Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 24, 2025
Detection and Monitoring of Tumor Associated Circulating DNA in Patient Biofluids
Published on: June 8, 2019
Circulating tumour DNA for clinicians: current and future clinical applications
M K Thompson1, D Gale2, J D Brenton1
1Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK; Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
Abstract:
This review introduces clinicians to the basic concepts of the biology of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which is required to understand clinical use of ctDNA technology. We provide an overview of how new technology has improved the sensitivity of ctDNA detection over the last decade and the available techniques for ctDNA analysis including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), targeted cancer-associated gene panels, and methylation analysis. We discuss the most recent evidence from clinical trials for ctDNA in patient care including precision treatment of advanced cancers, disease monitoring, improving adjuvant treatment, and screening for early detection of cancer. Finally, we outline how ctDNA is likely to directly impact radiologists, and identify further research required for ctDNA to progress into routine clinical application.
