Utility of circulating tumor DNA in secondary liver malignancies: What we know and what is to come

J Surg Oncol. 2024 Aug 19. doi: 10.1002/jso.27838. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Secondary liver malignancies are a serious and challenging global health concern. Secondary metastasis to the liver is most commonly from colorectal cancer that has metastatically spread through splanchnic circulation. Metastatic diseases can portend poor prognosis due to the progressive nature typically found on detection. Improvements in detection of disease, monitoring therapy response, and monitoring for recurrence are crucial to the improvement in the management of secondary liver malignancies. Assessment of ctDNA in these patient populations poses an opportunity to impact the management of secondary liver malignancies. In this review, we aim to discuss ctDNA, the current literature, and future directions of this technology within secondary liver malignancies.

Keywords: colorectal metastasis; ctDNA; liquid biopsy; liver malignancy; secondary liver malignancy.

Publication types

  • Review