The emerging role of cell-free DNA as a molecular marker for cancer management

Publication date: March 2019Source: Biomolecular Detection and Quantification, Volume 17Author(s): Abel Jacobus Bronkhorst, Vida Ungerer, Stefan HoldenriederAbstractAn increasing number of studies demonstrate the potential use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a surrogate marker for multiple indications in cancer, including diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. However, harnessing the full potential of cfDNA requires (i) the optimization and standardization of preanalytical steps, (ii) refinement of current analysis strategies, and, perhaps most importantly, (iii) significant improvements in our understanding of its origin, physical properties, and dynamics in circulation. The latter knowledge is crucial for interpreting the associations between changes in the baseline characteristics of cfDNA and the clinical manifestations of cancer. In this review we explore recent advancements and highlight the current gaps in our knowledge concerning each point of contact between cfDNA analysis and the different stages of cancer management.
Source: Biomolecular Detection and Quantification - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research