therapeutic resistance monitoring
Systematic tracking of molecular changes that indicate developing treatment resistance in cancer patients.
Full Definition
Therapeutic resistance monitoring involves the systematic surveillance of molecular biomarkers to detect emerging treatment resistance before clinical progression becomes apparent. This approach utilizes serial liquid biopsies, circulating tumor DNA analysis, and repeat tissue sampling to identify resistance mutations, pathway activation, and clonal evolution patterns. Early detection of resistance mechanisms enables proactive treatment modifications, combination therapy initiation, and clinical trial enrollment before disease progression. Effective resistance monitoring requires validated assays, standardized sampling protocols, and evidence-based intervention strategies.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize proactive nature; distinguish from reactive resistance testing after progression.
In Context
- "Therapeutic resistance monitoring detected T790M mutation emergence six weeks before radiographic progression." — Clinical case report
- "The protocol includes monthly therapeutic resistance monitoring using circulating tumor DNA analysis." — Clinical trial protocol