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New Insights from Long-Term Clinical Use of Circulating Tumor DNA-Based Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring in Translocation-Associated Sarcomas

  • 0Division of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria, sophie.joch@gmail.com.
Oncology Research and Treatment +

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December 23, 2024

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December 23, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Monitoring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) effectively detects recurrence in translocation-associated sarcomas. While highly specific, ctDNA monitoring should complement imaging for complete recurrence detection.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Biomarker Research

Background

  • Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is increasingly used to monitor disease activity in translocation-associated tumors.
  • Limited studies exist on the clinical application of ctDNA for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD).
  • This study assesses ctDNA's clinical utility as an MRD biomarker in translocation-associated sarcomas.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the clinical applicability of ctDNA for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD).
  • To correlate ctDNA levels with disease progression and recurrence in translocation-associated sarcomas.
  • To determine the efficacy of ctDNA in early recurrence detection during patient follow-up.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective analysis of 285 ctDNA samples from 34 patients with translocation-associated sarcoma.
  • Correlation of ctDNA levels with clinical course and imaging data.
  • Longitudinal blood sample collection over a median of 97 weeks (range: 7-398 weeks).

Main Results

  • Significant association found between ctDNA levels and disease course (remission vs. progressive disease, p = 0.001).
  • ctDNA levels were consistently higher in patients with multilocular recurrence (n=14) compared to unilocular recurrence (n=3).
  • ctDNA remained undetectable in 3 cases of unilocular recurrence.

Conclusions

  • ctDNA monitoring offers highly specific, additional information for early recurrence detection in translocation-associated sarcomas.
  • ctDNA monitoring can be integrated into clinical practice for patient follow-up.
  • Combined ctDNA quantification and conventional imaging are recommended for comprehensive MRD monitoring, as ctDNA alone may miss some unilocular recurrences.

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