Biomarkers
Circulating Tumor DNA
Also known as: ctDNA, Cell-free tumor DNA, cfDNA
Definition
Fragments of DNA released by cancer cells into the bloodstream, which can be detected through liquid biopsy.
Detailed Explanation
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing, also called liquid biopsy, offers a non-invasive way to monitor cancer. It can detect minimal residual disease, track treatment response, identify resistance mutations, and sometimes detect cancer recurrence before symptoms appear. It's increasingly used alongside traditional tissue biopsies.