Utilizing circulating tumour DNA in radiation oncology.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Emerging technologies for detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) are enhancing clinical applications for localized, curable cancers.
• ctDNA analysis can assist in prognostication, predicting treatment response, and monitoring minimal residual disease.
• Radiation oncologists need better tools for assessing treatment efficacy, highlighting the potential of ctDNA as a biomarker.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in ctDNA detection technologies.
• To discuss potential clinical applications of ctDNA analysis throughout the cancer therapeutic course.
• To explore how ctDNA analysis could guide radiotherapy prescriptions by assessing tumor radiophenotype.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on ctDNA detection technologies.
• Analysis of potential clinical applications of ctDNA in cancer management.
• Exploration of ctDNA's role in predicting and guiding radiation therapy.

Main Results:

• ctDNA analysis holds promise for prognostication and monitoring treatment response in curable cancers.
• ctDNA can reflect tumor's genetic makeup and dynamic changes during therapy.
• Future applications may include guiding radiotherapy prescriptions based on tumor radiophenotype.

Conclusions:

• ctDNA analysis is expanding possibilities for patients with localized, curable cancers.
• ctDNA serves as a biomarker for radiation response, enabling personalized treatment approaches.
• ctDNA analysis may guide radiotherapy prescriptions by revealing tumor radiophenotype differences.