Methylated circulating tumor DNA in blood: power in cancer prognosis and response
- 1Garvan Institute of Medical Research, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre and St Vincent's Clinical School, 370 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydeny, New South Wales, Australia
2Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Correspondence should be addressed to G Samimi; Email: g.samimi{at}garvan.org.au
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Figure 1
ctDNA can be used to trace tumor progression and patient response. All individuals carry circulating DNA in their blood. Upon tumor development, ctDNA carrying tumor-specific molecular alterations (such as DNA methylation) is released into the circulation, at levels relative to tumor burden. Following surgery, ctDNA levels reflect removal of the tumor. Throughout chemotherapy treatment, and upon completion, ctDNA can be used to monitor patient response and prognosis.
- © 2016 The authors
