Synopsis
A recent study reveals that monitoring blood levels of DNA fragments from dying tumor cells could predict cancer recurrence, particularly in melanoma patients. This innovative method could guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.Key Takeaways
- Detection of ctDNA predicts melanoma recurrence.
- 80% of patients with ctDNA experience recurrence.
- Recurrence rates are four times higher with ctDNA.
- Future clinical applications for ctDNA testing anticipated.
- Method focuses on common genetic mutations in melanoma.
New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) Tracking blood levels of DNA fragments released by dying tumor cells could effectively forecast cancer recurrence, as suggested by a recent study.
Researchers from New York University-Langone Health in the US examined nearly 600 individuals from Europe, North America, and Australia, all diagnosed with stage III melanoma, one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer.
The findings indicated that around 80 percent of skin cancer patients who had detectable levels of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) before commencing treatment to control their tumors eventually faced a recurrence.
Moreover, the disease was found to reappear more than four times faster in this group compared to those with undetectable levels of this biomarker, with higher levels correlating with quicker cancer return.
“Our results imply that circulating tumor DNA tests could assist oncologists in determining which melanoma patients are likely to respond effectively to therapy,” stated Mahrukh Syeda, lead author and research scientist at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
“In the future, such evaluations may be routinely integrated into clinical settings to aid in treatment decisions,” Syeda added.
Published in the journal The Lancet Oncology, the study also revealed that almost all patients with detectable ctDNA levels at three, six, nine, or twelve months during treatment experienced melanoma recurrence.
Consequently, the researchers noted that if gene fragments are not visible before therapy but appear later, it might signal disease progression.
Syeda explained that the ctDNA method targets the most prevalent mutations in the genetic blueprint of melanoma cells.
As these cells disintegrate, the mutated DNA leaks into surrounding blood.
Additionally, the team demonstrated that evaluating ctDNA levels was as effective or superior in predicting recurrence compared to other experimental tests analyzing tumors, such as those assessing immune responses within cancer cell clusters.
