Minimal residual disease as a target for liquid biopsy in patients with solid tumours

Klaus Pantel ^1,2, Catherine Alix-Panabières ^3,4,5

⁰Department of Tumour Biology, University Medical, Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. pantel@uke.de.

Nature Reviews. Clinical Oncology +

|

November 28, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in solid tumors is crucial. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) liquid biopsy offers a sensitive method for MRD detection, guiding new therapies to prevent metastasis.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Molecular Diagnostics
Cancer Research

Background

Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer mortality in solid tumors.
Current imaging lacks sensitivity for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) post-treatment.
Sensitive detection of MRD is essential for preventing cancer recurrence and metastasis.

Purpose Of The Study

To review the utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for detecting and monitoring MRD in solid tumors.
To explore the potential of ctDNA-guided therapies for MRD eradication.
To highlight advancements in liquid biopsy for solid tumor management.

Main Methods

Review of current scientific literature on ctDNA and MRD detection.
Analysis of liquid biopsy applications in solid tumor diagnostics.
Discussion of ctDNA-based therapeutic strategies.

Main Results

Liquid biopsy, specifically ctDNA analysis, shows promise for sensitive MRD detection in solid tumors.
ctDNA aids in monitoring treatment response and detecting residual cancer.
Early detection of MRD via ctDNA can guide personalized post-adjuvant therapies.

Conclusions

ctDNA-based liquid biopsy represents a significant advancement in detecting MRD in solid tumors.
This technology can guide novel post-adjuvant therapies to eliminate MRD.
ctDNA-guided management holds the potential to improve patient outcomes and cure rates by preventing terminal metastasis.