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The Role Of Circulating Tumor DNA In Therapeutic Resistance

Chenxin Xu1, Haixia Cao2, Chen Shi1

  • 1The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.

Oncotargets and Therapy
|December 7, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Liquid biopsy using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) offers new hope for cancer patients. This technology helps monitor tumor changes and personalize treatment, overcoming therapeutic resistance and improving survival rates.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Precision medicine has improved cancer treatment outcomes by reducing side effects and enhancing survival.
  • Long-term cancer therapies often face challenges due to evolving tumor heterogeneity, leading to therapeutic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce liquid biopsy as a novel approach for monitoring cancer treatment.
  • To highlight the role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in overcoming therapeutic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing liquid biopsy technology to analyze circulating tumor DNAs (ctDNAs) from patient blood samples.
  • Employing advanced detection and characterization techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, for ctDNA analysis.

Main Results:

  • ctDNA analysis enables tracing of intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity.
  • Identification of genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with therapeutic resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Liquid biopsy provides a valuable tool for real-time monitoring of tumor evolution.
  • Personalized adjustments in cancer therapy based on ctDNA analysis can prolong patient survival and overcome resistance.
Keywords:
cancerdrug resistanceheterogeneitysequencing technologiestargeted therapies

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