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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Detection and Monitoring of Tumor Associated Circulating DNA in Patient Biofluids
Published on: June 8, 2019
Recurrence in Real Time: Rethinking Breast Cancer Follow-Up Evaluation with Circulating Tumor DNA
Nicole Taylor1, York Lin Chew2, Tian Sheng Ng2
1The Stanley J. Dudrick Department of Surgery, Saint Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, CT, USA. nicole.a.ditommaso@gmail.com.
Annals of Surgical Oncology
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in breast cancer patients may indicate recurrence. This study found ctDNA detection was associated with advanced stage and nodal involvement, guiding further management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Distant recurrence of breast cancer is a significant concern for patients.
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising marker for detecting recurrence, particularly with tissue-informed assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient characteristics between those with detectable ctDNA (+ctDNA) and undetectable ctDNA (-ctDNA).
- To describe the management strategies for patients with detectable ctDNA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 227 female patients with stages I-III breast cancer undergoing surgery.
- ctDNA testing using Signatera at 6-month intervals from January 2022 to May 2025.
- Comparative analysis using Fisher's exact test and unpaired t-test; qualitative analysis for +ctDNA patients.
Main Results:
- 4.41% of patients (10/227) had detectable ctDNA (+ctDNA).
- +ctDNA patients showed advanced pathologic stage (p=0.015) and nodal involvement (p=0.037).
- Of 10 +ctDNA patients, 7 had metastases and received systemic therapy; 3 had initially negative imaging, with one later showing metastasis upon repeat ctDNA and imaging.
Conclusions:
- ctDNA surveillance may be valuable for high-risk breast cancer patients, especially those with advanced TNM staging.
- Early detection of recurrence through ctDNA can inform timely treatment adjustments.
