Document Type : Review Articles
Authors
1
Ksa, Ministry of Health, Riyadh Forensic Services CenterMedicine
2
Ksa, Ministry of Health, DIRIYAH HOSPITAL
3
Ksa, Ministry of Health, mohayel Genenral hospital
4
Ksa, Ministry of Health, Al Quwayiyah Hospital
5
Ksa, Ministry of Health, Dawadmi Hospital
6
Ksa, Ministry of Health, Sharg almohamadih center care
7
Ksa, Ministry of Health, Jizan Specialist Hospital
8
Ksa, Ministry of Health, PHC ALBALDIYA Hafar AlBatin
9
Ksa, Ministry of Health, Bahra PHC
10
Ksa, Ministry of Health, CENTRAL BLOOD BANK JIZAN
11
Ksa, Ministry of Health, Ras tanura general hospital
12
Ksa, Ministry of Health, Ras tanoura general hospital
13
Ksa, Ministry of Health, Prince Mohammed bin Fahd hospital
14
Ksa, Ministry of Health, Safwa General Hospital
Abstract
Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a subset of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), holds promise as a non-invasive biomarker for cancer prognostication and monitoring. Despite advances in cancer screening, early detection remains a challenge.
Aim: This study systematically evaluates ctDNA’s utility in early cancer detection, its integration into current diagnostic practices, and its potential to replace traditional invasive techniques.
Methods: A systematic review of 166 articles resulted in 12 high-quality studies meeting inclusion criteria, comprising case-control studies, cross-sectional research, and reviews. These studies were analyzed for ctDNA’s sensitivity, specificity, and prognostic applications in diverse cancer types.
Results: ctDNA exhibits sensitivity ranging from 69% to 98% and specificity exceeding 99%. Methods like TEC-Seq and CancerSEEK demonstrated significant promise, detecting cancer at early stages and localizing tumor origins with high accuracy. Positive ctDNA detection correlated with poorer overall survival and progression-free survival, underscoring its prognostic relevance. However, its sensitivity in detecting tumors smaller than 1 cm remains limited. Factors such as sample handling, individual variability, and tumor-specific genetic profiles influence ctDNA’s diagnostic efficacy.
Conclusion: ctDNA offers a transformative approach to cancer management by enabling real-time tumor monitoring and early detection through non-invasive means. Although promising, challenges in sensitivity, standardization, and clinical adoption must be addressed to realize its full potential as a routine diagnostic tool.
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