Utilizing circulating tumour DNA in radiation oncology

Radiother Oncol. 2017 Sep;124(3):357-364. doi: 10.1016/j.radonc.2017.07.004. Epub 2017 Jul 20.

Abstract

Emerging technologies for detection of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) are expanding the possibilities for clinical impact to patients with localized, potentially curable cancer. For such patients, ctDNA analysis could aid in prognostication, prediction of treatment response, longitudinal monitoring for adaptive treatment, and evaluation of minimal residual disease. Radiation oncologists currently have few tools at their disposal for predicting or rapidly assessing treatment efficacy. By reflecting the genetic and epigenetic makeup of tumours as well as dynamic changes with treatment, ctDNA as a biomarker for radiation response could enable new personalized treatment approaches. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in ctDNA technologies and potential clinical applications of ctDNA analysis throughout the therapeutic course. Furthermore, we will consider how ctDNA analysis could someday guide radiotherapy prescriptions by revealing differences in tumour radiophenotype.

Keywords: Cell-free DNA; Circulating tumour DNA; Liquid biopsy; Personalized medicine; Precision radiation medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Circulating Tumor DNA / blood*
  • Circulating Tumor DNA / genetics
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm, Residual
  • Neoplasms / blood
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Radiation Oncology / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Circulating Tumor DNA