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Circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker of prognosis prediction in colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • 0Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China.
Journal of the National Cancer Center +

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April 23, 2025

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April 23, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a significant prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer (CRC), indicating poorer survival outcomes. Further research is needed to fully explore its clinical applications in cancer prognosis.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Biomarker Research

Background

  • Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a key biomarker in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • The prognostic value of ctDNA in CRC patients throughout treatment remains incompletely understood.
  • This study aims to systematically evaluate the clinical utility of ctDNA for CRC prognosis prediction.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To systematically assess the clinical value of ctDNA in colorectal cancer prognosis prediction.
  • To analyze ctDNA's association with survival outcomes across the treatment cycle.
  • To clarify the role of ctDNA as a prognostic biomarker in CRC.

Main Methods

  • Comprehensive literature search of multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov) from January 2016 to April 2023.
  • Inclusion of observational studies and randomized clinical trials reporting ctDNA and prognostic outcomes in CRC patients.
  • Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using random-effects models.

Main Results

  • Sixty-five cohort studies revealed a significant association between ctDNA and shorter RFS/OS, particularly post-treatment (HRs ranging from 3.05 to 8.92).
  • Subgroup analyses identified cancer type and detection assays as sources of heterogeneity.
  • ctDNA may enable earlier recurrence detection than radiographic methods, though sampling time points introduce potential bias; no correlation with pathological complete response in locally advanced rectal cancer was observed.

Conclusions

  • ctDNA detection is significantly linked to poorer prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.
  • The findings suggest promising applications for ctDNA in prognostic prediction, warranting further investigation in diverse clinical settings.

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