Finding Waldo: The Evolving Paradigm of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)-Guided Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Assessment in Colorectal Cancer (CRC).

ABSTRACT: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), the tumor-derived cell-free DNA fragments in the bloodstream carrying tumor-specific genetic and epigenetic alterations, represents an emerging novel tool for minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment in patients with resected colorectal cancer (CRC). For many decades, precise risk-stratification following curative-intent colorectal surgery has remained an enduring challenge. The current risk stratification strategy relies on clinicopathologic characteristics of the tumors that lacks precision and results in over-and undertreatment in a significant proportion of patients. Consequently, a biomarker that can reliably identify patients harboring MRD would be of critical importance in refining patient selection for adjuvant therapy. Several prospective cohort stu

SUBMITTER: Chakrabarti S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9265001 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature