Saga Diagnostics announced on March 21, 2024, a publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) detailing findings from the NeoCIRCLE study, which demonstrates the prognostic value of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics in early breast cancer. Researchers from Lund University utilized Saga Diagnostics' Sagacity® ctDNA detection technology to monitor ctDNA levels in 96 early breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, aiming to improve prognostication and identify patients at higher risk of recurrence.
The study found that patients with detectable ctDNA after neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a significantly worse prognosis, with 77% experiencing relapse within two years, compared to 15% of patients without detectable ctDNA. This correlation was independent of whether patients achieved a pathological complete response (pCR). Sagacity® detected ctDNA in 38% of patients before treatment, with detection rates decreasing during therapy but still present in 24% of patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The research also showed prognostic value for ctDNA detected early during therapy (after one cycle) and following surgery.
These findings support the use of highly sensitive ctDNA detection methods to stratify early breast cancer patients into low- and high-risk groups for early relapse. The study emphasizes the potential for personalized treatment strategies and highlights the need for further research into ctDNA-guided treatment de-escalation for low-risk patients and escalation for high-risk patients. Saga Diagnostics offers its Sagacity® technology for ongoing clinical trials and research.
