Case report: Real-world experience using a personalized cancer-specific circulating tumor DNA assay in different metastatic melanoma scenarios

Abstract

Circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as an important biomarker for monitoring disease status in cancer patients. Different ctDNA testing platforms have shown promising results in the early detection of disease, monitoring response to treatment, and prognostication in metastatic melanoma. However, several challenges exist, including the reduced shedding of ctDNA into the bloodstream in the metastatic setting, differences in sensitivity among various ctDNA assays, and the inherent inability to distinguish tumor-specific mutations from other mutations that are not related to the cancer of interest. Using a ctDNA assay that is designed to detect multiple single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) that are specific to the tumor itself may allow for more accurate monitoring of disease status in metastatic melanoma. In this case series, we describe a real-world experience using a personalized, tumor-informed ctDNA assay to monitor the clinical trajectories of four patients with metastatic melanoma. Our report highlights potential benefits and limitations using ctDNA in this setting to inform clinical decision-making. This report provides a proof of concept of the technique using an mPCR-NGS-based ctDNA assay (Signatera TM) in the clinical context and in adjunct with other radiological information. Large cohort prospective trials would be needed to validate the utility and validity of this approach.