Performance Comparison of Droplet Digital PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing for Circulating Tumor DNA Detection in Non-Metastatic Rectal Cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can potentially identify rectal cancer patients benefiting from neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy. This study compared droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for ctDNA detection in localized rectal cancer before and after surgery.

Methods

Pre-therapy plasma and rectal tumor samples were collected from a development group (n = 41) and a validation group (n = 26). Mutations in tumor samples were identified using NGS, and ctDNA detection was performed with both ddPCR and NGS. Recurrence was assessed 1 year after surgery in the development group.

Results

In the development group, ddPCR detected ctDNA in 24/41 (58.5%) and NGS panel in 15/41 (36.6%; p = 0.00075) of the baseline plasma. In the v

SUBMITTER: Szeto S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12062871 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature