Clinical utility of longitudinal ctDNA monitoring by multiplex MS-ddPCR for risk stratification and follow-up in rectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Personalized treatment strategies in rectal cancer aim to balance escalation and de-escalation based on recurrence risk. Accurately identifying which patients will benefit from each approach is essential for optimizing outcomes and guiding follow-up. However, current clinical methods lack the precision needed to reliably predict response and long-term prognosis.

Methods

In this feasibility study, we evaluated the prognostic utility of a novel methylation-specific droplet digital PCR (MS-ddPCR) multiplex assay in 56 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) undergoing neoadjuvant treatment (nT)  and surgery. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was analyzed at four time points (baseline, during nT, preoperatively, 6 months post-surgery). Associations between c

SUBMITTER: Lauridsen ED 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12769658 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature