need for biomarkers that can identify patients at risk for recurrence and to guide treatment. The potential use of liquid biopsies in identifying biomarkers is increasingly being recognized. Here, we present a head-to-head comparison of several techniques to analyze circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in 20 patients with metastatic melanoma.

Trastuzumab and first-line taxane chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer patients with a HER2-negative tumor and HER2-positive circulating tumor cells: a phase II trial.

Purpose: HER2 overexpressing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are observed in up to 25% of HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer patients. Since targeted anti-HER2 therapy has drastically improved clinical outcomes of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, we hypothesized that patients with HER2 overexpressing CTCs might benefit from the addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy.

Methods: In this single-arm, phase II trial, patients with HER2-positive CTCs received trastuzumab as addition to first-line treatment with taxane chemotherapy.

Integrative whole-genome and transcriptome analysis of HER2-amplified metastatic breast cancer.

Background: In breast cancer, the advent of anti-HER2 therapies has made HER2+ tumors a highly relevant subgroup. However, the exact characteristics which prohibit clinical response to anti-HER2 therapies and drive disease progression are not yet fully known. Integrative whole-genome and transcriptomic sequencing data from both primary and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer will enhance our understanding of underlying biological processes.

Combatting the rising costs of cancer drugs; interventions from a university hospital's perspective.

Rapid increase in cost continues to have negative impact on patients' accessibility to life-changing anticancer medications. Moreover, the rising cost does not equate to similar increase in medication effectiveness. We recognise our responsibility as a university hospital to tackle this imbalance and strive to provide high quality, sustainable, affordable and accessible care.