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Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Detection and Monitoring of Tumor Associated Circulating DNA in Patient Biofluids
Published on: June 8, 2019
Current status and perspective of ctDNA-based MRD testing in breast cancer: a systematic review
Yukinori Ozaki1, Hiroji Iwata2
1Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Breast Oncology Center, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Treatment strategies for breast cancer have become increasingly complex over the years, requiring a deep understanding of disease pathology and the individualization of treatments on the basis of biomarkers. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) enables non-invasive evaluation of the entire tumor, and its potential is being explored for treatment development. Numerous studies have evaluated ctDNA in various breast cancer subtypes during postoperative follow-up or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, consistently showing that ctDNA positivity is associated with a higher risk of recurrence. Clinical trials evaluating therapeutic interventions on the basis of ctDNA status are also underway. Moving forward, the development of more sensitive assays and appropriate treatment strategies will be required. As the clinical application of ctDNA advances, the individualization of breast cancer treatment is expected to be further refined.
Insights
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shows promise for non-invasively monitoring breast cancer. ctDNA positivity indicates a higher recurrence risk, guiding personalized treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Genomics
Background:
- Breast cancer treatment is complex, necessitating personalized approaches based on biomarkers.
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) offers a non-invasive method for comprehensive tumor assessment.
- The role of ctDNA in various breast cancer subtypes is under active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding and clinical application of ctDNA in breast cancer management.
- To highlight the association between ctDNA status and recurrence risk.
- To discuss the future directions for ctDNA-based breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies evaluating ctDNA in breast cancer.
- Analysis of ctDNA positivity in relation to recurrence risk across different breast cancer subtypes.
- Examination of ongoing clinical trials utilizing ctDNA for treatment decisions.
Main Results:
- ctDNA positivity consistently correlates with an elevated risk of breast cancer recurrence.
- Studies have evaluated ctDNA in postoperative follow-up and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
- Clinical trials are actively exploring therapeutic interventions guided by ctDNA status.
Conclusions:
- ctDNA is a valuable tool for non-invasive breast cancer monitoring and risk assessment.
- Further development of sensitive ctDNA assays is crucial for clinical advancement.
- ctDNA is expected to refine the individualization of breast cancer treatment strategies.
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