Multigene PCR using both cfDNA and cfRNA in the supernatant of pleural effusion achieves accurate and rapid detection of mutations and fusions of driver genes in patients with advanced NSCLC.

CfDNA and cfRNA derived from pleural effusion supernatant have been successfully tested with a PCR-based multigene detection kit. Pleural effusion supernatant seems a preferred material for detection of multigene alterations to guide treatment decision of advanced NSCLC.