Technical requirements and platform considerations for molecular residual disease in genitourinary tumors

Liquid biopsy ctDNA testing is becoming an essential part of cancer patient care. Many types of molecular assays for ctDNA MRD or ctDNA profiling are available. They differ in methodology, can be targeted vs. nontargeted, and tumor-informed vs. tumor-uninformed. There are technical benefits and pitfalls that come with each type of ctDNA assays. Factors such as level of detection, turnaround time, cost/reimbursement, and tumor indication may play a role in picking the most appropriate test. Given there are many available ctDNA MRD testing assays available, this paper will provide technical reviews of various methods and analytical qualifications of various ctDNA MRD detection assays.