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ctDNA

Meaning

ctDNA, an abbreviation for circulating tumor DNA, represents fragments of nucleic acid released into the bloodstream from apoptotic or necrotic tumor cells. This biomarker is highly relevant in clinical oncology, offering a non-invasive method, often termed a liquid biopsy, to monitor tumor progression, assess treatment response, and detect minimal residual disease. While primarily an oncology tool, its presence and analysis can be critical in managing hormone-sensitive cancers, such as prostate, breast, or endometrial cancers, where endocrine therapies are a mainstay of treatment. Monitoring ctDNA provides real-time genetic information about the cancer’s evolving hormonal resistance mechanisms.