LUCARD (Lung Cancer Residual Disease Study)

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

The main objectives are:

• to evaluate and demonstrate the utility of identifying MRD as prognostic biomarker for 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.

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.