LUCARD

LUCARD (Lung Cancer Residual Disease Study) is the study of minimal residual disease (MRD) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The project is performed by National BioService.

The ultimate ambition of LUCARD is to implement practical and cost-effective methodology for predicting and detecting cancer recurrence.

The main objectives are:

• to evaluate and demonstrate the utility of identifying MRD as prognostic biomarker in patients with operable NSCLC (Stage II-IIIa). (MRD is defined as presence of ctDNA in plasma 5-8 days after surgery and at later timepoint),
• to assess the frequency of detection of variants in plasma at distal timepoints in patients initially classed as MRD-negative, and association between these findings and clinically/radiologically detected recurrence and progression,

• to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative correlation between variants detected across the continuum of pre-surgery plasma -> tumor tissue -> post-surgery plasma (all timepoints), for genes associated with targeted therapy,
• to assess the relationship between MRD+ and MRD- status and clinical factors:
  • TNM, type of surgery, histological type of tumor, size of tumor, localization of affected lymph nodes, smoking status,
• to analyze the correlation between MRD-, MRD+ status and tTMB.

The expected result of the study:

• increased accuracy of prognosis and prediction of cancer recurrence.
• improved understanding and effectiveness of neoadjuvant and adjuvant targeted- and immuno-therapy.

Four leading medical centers in Russia and more than 200 patients are currently involved in the study.