circulating tumor DNA
Also written as: ctDNA — circulating tumor DNA
Cell-free DNA fragments shed by tumors into the bloodstream, detectable through liquid biopsy techniques.
Full Definition
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) represents tumor-derived genetic material present in blood plasma that can be analyzed to detect mutations, monitor treatment response, and identify resistance mechanisms without invasive tissue sampling. In oncology informatics, ctDNA analysis requires specialized bioinformatics pipelines to distinguish true tumor variants from background noise and germline variants. Clinical applications include minimal residual disease monitoring, treatment selection, and early detection of disease progression.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate compound modifiers; use lowercase 'tumor' unless part of proper noun.
In Context
- "Serial circulating tumor DNA monitoring detected disease recurrence three months before radiographic progression." — Clinical trial efficacy analysis
- "The liquid biopsy platform achieved 95% sensitivity for detecting circulating tumor DNA in metastatic colorectal cancer patients." — Laboratory validation study