Circulating tumor DNA as part of the routine work-up for patients with suspected advanced lung cancer

A peer-reviewed study published in The Journal of Liquid Biopsy evaluated Avitia’s Follow It® ctDNA test in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC). The analysis drew on real-world data from the London Regional Cancer Program in Ontario.  

While liquid biopsy is recognized for its ability to identify actionable molecular alterations and support matched therapies, it is still most often used only when tissue samples are limited or difficult to obtain. This study examined what happens when plasma-based ctDNA testing is introduced earlier as part of the diagnostic work-up, rather than reserved as a fallback.

Using Avitia’s Follow It® ctDNA test, offered through the pan-Canadian program ACTT (Access to Cancer Testing & Treatment) run by our company, clinicians saw meaningful reductions in time to answers compared with tissue testing alone:

• 14 vs 35 days to molecular results

• 22 vs 48 days from first respirology or thoracic surgery consult to results

• 12 vs 22 days from medical oncology consult to treatment initiation

In a publicly funded, single-payer healthcare system, these time savings translate into faster molecular clarity, earlier treatment decisions, and fewer delays at critical moments in care.

Read the full peer-reviewed study here:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlb.2025.100443