Development of Biomarkers of Minimal Residual Disease in Stage II Melanoma Using Droplet Digital PCR-Based Assays to Detect Cell-Free, Methylated DNAs in Plasma
Abstract
This proposal addresses the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Melanoma Research Program (MRP) Focus Area of Minimal Residual Disease. Minimal residual disease is term used when very small numbers of melanoma cells remain in the body after the primary tumor has been surgically removed. These cells are most often present at sites away from the skin where the melanoma developed. Such sites include the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and brain. These cells form the seeds of future metastatic melanoma, which becomes apparent on radiographic scans when the cells proliferate. This proposal addresses the FY20 MRP Challenge Statement by developing new methods to detect minimal residual disease in patients after their tumor has been surgically removed. Specifically, the goal is to develop a new blood test that can detect fragments of DNA from the small numbers of cells present in patients with minimal residual disease. The blood tests would be used at routine follow-up visits. Currently, there is no reliable blood test to detect minimal residual disease in melanoma patients. The reason to develop a new blood test based on the detection of DNA fragments in the blood, called circulating tumor DNA, is that these tests have shown great promise as new tools to help doctors adjust treatments in advanced melanoma and other cancers. The ultimate goal of this research project is to change the paradigm for routine follow-up of stage II melanoma patients. Currently, the follow up is designed to detect the emergence of metastatic disease through doctors’ exams and radiographic scans. We know that patients will live longer and may be cured if their treatment is started when they have small amounts of metastatic melanoma compared to larger amounts. We believe that a follow-up paradigm using advanced blood tests to detect circulating tumor DNA can lead to the identification of patients with minimal residual disease that is not detected on radiographic scans. The treatment of these patients, before their disease is detected by scans, is likely to result in more cures than waiting until metastatic disease is detected before initiating treatment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110835
Entities
People
- David Polsky
Organizations
- Grossman School of Medicine
- United States Army