A novel blood test has been developed to detect early lung damage in cancer patients receiving antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), offering a less invasive method for monitoring lung complications. The test analyzes specific markers in circulating DNA, providing an alternative to relying solely on imaging scans. This advancement is crucial for the early detection and management of potentially fatal lung conditions, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), often associated with ADC therapy.
The research, spearheaded by Dr. Albert Grinshpun from the Sharett Institute of Oncology at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center and Dr. Ori Fridlich from the Center for Liquid Biopsy at the Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, introduces a method to monitor patients for drug-induced lung disease more safely and simply. ADCs, like trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu), have emerged as targeted therapies, but their use is sometimes complicated by the development of ILD, which can lead to significant lung damage if not promptly addressed.
The study demonstrated that by analyzing specific markers in blood samples, clinicians could identify early signs of lung damage caused by these drugs. This concept builds upon foundational work by Prof. Yuval Dor and Ruth Shemer from the Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University.
Researchers retrospectively examined blood samples from patients with metastatic HER2-positive cancers treated with Enhertu, some of whom developed lung damage during treatment. The team identified markers of lung damage in these samples that correlated with symptoms confirmed through medical imaging.
According to Dr. Albert Grinshpun, "ADCs and other novel cancer therapies are powerful treatments, but monitoring their side effects can be complex. This blood test could offer a low-cost, non-invasive way to detect lung damage early on, helping patients get timely care without relying solely on scans."
This innovative approach provides a promising and accessible option for monitoring lung health in patients undergoing ADC therapy, enabling early detection and intervention. The research team plans to further develop this method for broader clinical application.
