Liquid biopsies for residual disease and recurrence

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Cancer Genomics

Background:

• Minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in cancer patients in remission is crucial for improving recurrence-free survival.
• Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis in solid tumors shows promise for predicting and detecting relapse.
• Advancements in ctDNA assay sensitivity and specificity enhance residual disease detection and early recurrence identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the progress in detecting residual disease and recurrence (RDR) using ctDNA.
• To explore the emerging role of liquid biopsy in monitoring and managing solid tumors.
• To assess how RDR assays may influence treatment paradigms and cancer recurrence risk classification.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies analyzing ctDNA in plasma samples from solid tumor patients.
• Evaluation of ctDNA assay performance in detecting residual disease and recurrence.
• Analysis of ongoing clinical trials investigating RDR assays in treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• ctDNA analysis holds significant potential for accurate relapse prediction and early detection in solid tumors.
• Increasing sensitivity and specificity of ctDNA assays facilitate improved MRD detection post-treatment.
• Novel RDR assays are being evaluated for their impact on clinical decision-making and risk stratification.

Conclusions:

• ctDNA-based RDR detection is a rapidly advancing field with the potential to personalize cancer management.
• Liquid biopsy offers a non-invasive approach for monitoring solid tumors and guiding treatment selection.
• Future research and clinical trials will further define the role of RDR assays in optimizing patient outcomes.