Circulating tumor DNA in colorectal cancer: opportunities and challenges

Feifei Bi; Qiwei Wang; Qian Dong; Yuanhe Wang; Liqun Zhang; Jingdong Zhang

Circulating tumor DNA in colorectal cancer: opportunities and challenges

Am J Transl Res. 2020 Mar 15;12(3):1044-1055. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Feifei Bi¹, Qiwei Wang¹, Qian Dong¹, Yuanhe Wang¹, Liqun Zhang¹, Jingdong Zhang¹

Affiliation

¹ Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute Shenyang, China.

PMID: 32269733
PMCID: PMC7137038

Abstract

Tumor biopsy is the standard method for cancer diagnosis and provides an important sample for pathological assessment. With the development of precision medicine, liquid biopsies are now an important tool to detect molecular changes and tumor heterogeneity. In recent years, research related to circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has intensified due to its non-invasive, convenient, comprehensive, and safety characteristics. Herein, we provide a review describing the clinical applications and prospects of ctDNA in colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis.

Keywords: Liquid biopsy; circulating tumor DNA; colorectal cancer.

Publication types

Review