Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
13:19
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
17.0K
Circulating Tumor DNA as a Biomarker for Precision Medicine in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review
Nouhaila Chanhih1,2, Abdelilah Laraqui2,3, Salma Hassine3,4
1Center for Research on Health Sciences (CReSS), International Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, International University of Rabat, Technopolis Parc, Rocade of Rabat-Salé, Sala-Al Jadida 11100, Morocco.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing provides valuable, non-invasive insights for prostate cancer management. This review highlights key genomic targets and recommends standardization for routine clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis is a non-invasive tool for personalized prostate cancer management.
- Existing literature lacks a comprehensive overview of ctDNA assay methodologies, genomic targets, and clinical utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and appraise ctDNA assay methods and genomic targets in prostate cancer.
- To correlate ctDNA findings with clinical outcomes and provide recommendations for standardization and validation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Cochrane Library (December 2024).
- Adherence to PRISMA guidelines for study selection.
- Inclusion of 44 studies encompassing 10,631 patients.
Main Results:
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) predominantly analyzed TP53, AR, BRCA1/2, ATM, RB1, and PTEN alterations in plasma ctDNA.
- ctDNA positivity and specific alterations (e.g., BRCA1/2) correlated with poorer survival outcomes.
- BRCA1/2 mutations indicated benefit from Olaparib plus Abiraterone; persistent alterations predicted early progression.
Conclusions:
- ctDNA profiling is crucial for precision prostate cancer care, with specific targets linked to prognosis and treatment response.
- Gaps identified include inconsistent reporting of variant allele fractions and limited population diversity.
- Standardized reporting and prospective trials are recommended to integrate ctDNA into routine oncology practice.
