ctDNA has several clinical applications in oncology:
1. Early Detection: ctDNA can potentially be used for the early detection of cancer, even before clinical symptoms appear. 2. Monitoring Treatment Response: ctDNA levels can be monitored over time to assess how well a patient is responding to therapy. A decrease in ctDNA levels often indicates a positive response to treatment, while an increase may suggest resistance or disease progression. 3. Minimal Residual Disease (MRD): After treatment, ctDNA can be used to detect minimal residual disease, which refers to small numbers of cancer cells that remain in the body and may lead to relapse. 4. Identifying Genetic Mutations: ctDNA can help identify specific genetic mutations that may guide targeted therapies and personalized medicine.
