Circulating tumor DNA in early-stage colon cancer: ready for prime time or needing refinement?

ABSTRACT: Liquid biopsies are the detection of molecular information in fluids from patients with cancer. In colorectal cancer (CRC), the most promising liquid biopsy strategy is the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from plasma. In early-stage CRC, the potential for ctDNA to impact care stems from the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) to guide adjuvant therapy after curative intent treatment and in identifying recurrences during surveillance. As for any new diagnostic test, ctDNA assays must overcome pre-analytical and analytical challenges before clinical implementation. We will discuss important logistical and assay considerations that clinicians and patients should understand when assessing ctDNA assays. We will also delve into important concepts to aid in interpreting ctDNA results

SUBMITTER: Solar Vasconcelos JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9772953 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature