Integrating circulating-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis into clinical practice: opportunities and challenges

Br J Cancer. 2022 Sep;127(4):592-602. doi: 10.1038/s41416-022-01776-9. Epub 2022 Mar 26.

Abstract

In the current era of precision medicine, the identification of genomic alterations has revolutionised the management of patients with solid tumours. Recent advances in the detection and characterisation of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) have enabled the integration of liquid biopsy into clinical practice for molecular profiling. ctDNA has also emerged as a promising biomarker for prognostication, monitoring disease response, detection of minimal residual disease and early diagnosis. In this Review, we discuss current and future clinical applications of ctDNA primarily in non-small cell lung cancer in addition to other solid tumours.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / genetics
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids* / genetics
  • Circulating Tumor DNA* / analysis
  • Circulating Tumor DNA* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Liquid Biopsy
  • Lung Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids
  • Circulating Tumor DNA