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Cell-Free DNA Integrity Analysis in Urine Samples
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Urothelial Cancer: Leveraging Circulating Tumor DNA To Avoid Unnecessary Bladder-directed and Systemic Therapies
Jonathan Chatzkel1, Joshua Linscott1, G Daniel Grass2
1Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
European Urology Focus
|July 27, 2025
Summary
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shows promise for personalizing urothelial carcinoma treatment. Measuring ctDNA can help predict outcomes and guide therapy decisions, potentially improving patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Urothelial Carcinoma Research
Background:
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is increasingly recognized for its role in guiding cancer therapy.
- Personalized treatment strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (MIUC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving role of ctDNA in personalizing perioperative systemic treatment for MIUC.
- To explore how ctDNA can guide treatment decisions and reduce overtreatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on ctDNA detection and its application in urothelial carcinoma.
- Analysis of ctDNA's predictive value for treatment response and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- ctDNA can identify patients with residual disease who may benefit from further treatment.
- ctDNA measurements show potential for tailoring both systemic and local therapies in MIUC.
- Biomarker-guided treatment may reduce toxicity and healthcare costs.
Conclusions:
- ctDNA testing is a maturing technology with the potential to personalize MIUC treatment.
- Personalized treatment guided by ctDNA can improve oncologic outcomes and patient quality of life.
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