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Extrachromosomal Circular DNA as a Cancer Biomarker: From Diagnosis to Treatment

Hexin Li1, Jiahui Cai1, Gang Zhao2,3

  • 1Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Beijing China.

Cancer Innovation
|September 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) shows promise as cancer biomarkers. These genetic elements impact cancer biology, treatment resistance, and therapeutic development, aiding diagnosis and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) represents genetic material outside the main genome.
  • eccDNA's role in gene amplification, heterogeneity, and drug resistance is increasingly recognized in cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of eccDNA on cancer biology.
  • To explore eccDNA's potential in predicting treatment sensitivity and resistance.
  • To discuss eccDNA's role in developing novel anticancer therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of eccDNA research in cancer biology.
  • Analysis of eccDNA's functions in gene amplification and drug resistance.
  • Evaluation of eccDNA as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.

Main Results:

  • eccDNA significantly influences cancer development and progression.
  • eccDNA levels correlate with treatment sensitivity and resistance.
  • eccDNA serves as a valuable biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • eccDNA is a critical factor in cancer biology with significant therapeutic implications.
  • Further research into eccDNA can lead to improved cancer diagnostics and treatments.
  • eccDNA holds potential as a versatile biomarker for various tumor types.
Keywords:
biomarkercancerdiagnosisextrachromosomal circular DNAtreatment

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