Role of Circulating Tumor DNA in Pancreatic Cancer
By:
Ali Alqahtani
, Abdurahman Alloghbi
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a tumor-driven DNA fragment circulating freely in the bloodstream. Since it circulates in the bloodstream, it can be detected with a peripheral blood sample, hence "liquid biopsy." More evidence shows us that ctDNA analysis can help identify the residual disease and help predict recurrence. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the utility of ctDNA in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
In patients undergoing pancreatic resection, the presence of ctDNA before surgery (preoperatively) and after surgery (postoperatively) was associated with worse survival.
This finding adds to the growing evidence that ctDNA is a useful prognostic marker.
This systematic review and meta-analysis finding was published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, 2022 (here).
April 15th, 2022