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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
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Detection and Monitoring of Tumor Associated Circulating DNA in Patient Biofluids
Published on: June 8, 2019
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Circulating Tumor DNA: Measurement and Clinical Utility
Joshua Donaldson1, Ben Ho Park1,2
1Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287;
Annual Review of Medicine
|August 29, 2017
Summary
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a liquid biopsy, offers real-time cancer insights from blood. This technology aids in early detection, treatment selection, and monitoring disease progression across all cancer stages.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) refers to cell-free DNA found in blood, originating from primary tumors and metastases.
- ctDNA analysis provides genetic information about a patient's cancer, including specific mutations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of ctDNA as a liquid biopsy for cancer management.
- To discuss the applications of ctDNA in cancer screening, treatment selection, and monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of ctDNA from patient plasma.
- Utilizing technologies like digital polymerase chain reaction for quantitative and qualitative analysis of ctDNA.
Main Results:
- Liquid biopsy using ctDNA is faster and more repeatable than traditional tissue biopsy.
- ctDNA analysis provides real-time information for therapeutic decision-making.
Conclusions:
- ctDNA has broad applications in all stages of cancer therapy, from early screening to monitoring metastatic disease.
- Current clinical use includes selecting non-small cell lung cancer patients for EGFR-targeted therapy.
- Future applications of ctDNA technology are expected across all aspects of clinical oncology.
