Circulating tumor DNA as a molecular biomarker in the phase II trial of imatinib plus binimetinib in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors

This phase II trial investigated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a biomarker in patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumor who were treated with imatinib and binimetinib. Analysis of plasma and tumor tissue using genomic assays revealed a 39% baseline ctDNA detection rate, which was significantly higher in treatment-naïve patients. Active therapy negatively impacted ctDNA detection of primary and secondary KIT alterations. However, ctDNA responses sometimes preceded radiographic responses, suggesting potential for further investigation.