How Droplet Digital PCR has Revolutionized Noninvasive Plasma-Based Detection of Mutations

Mutations in Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinases can result in uncontrolled cell proliferation/tumors. Inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinases halts cell growth and prevents tumor formation, so therefore is the base for many anti-cancer drugs, one of those developed was imatinib against chronic myelogenous leukemia. This application note describes the development of a ddPCR assay for detection of mutations in circulating tumor DNA. This was to monitor resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which could affect therapy selection.