Minimal residual disease in solid tumors: an overview
Yarui Ma1, Jingbo Gan2, Yinlei Bai2
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
Frontiers of Medicine
|September 14, 2023
Summary
Minimal residual disease (MRD) detection using liquid biopsy offers superior cancer management and relapse prediction compared to traditional imaging. This review highlights advancements in MRD biomarkers, techniques, and applications, especially in solid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomarkers
- Cancer Diagnostics
Background:
- Minimal residual disease (MRD) refers to remnant tumor cells detectable after initial treatment.
- Liquid biopsy is emerging as a powerful tool for sensitive MRD detection.
- Accurate MRD detection is crucial for personalized cancer patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of MRD biomarkers, detection techniques, and strategies.
- To emphasize the application of MRD detection in solid tumors.
- To highlight MRD's role in guiding clinical treatment decisions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on MRD detection methods.
- Analysis of advancements in liquid biopsy technologies.
- Synthesis of data on MRD biomarker development.
Main Results:
- MRD detection, particularly via liquid biopsy, shows enhanced performance over imaging methods.
- Improved techniques and algorithms are increasing the routine use of MRD detection.
- MRD detection is effective for prognosis prediction and relapse monitoring.
Conclusions:
- MRD detection is a vital tool for improving cancer patient outcomes.
- Further integration of MRD detection into clinical practice, especially for solid tumors, is warranted.
- MRD detection guides treatment strategies and enhances cancer management.
