Blood circulating tumor DNA for non-invasive genotyping of colon cancer patients

Most solid tumors, including colorectal cancers, shed cell-free DNA (ctDNA) in the blood. ctDNA can be analyzed to generate molecular profiles which capture the heterogeneity of the disease more comprehensively then tumor tissue biopsies. This approach commonly called ‘liquid biopsy’ can be applied to monitor response to therapy, to assess minimal residual disease and to uncover the emergence of drug resistance. This review will discuss ctDNA applications in the clinical management of colorectal cancer patients and will provide perspective on future development of utilizing body.
Source: Molecular Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research