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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
07:50
Global and Current Research Trends of Single-Cell Sequencing in Cancer: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study
Published on: April 18, 2025
984
Cell-free DNA in cancer: current insights
Heidi Fettke1, Edmond M Kwan2,3, Arun A Azad2,3
1Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Heidi.Fettke@monash.edu.
Cellular Oncology (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
|October 28, 2018
Summary
Liquid biopsies using cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) offer a minimally invasive method for monitoring cancer. Advancements in ctDNA analysis show promise for personalized cancer care and early detection.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Liquid biopsies are revolutionizing oncology with cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis.
- ctDNA offers a minimally invasive approach to track tumor evolution compared to traditional methods.
- Technological advancements enhance ctDNA detection sensitivity for cancer monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biology and advancements of ctDNA in oncology.
- To discuss technical considerations and clinical implications of ctDNA.
- To highlight challenges and future directions for ctDNA integration in patient care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on ctDNA in cancer.
- Analysis of technological platforms for ctDNA extraction and analysis.
- Discussion of clinical applications and translational impact.
Main Results:
- ctDNA analysis is a feasible method for assessing tumor molecular changes.
- Numerous studies demonstrate ctDNA's potential as a blood-based cancer biomarker.
- Clinical application of ctDNA is expanding across various cancer types.
Conclusions:
- ctDNA analysis provides critical insights into cancer biology and patient status.
- Further research is needed to standardize ctDNA integration into routine oncology care.
- Future directions involve overcoming challenges for widespread clinical adoption of ctDNA.
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