Circulating tumor DNA for surveillance in high-risk melanoma patients: a study protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Melanoma is one of the deadliest skin cancers and challenges clinicians worldwide due to rising incidence, potential aggressiveness, and propensity for metastasis, necessitating comprehensive follow-up programs after primary treatment. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising biomarker that may indicate disease progression earlier than traditional surveillance methods, including 18F-FDG PET-CT, ultrasound, and clinical examination. This study examines ctDNA detection in blood as a minimally invasive method for early identification of progression following primary treatment of melanoma. The aim is to overcome the limitations of current methods, potentially improving prognosis and survival.

Patients/material and methods

Patients with high risk of rec

SUBMITTER: Obinah MPB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11833324 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature