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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 cell-free tumor DNA analysis in pediatric cancers
Daniel Andersson1, Henrik Fagman2, Martin G Dalin3
1Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Molecular Aspects of Medicine
|September 30, 2019
Summary
Circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) shows promise in pediatric oncology for cancer detection and monitoring. However, biological factors and technical challenges must be addressed for widespread clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis is increasingly used in adult oncology.
- Its application in pediatric oncology is emerging but faces unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential and limitations of ctDNA analysis in pediatric cancer.
- To discuss biological properties, technical constraints, and future directions for clinical implementation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of 50 pediatric ctDNA studies.
- Analysis of ctDNA release and clearance dynamics.
- Discussion of genomic landscapes in pediatric cancers.
Main Results:
- ctDNA analysis has applications in detection, mutation profiling, and monitoring for pediatric cancers.
- Biological properties and technical limitations impact ctDNA assay performance.
- Pediatric cancer-specific mutation profiles often necessitate custom analytical solutions.
Conclusions:
- ctDNA analysis holds significant potential for pediatric oncology.
- Addressing biological and technical challenges is crucial for routine clinical integration.
- Further research is needed to optimize ctDNA assays for pediatric applications.
