Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Clearance May Predict Treatment Response in Neoadjuvant Colorectal Cancer Management
<b>Background:</b> Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is extracellular DNA released by tumors and has been proposed as a marker of residual disease as well as a predictor of disease recurrence in the adjuvant setting. However, data are lacking on the utility of this biomarker in the neoadjuva...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/6/1684 |
| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is extracellular DNA released by tumors and has been proposed as a marker of residual disease as well as a predictor of disease recurrence in the adjuvant setting. However, data are lacking on the utility of this biomarker in the neoadjuvant setting. <b>Methods:</b> We performed a retrospective study of stage III and IV colorectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment at a single institution. <b>Results:</b> Seventeen patients converted from a positive pre-neoadjuvant ctDNA to a negative ctDNA prior to surgery. Five patients remained persistently positive despite systemic treatment. ctDNA conversion was found to be associated with a higher incidence of favorable treatment effect scores on final surgical pathology. There was no difference in recurrence-free survival in this small population. Furthermore, no added benefit was identified for patients receiving additional neoadjuvant therapy after the time of positive to negative ctDNA conversion. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study highlights the potential utility of ctDNA and the need for prospective trials in the neoadjuvant setting to monitor treatment response and guide decisions on treatment duration. |
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| ISSN: | 2077-0383 |