Monitoring tumor burden using cell free tumor DNA during neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by esophagectomy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K17631
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 55020:Digestive surgery-related
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: MATSUDA SATORU 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 助教 (30594725)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 食道癌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to guide appropriate treatment strategy including adjuvant therapy and organ preservation approach, an accurate tumor monitoring modality which sensitively reflects tumor burden during neoadjuvant treatment is required for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in plasma during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by esophagectomy. The current study showed that ctDNA reflected response to NAC.
The ctDNA was shown to be a promising biomarker to monitor tumor burden during NAC followed by surgery in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The validation with expanded cohort would facilitate the individualization of multidisciplinary treatment for ESCC based on the ctDNA.

Free Research Field

食道癌における集学的治療

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

食道癌におけるctDNAを用いた腫瘍モニタリング手法の有用性が示された。本手法により、食道癌治療経過における腫瘍量を鋭敏に把握することは、手術回避が可能な治療著効例の同定や、術後補助化学療法が必要な患者の選定に有用であると考えている。