Back to Authors

Chaudhuri, Aadel A.

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3115-3061

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 36

Abstract 1149: Multimodal liquid biopsy of Ewing sarcoma reveals high sensitivity prior to radiotherapy
Kim, Y., Noori, Rubia, Harmsen, William S. , Amundson, Adam C., McMahon, Andrea M., Schoettler, Peter J., Allen-Rhoades, Wendy A., Rose, Peter S. , McAllister-Lucas, Linda M., Mahajan, Anita, Laack, Nadia N., Chaudhuri, Aadel A., Kowalchuk, Roman O. , Greiner, Lilli , Kim, Yohan, Szymanski, Jeffrey J. , Chauhan, Pradeep S. , Amundson, A., Schoettler, P.J., Allen‐Rhoades, Wendy , Polites, Stephanie F. , Bailey, Kelly M. , McAllister‐Lucas, Linda M. , Mahajan, Anita, Lucien, Fabrice , Laack, N., Chaudhuri, Aadel A.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 1149-1149

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-1149 Get It

Abstract Introduction: Detectable circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is associated with inferior outcomes in Ewing sarcoma (ES); however, ctDNA clears in nearly all patients within 2 of the 6 chemotherapy cycles before radiotherapy (RT) or surgery. Given a 3-year EFS of 37% on AEWS 1221 (metastatic) and 5-year EFS of 78% on AEWS 1031 (localized), current ctDNA testing fails to predict most relapses. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are microscopic particles studied as a biomarker in multiple cancer types. We hope to improve the sensitivity of ctDNA in ES and provide the first application of EVs in ES. Methods: cfDNA was isolated from 1mL plasma, quantified by Qubit, and sequenced as NEBNext Enzymatic Methyl-seq v2 libraries. We performed a systematic unsupervised clustering analysis of 27 ES plasma cfDNA profiles using 4 differentially methylated regions (DMR) subsets (63 strong DMRs, top 30, top 15, and 10 promoter-proximal loci), 3 clustering algorithms (k-means, Ward hierarchical, PAM), and k=2-5 clusters, testing associations with tumor burden and progression. EV analysis involved antibody detection against ES surface markers, including LINGO1, ENPP1, CDH11, and CD99. Concentrations of EVs were determined by standardized and calibrated high-resolution flow cytometry then analyzed with custom-built software to automatically determine and apply gates. Samples were de-identified, randomly coded, and run in triplicates. The senior research technologist responsible for EV analysis was blinded to patient information and clinical data. Results: EV analysis included 36 pre-RT samples from 16 metastatic and 20 localized ES patients from a prospectively maintained biobank, with 27 pre-RT samples in the cfDNA analysis and 19 healthy donor (HD) samples. 35 of 36 patients had chemotherapy before sample collection. cfDNA concentrations were markedly elevated in ES patients compared with HD (24.4 vs 4.6 ng/mL, p<0.0001), and 74% of ES samples exceeded the HD 95th-percentile detectability threshold (7.0 ng/mL). Across clustering configurations, ES cfDNA profiles consistently exhibited reproducible methylation substructure. One configuration (PAM clustering, k = 5, 63 strong DMRs) showed a modest but permutation-supported association with primary tumor size (nominal p ≈ 0.04; empirical p ≈ 0.03-0.04). ES samples had increased EV concentration compared to HD (p<0.001), with AUC 0.988 for distinguishing between ES and HD ENPP1 (p<0.0001). The highest ENPP1 EV values were in patients with large primary tumors (>8 cm vs. ≤ 8cm) and metastatic disease (p=0.066). Conclusions: cfDNA- and EV-based liquid biopsy provide encouraging signals for high ES detectability pre-RT. We also show the first study of EVs as a novel biomarker in ES, which may provide complementary information to ctDNA. Multimodal liquid biopsy in ES may identify candidate patients for systemic or local therapy escalation and facilitate personalized care. Citation Format: Roman O. Kowalchuk, Lilli J. Greiner, Yohan Kim, Rubia Noori, Jeffrey Szymanski, William S. Harmsen, Pradeep S. Chauhan, Adam C. Amundson, Andrea M. McMahon, Peter J. Schoettler, Wendy A. Allen-Rhoades, Stephanie F. Polites, Peter S. Rose, Kelly M. Bailey, Linda M. McAllister-Lucas, Anita Mahajan, Fabrice Lucien-Matteoni, Nadia N. Laack, Aadel A. Chaudhuri. Multimodal liquid biopsy of Ewing sarcoma reveals high sensitivity prior to radiotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 1149.
Abstract 94: Liquid biopsy profiling of the tumor microenvironment to determine response to immunotherapy regimens across solid tumors.
Brown, Erin L. , Zhang, W., Hashmi, Ayesha , Olelewe, Chibuzor, Viswanathan, Anushka , Kang, Minji , Jeon, Hyun Soo , Avagyan, Susanna , Bergsagel, Matteo , Schwab, Janella C. , Sachs, Chloe M., Qaium, Faridi , Bacchiocchi, Antonella , Cai, Qingyuan , Gentles, Andrew J. , Graham, Rondell, Orme, Jacob J. , Sznol, Mario, Halaban, Ruth, Chen, D., Newman, Aaron M. , Chaudhuri., Aadel A., Zhang, Wubing , Usmani, Abul , Earland, Noah , Chauhan, Pradeep S. , Steen, Chloé Beate , Alahi, Irfan , Semenkovich, Nicholas P. , Harris, Peter K , Lucas, Peter C. , Fields, Ryan C. , Mansfield, Aaron S. , Halaban, Ruth , Chaudhuri, Aadel A.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 94-94

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-94 Get It

Abstract Background: Spatial cellular ecosystems in the tumor microenvironment (TME) form dynamic signaling hubs that critically influence cancer disease progression and response to therapy, including response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, tumor sampling bias and the impracticality of acquiring serial tumor biopsies have made it challenging to profile the TME clinically. To address this challenge, we developed Liquid EcoTyper, a multi-analyte AI framework to quantify TME spatial cellular ecosystems—termed spatial ecotypes (SEs)—noninvasively from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation data. Methods: In previous work, we discovered nine spatial ecotypes, including SEs associated with ICI response (e.g., SE7 with benefit, SE4 with resistance), and quantified them from 1,249 bulk tumor RNA-seq profiles of melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and bladder cancer (BC) patients (Cancer Res (2025) 85 (8_Supplement_1): 153). Here we trained Liquid EcoTyper, an interpretable deep learning model, to transfer SE profiling to cell-free DNA using CpG methylation profiles. Performance was quantified using simulated and real data, including methylation profiles (EM-seq) of plasma cfDNA paired with tumor biopsy-derived SE levels determined by EM-seq (n=20 pairs) or 10x Visium (n=15 pairs). Clinical outcome prediction was evaluated using pretreatment plasma from patients treated with ICI alone (n=78 melanoma pts), chemotherapy and ICI (n=25 NSCLC pts), and enfortumab vedotin and ICI (n=10 localized muscle-invasive BC (MIBC) pts). Tumor mutational burden (TMB), tumor PD-L1, or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) were profiled as a comparator where possible. Results: We observed striking concordance between plasma-derived SE levels and tumor biopsy-confirmed SE levels from the same patients, demonstrating that liquid biopsy analysis of cfDNA methylomes can recapitulate TME spatial biology. Underscoring specificity, no reliable SE signal was detectable from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In pre-ICI plasma, liquid SE levels were significantly associated with ICI-based response (SE7) versus resistance (SE4) in patients with melanoma, NSCLC, and MIBC, with a mean cross-cancer area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 for SE7 (range 0.8-0.97) and 0.81 for SE4 (range 0.76-0.85)—far surpassing TMB, tumor PD-L1, and ctDNA in evaluable patients, both in binary analyses of response and multivariable models of survival. Our results also showed potential to predict pathologic complete response in the neoadjuvant setting. Conclusion: Liquid EcoTyper is a scalable noninvasive AI-based framework for spatiotemporal assessment of the TME. By enabling TME-informed risk stratification without surgical biopsies, Liquid EcoTyper has potential to enable more precise and actionable decision making in patients with solid tumors. Citation Format: Erin L. Brown, Wubing Zhang, Abul Usmani, Noah Earland, Ayesha Hashmi, Chibuzor Olelewe, Anushka Viswanathan, Pradeep S. Chauhan, Minji Kang, Chloé B. Steen, Hyun Soo Jeon, Susanna Avagyan, Irfan Alahi, Nicholas P. Semenkovich, Matteo Bergsagel, Janella C. Schwab, Chloe M. Sachs, Faridi Qaium, Peter K. Harris, Antonella Bacchiocchi, Qingyuan Cai, Andrew J. Gentles, Rondell P. Graham, Peter C. Lucas, Ryan C. Fields, Jacob J. Orme, Aaron S. Mansfield, Mario Sznol, Ruth Halaban, David Y. Chen, Aaron M. Newman, Aadel A. Chaudhuri. Liquid biopsy profiling of the tumor microenvironment to determine response to immunotherapy regimens across solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 94.
Abstract 706: Beyond a single core biopsy: Spatial genomic profiling improves therapeutic target detection in glioblastoma.
Harfoush, Enmar, Weiskittel, Taylor M. , Blomquist, Mylan, Grief, Dustin, Chaudhuri., Aadel A., Hu, Leland , Fortin-Ensign, Shannon, Ensign, Shannon P. Fortin , Ensign, Shannon P. Fortin , Chaudhuri, Aadel A. , Tran, Nhan L.

Cancer Research | April 3, 2026 | Volume: 86 | Issue: 7_Supplement | Pages: 706-706

10.1158/1538-7445.am2026-706 Get It

Abstract Purpose: Despite advances in molecular diagnostics, glioblastoma (GBM) remains incurable, with recurrence driven by residual invasive tumor cells that escape surgical resection and therapy. Current genomic profiling to guide therapy for recurrent disease typically relies on a single-site clinical biopsy (SSCB) obtained from the contrasting-enhancing (CE) tumor core - the region targeted for maximal resection and most visible on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). However, this region poorly represents the non-enhancing (NE) invasive tumor margins, which harbor treatment-resistant and genetically distinct cell populations responsible for disease recurrence. GBM exhibits extensive spatial heterogeneity, raising concerns that a single tissue may underrepresent the true actionable landscape of the tumor. Experimental Procedures: We analyzed 302 biopsies from 66 GBM patients who underwent multiregional whole exome and RNA sequencing across CE and NE tumor regions. Of these, 17 patients also had standard-of-care SSCB molecular profiling utilizing clinically available genomic sequencing panels outside of the multiregional protocol. Variants that have been targeted in ongoing or successful human clinical trials were annotated as actionable. We compared actionability profiles between SSCB and multiregional sampling, to determine the gain of actionable variant detection across the two sampling strategies. We performed an in-silico biopsy simulation to model the coverage of these alterations across the tumor landscape with increasing sampling frequency in the multiregional protocol, versus the coverage from clinical sequencing panels on SSCBs. Results: Clinical sampling identified a median of one actionable mutation per patient (range 0-3). In contrast, multiregional profiling revealed additional potentially actionable variants in over 70% of patients, particularly within NE infiltrative regions that are not captured by conventional resection. Notably, nine potentially actionable copy-number variants, including PDGFRA amplification, were consistently absent from SSCB results and underrepresented in most clinical panels. In silico biopsy simulations demonstrated that actionable variant detection continues to rise even after sampling five additional regions, reflecting spatial segregation of therapeutic targets. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that a single sample from the CE tumor core fails to capture the biologically diverse invasive tumor populations responsible for GBM recurrence. Multiregional sequencing uncovers clinically meaningful alterations that would otherwise remain undetected with conventional sampling, highlighting the risk of incomplete molecular characterization in current clinical biopsy workflows. Citation Format: Enmar Harfoush, Taylor Weiskittel, Mylan Blomquist, Dustin Grief, Aadel A. Chaudhuri, Leland S. Hu, Nhan L. Tran, Shannon Fortin-Ensign. Beyond a single core biopsy: Spatial genomic profiling improves therapeutic target detection in glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 706.
Rescuing cancer immunotherapy with plasma exchange in bladder cancer 1 (ReCIPE-B1).
Tabiim, Anthony Jagri , Zarka, Jabra , Gicobi, Joanina K. , Gregory, Susanna, Becker, Nicole, Muniz, Miguel, Heath, Elisabeth I. , Sartor, Oliver, Pagliaro, Lance C. , Chaudhuri, Aadel A., Cheville, John, Orme, Jacob J. , Zarka, Jabra G , Tabiim, Anthony , Becker, Nicole A. , Rosen, Peter F. , Sartor, Oliver, Chaudhuri, Aadel A. , Childs, Daniel S. , Cheville, John C. , Lucien, Fabrice , Winters, Jeffrey L.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 2, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 7_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2026.44.7_suppl.tps898 Get It

TPS898 Background: Enfortumab vedotin with pembrolizumab (EV/Pembro) is now first-line therapy for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC) following the EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39 trial, which demonstrated a 67.7% response rate and prolonged survival. However, ~35% of cancers exhibited primary resistance and most responders relapse within one year, with post-EV/Pembro therapies achieving < 15% response and median survival < 3 years. We previously showed that therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) removed soluble PD-L1 and other immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) blocking soluble factors from the blood and that this overcame ICI resistance. Combining TPE with EV/Pembro rechallenge may overcome acquired resistance and restore antitumor immunity. Methods: RECIPE-B1 [NCT07087860] is an open-label, randomized phase II trial enrolling 50 patients (1:1) with EV/Pembro-refractory la/mUC and ECOG 0–2. Arm A receives TPE on days 1–3 followed by EV 1.25 mg/kg IV plus pembrolizumab 200 mg IV on day 3 of each 21-day cycle for the first three cycles, then continues EV/Pembro alone from cycle 4. Arm B receives investigator’s-choice next-line standard of care (SOC) per NCCN guidelines. Tumor assessments occur at the end of cycle 4 (±28 days) and every 12 weeks thereafter; safety is monitored each cycle (CTCAE v5.0). The primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1, comparing TPE + EV/pembro versus SOC. Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, overall survival, duration of response, quality of life (EORTC QLQ-CIPN20), and safety. Correlative studies evaluate circulating and urinary tumor DNA and exosomal biomarkers (including exosomal Nectin-4) as predictors of response and resistance. The trial is open at Mayo Clinic; as of September 2025, 2 of 50 patients have been enrolled, with planned accrual of ~2 patients/month and central coordination at Mayo Clinic and affiliates. Clinical trial information: NCT07087860 .
CAST-AI: Cystectomy after systemic therapy with ADC and immunotherapy.
Zarka, Jabra , Bering, Elisabeth, Flickinger, Lynn M. , Gregory, Susanna, Roberson, Daniel S. , Sharma, Vidit, Chaudhuri, Aadel A. , Khanna, Abhinav, Karnes, R. Jeffrey, Boorjian, S., Sartor, Alton Oliver, Cheville, John C. , Domingo-Doménech, Josep, Shah, Paras H., Orme, Jacob J. , Zarka, Jabra G , Bobek, Olivia , Roberson, Daniel S. , Sharma, Vidit, Pritchett, Joshua C. , Jang, Albert , Karnes, R. Jeffrey , Lucien, Fabrice , Ballman, Karla V. , Domingo‐Domenech, Josep

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 2, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 7_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2026.44.7_suppl.tps892 Get It

TPS892 Background: Enfortumab Vedotin (EV) plus pembrolizumab (Pembro) is now first-line therapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC), yielding ~30% complete response (CR) rates; nevertheless, most patients (pts) progress within 1 year and median overall survival (OS) remains < 3 years. In muscle invasive bladder cancer, local consolidation after systemic therapy improves outcomes, suggesting that residual, treatment-refractory intravesical disease drives relapse. We hypothesize that cytoreductive cystectomy/nephroureterectomy (CC/U)—with metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) as needed—can consolidate responses to EV/Pembro and extend benefit in regionally advanced or metastatic UC. CAST-AI prospectively evaluates this multimodal strategy and integrates correlative studies of exosomal Nectin-4 and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from blood and urine as predictive/MRD biomarkers. Methods: CAST-AI is a phase II, decentralized single-arm trial enrolling pts with histologically confirmed UC of the bladder or upper urinary tract with ≥N1 and/or M1 disease and ECOG PS 0–2 who are potential surgical candidates (planned n = 75). Treatment: EV 1.25 mg/kg IV D1 & D8 + Pembro 200 mg IV D1 q21d, ≥4 cycles; MDT permitted any time pre-surgery. Response assessments occur q9 weeks (±4) to 18 months, then q12 weeks (±4). Surgical eligibility requires: (A) fitness for surgery; (B) complete or partial response (CR/PR) or, for select low-burden/unmeasurable disease, urologist-adjudicated candidacy; (C) all distant sites addressed; and (D) procedure in pt’s best interest. Post-CC/U maintenance EV/Pembro is encouraged per clinical discretion and guided by definitive surgical pathology results, which provide true pathologic staging often unattainable through imaging after systemic therapy. Primary endpoint: 12-month progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints: Objective response rate (ORR), CR rate, down-staging at CC/U, PFS, OS, and safety (using CTCAE). Exploratory endpoints: longitudinal exosomal Nectin-4 and ctDNA dynamics as MRD and early relapse indicators; tissue–blood–urine Nectin-4 concordance; pt-reported tolerability (using CIPN20). Key exclusions: > 20% variant histology or disallowed subtypes (e.g., micropapillary, plasmacytoid, sarcomatoid, neuroendocrine); prior chemotherapy for UC; contraindications to surgery/EV/ICI; or active uncontrolled comorbidities/infections. Status: Enrollment is open and ongoing, with 25 of 75 pts enrolled as of September 2025. The trial uses a decentralized model, allowing pts to receive EV/Pembro at their local facility, with central coordination, biospecimen shipping, and surgical evaluation at Mayo Clinic or affiliated sites. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06764095. Clinical trial information: NCT06764095 .
Dynamic investigator initiated enterprise (DIVINE) in prostate cancer: Randomized phase II trial of stereotactic body radiotherapy with or without short-course androgen deprivation and AR pathway inhibition in oligometastatic castration-sensitive prostate
Zarka, Jabra , Becker, Nicole A. , Gicobi, Joanina K. , Tabiim, Anthony, Heath, Elisabeth I. , Sartor, Alton Oliver, Park, Sean Sunghun, Ager, Casey, Andrews, Jack R. , Kase, Adam M. , YU, NATHAN Y., Vargas, C., Chaudhuri, Aadel A., Kim, Yohan, Cheville, John C. , Orme, Jacob J. , Tabiim, Anthony Jagri , Zarka, Jabra G , Tabiim, Anthony , Jang, Albert , Lucien, Fabrice , Childs, Daniel S. , Ager, Casey R. , Ballman, Karla V. , Chaudhuri, Aadel A.

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 2, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 7_suppl | Pages: No page available

10.1200/jco.2026.44.7_suppl.tps283 Get It

TPS283 Background: Emerging evidence suggests that metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) can delay systemic therapy in oligometastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (omCSPC). However, the optimal timing of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI) initiation in this setting remains undefined. While deferred ADT following MDT may preserve quality of life, early short-course ADT/ARPI may eradicate micrometastatic disease and extend progression-free survival. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying PSMA-positive prostate cancer (PC) signals and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) may serve as real-time biomarkers of MRD and treatment response. Methods: DIVINE [NCT06378866] is an open-label, phase II, randomized trial enrolling men with omCSPC defined by 1–5 metastases (≥1 extrapelvic) on conventional imaging (CT/MRI and bone scan) and testosterone >100 ng/dL. PSMA PET may be obtained for correlative purposes but does not determine eligibility. Participants (N = 220) are randomized 1:1 to: Arm A (Early systemic): SBRT plus 6 months of ADT + ARPI. Arm B (Deferred systemic): SBRT alone with observation, reserving systemic therapy until radiographic progression not amenable to further SBRT (mrPD). SBRT is delivered per institutional standard; repeat SBRT is allowed until lesions become non-addressable. The primary endpoint, modified radiographic progression-free survival (mrPFS), is the time from randomization to death or radiographic progression not amenable to further MDT, defined by PCWG3 (bone) and modified RECIST 1.1 (soft tissue) criteria on conventional imaging. Soft-tissue progression requires ≥ 20% increase in measurable disease or a new lesion; bone progression requires ≥ 2 new confirmed lesions. Secondary endpoints include OS, biochemical PFS, time to local and distant progression, and grade 3–5 adverse events during systemic therapy. Exploratory endpoints evaluate EV and ctDNA kinetics as MRD markers, correlation of PSMA-positive EV burden with outcomes, and duration of response after short-course ADT/ARPI. Correlative analyses will longitudinally quantify PSMA-positive EVs and ctDNA at baseline, on treatment, and at progression to define MRD dynamics and resistance patterns. The trial uses Pocock–Simon dynamic allocation by EV strata and metastatic burden to ensure balance across arms. The trial is open and actively enrolling across all Mayo Clinic sites; as of October 2025, 35 of the planned 220 patients have been accrued. Clinical trial information: NCT06378866 .
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as potential biomarkers of response to 177 Lu-PSMA-617.
Kim, Yohan, Linford, Jessica , Huang, Minqi, Noori, Rubia, Muniz, Miguel, Zarka, Jabra , Heath, Elisabeth I. , Orme, Jacob J. , Chaudhuri, Aadel A., Sartor, Alton Oliver, Zarka, Jabra G , Jang, Albert , Chauhan, Pradeep S. , Greiner, Lilli , Childs, Daniel S. , Pachynski, Russell K. , Ledet, Elisa M. , Chaudhuri, Aadel A. , Lucien, Fabrice

Journal of Clinical Oncology | March 2, 2026 | Volume: 44 | Issue: 7_suppl | Pages: 214-214

10.1200/jco.2026.44.7_suppl.214 Get It

214 Background: 177 Lu-PSMA-617 (LuPSMA) has revolutionized care for patients (pts) with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), but only half achieves PSA decline ≥50%. Biomarkers are urgently needed to improve pt selection. EVs and ctDNA released by cancer cells into the blood are emerging biomarkers to estimate overall tumor burden and capture tumor heterogeneity in mCRPC. Here, we analyzed pre-treatment plasma levels of tumor EVs and ctDNA in a pilot cohort of 35 pts with mCRPC treated with LuPSMA. Methods: Blood samples were collected pre-cycle 1 of LuPSMA at Tulane Cancer Center between 12/2018-1/2025. Plasma-derived small and large EVs were incubated with fluorescently conjugated antibodies and enumerated using nanoscale flow cytometry. ctDNA fraction was estimated from plasma cfDNA methylation WGS (∼10×) with ichorCNA. We also analyzed EVs from blood samples of male healthy donors (HD) and pts with localized prostate cancer (LPC) collected 1 day to 8 months after radical prostatectomy (post-RP) from 6/2020-8/2024 at Mayo Clinic as controls. Results: Median age at collection for 10 HD was 55 yrs and for 36 pts with LPC post-RP was 65 yrs. Median PSMA+ EV level was 2.0 x 10 6 /mL for post-RP and 1.4 x 10 6 /mL for HD. For 35 pts with mCRPC, 25 pts had complete data for analysis. Median PSMA+ EV level was 1.4 x 10 7 /mL, significantly higher than post-RP (p<0.001) and HD (p<0.001). At LuPSMA start, median age was 69 yrs (range 54-83), PSA was 82 ng/mL (range 0.8-503), median time from CRPC diagnosis to start was 50 months (range 6.9-285), median time from plasma collection to treatment initiation was 0.5 months (range 0-7.3). Median number of prior lines of life-extending therapy was 4 (range 1-11), including 100% androgen receptor pathway inhibitor and 75% docetaxel. Pts received median 4 cycles of LuPSMA. Median ctDNA fraction was 14.0% (range 0-51.1). Median time to reach nadir PSA for pts with any decline was 2.6 months. 15 pts (60%) achieved PSA40 (defined ≥40% decline in PSA from start to nadir) (range -99% to -42%) compared to 10 pts (40%) who did not (range -16% to rise), which predicted better median overall survival (OS) after LuPSMA start (40.7 v 6.0 months; HR 0.23, 95% CI, 0.07-0.71; p=0.0001). Pts were classified as LuPSMA responders using PSA40. Responders had a lower ratio of large to small PSMA+ EVs (0.30 v 0.53, p=0.0042) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68-0.99), and a lower median ctDNA fraction (6.1% v 26.2%, p=0.0044) with an AUC of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68-1.00). Incorporating both PSMA+ EV and ctDNA fraction together predicted PSA40 response with an AUC of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.84-1.00, p=0.0003). Conclusions: Using pre-LuPSMA plasma samples from a heavily pre-treated historical cohort, we integrated non-invasive liquid biopsy methods to successfully predict response to LuPSMA using PSA decline. Prospective validation is underway.
Liquid biopsy for very early detection of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer
Hidalgo, Axel , Chaudhuri, Aadel A. , Routman, David M , Hidalgo, Axel M , Chaudhuri, Aadel A , Routman, David M.

JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute | November 11, 2025 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 7-9

10.1093/jnci/djaf302 Get It

Postoperative Lymph Is a Proximal Source of ctDNA for Detection of Recurrence in HPV-Independent Head and Neck Cancer
Lazare, Seka , Gu, Zhuosheng , Earland, Noah , Harmon, M. , Pacula, Maciej , Rivera, Megan , Tellis, Ashley , Whitfield, Damion , Benson, Adam , Gerndt, Sophie P. , Khalil, Lucien , Xu, Zhongping , Wahle, Benjamin M. , Zandberg, Dan P. , Spector, Matthew E. , Seethala, Raja R. , Smith, Joshua D. , Greer, Amy , Verner, Ellen L. , Georgiadis, Andrew , Ramkissoon, Shakti , Jensen, Taylor J. , Francis, Marra S. , Winckler, Wendy , Chaudhuri, Aadel A. , Harmon, Michael A , Gerndt, Sophie , Harris, Peter K , Khalil, Lucien , Ramirez, Ricardo , Xu, Zhongping , Wahle, Benjamin , Puram, Sid , Adkins, Douglas , Thorstad, Wade , Zandberg, Daniel , Chernock, Rebecca , Skinner, Heath Devin , Spector, Matthew E , Seethala, Raja , Ferris, Robert L , Smith, Joshua D , Greer, Amy E , Verner, Ellen L , Georgiadis, Andrew , Sausen, Mark , Ramkissoon, Shakti H , Jensen, Taylor J , Francis, Marra S , Winckler, Wendy , Chaudhuri, Aadel A , Zevallos, Jose , Rivera, Megan , Adkins, Douglas R. , Ferris, Robert L. , Zevallos, Jose P.

Clinical Cancer Research | November 3, 2025 | Volume: 32 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 135-147

10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-25-1221 Get It

Abstract Purpose: Relapse is a major cause of failure in human papillomavirus–independent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Clinicopathologic criteria for adjuvant treatment remain imprecise and have not changed for decades. We investigated whether ctDNA in lymphatic exudate collected via surgical drains (“lymph”) 24 hours after surgery identified molecular residual disease (MRD) and compared its performance with time-matched plasma. Experimental Design: Using an ultra-sensitive tumor-informed sequencing approach, tumor variants were called in lymph and plasma to classify patients as ctDNA positive or ctDNA negative, trained in an initial cohort of 36 patients, and replicated in an independent cohort of 37 patients. Progression-free survival was compared in ctDNA(+) versus ctDNA(–) patients. Results: Lymph identified MRD in two independent multi-site cohorts (initial cohort sensitivity = 76% and specificity = 63%; log-rank P = 0.01; replication cohort sensitivity = 65% and specificity = 70%; log-rank P = 0.04). Lymph performance was enhanced in locoregional relapse (sensitivity = 78% and specificity = 67%; log-rank P = 0.0004) and generalized to early-stage patients. Analysis of matched plasma collected at this early timepoint was not predictive of recurrence (sensitivity = 35% and specificity = 72%; log-rank P = 0.7). In patients with intermediate-risk pathology, lymph ctDNA was associated with recurrence (sensitivity = 88% and specificity = 67%; log-rank P = 0.0008), suggesting an opportunity for improved stratification of patients who may benefit from additional adjuvant treatment. Conclusions: Postoperative lymph is a novel, proximal, and early source of MRD with the potential to introduce more precision into adjuvant therapy decision-making and improve outcomes, especially for patients with intermediate-risk human papillomavirus–independent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
A molecular biomarker for longitudinal monitoring of therapeutic efficacy in a real-world cohort of advanced solid tumors treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Guittar, John , Stein, Michelle M. , Chiou, Victoria L. , Nimeiri, Halla , Morgensztern, Daniel , Chaudhuri, Aadel A. , Zaidi, Ali Hussainy , Ben‐Shachar, Rotem

Journal of Clinical Oncology | May 28, 2025 | Volume: 43 | Issue: 16_suppl | Pages: 2558-2558

10.1200/jco.2025.43.16_suppl.2558 Get It

2558 Background: Clinical validation studies have shown that early dynamic changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tumor fraction (TF) can predict clinical outcomes. Yet few studies have evaluated the clinical value of longitudinal monitoring throughout the course of treatment. Here we evaluate longitudinal changes in ctDNA TF and clinical outcomes in an advanced real-world pan-cancer cohort of patients (pts) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods: The cohort included deidentified pts from the Tempus clinicogenomic database with stage IIIB or IV solid tumors who underwent ctDNA NGS and were treated with an FDA-approved ICI +/- chemotherapy (CT). Pts had a pre-treatment baseline liquid biopsy (T0) and ≥1 on-treatment sample Ti within 21-180 days of ICI. xM for treatment response monitoring estimates TF via an ensemble algorithm that incorporates variant and copy number information. Response status was determined at each on-treatment timepoint Ti relative to T0. Pts were classified as a Molecular Responder (MR) if TF < 1% at T0 and Ti or if TF decreased by ≥ 50% from T0 to Ti; otherwise, they were classified as a Molecular Non-Responder (nMR). Pts with TF < 0.09% at T0 and Ti were classified as ctDNA not detected. The longitudinal cohort included pts with ≥2 on-treatment timepoints, further classified based on the most frequent classification across each Ti as longitudinal MR, longitudinal nMR and longitudinal ctDNA not detected. If no classification was dominant, the most recent classification was used. Real-world overall survival (rwOS) was defined from T1 to death and assessed by log-rank test. Results: The full cohort of 84 pts with > 10 solid tumors included 34.5% (n = 29) NSCLC and 16.7% (n = 14) SCLC. The majority of pts (59.5%, n = 50) received ICI+CT, (64.0% first-line [1L]), and 40.5% (n = 34) ICI-only (35.3% 1L). rwOS was longer for 53 MRs vs. 18 nMRs (median not reached vs. 7.0 months, P < 0.005); 13 pts had no ctDNA detected. The longitudinal subcohort of 35 pts was 31.4% (n = 11) NSCLC, 20.0% (n = 7) prostate cancer, and 14.3% (n = 5) SCLC; 45.7% (n = 16) ICI+CT (56.3% 1L), 54.3% (n = 19) ICI-only (31.6% 1L). On average, pts had 3 on-treatment liquid biopsies, with a median time between on-treatment samples of 91 days. Twelve pts were longitudinal nMRs (10 MR or ctDNA not detected at T1), 18 longitudinal MRs, and 5 longitudinal no ctDNA detected. There were 6 death events in the longitudinal nMRs, 3 in the longitudinal MRs (all > 18 months after T1), and no death events in the longitudinal no ctDNA detected group. Longitudinal MRs had longer rwOS than longitudinal nMRs (median 37.4 months vs 8.7 months, P < 0.005). Conclusions: Longitudinal nMR was associated with worse survival compared to longitudinal MR. Longitudinal, molecular biomarker dynamics may be a useful clinical treatment decision tool for monitoring treatment response to ICI therapy.