molecular residual disease monitoring
Detection and quantification of minimal tumor burden using molecular techniques like circulating tumor DNA analysis after primary treatment completion.
Full Definition
Molecular residual disease monitoring represents a precision oncology approach for detecting minimal tumor burden that remains after primary treatment, using highly sensitive molecular techniques rather than conventional imaging. This monitoring typically employs circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assays, tumor-informed approaches that track patient-specific mutations, or tumor-agnostic methods that detect general cancer signatures. The goal is to identify disease recurrence earlier than conventional methods allow, potentially enabling intervention before clinical relapse. Molecular monitoring is particularly valuable in cancers with long lead times between molecular and radiological recurrence, such as colorectal and lung cancers. Results guide decisions about adjuvant therapy duration and surveillance intensity.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the molecular method used; distinguish from traditional MRD in hematologic malignancies.
In Context
- "Molecular residual disease monitoring detected tumor recurrence six months before radiological evidence appeared." — post-treatment surveillance report
- "The precision oncology protocol included molecular residual disease monitoring using patient-specific ctDNA assays." — clinical trial protocol