FAQ #1 –
When should ctDNA testing be preferred over tissue biopsy?
NCCN guidelines generally recommend tissue biopsy as the “gold standard” for initial cancer diagnosis, as it confirms histology. However, for molecular profiling in advanced or metastatic diseases (especially NSCLC), NCCN recognizes liquid biopsy (ctDNA/blood) as a complementary, highly concordant, and faster, minimally invasive alternative to identify actionable genetic alterations
FAQ #2 –
What does “ctDNA not detected” mean clinically?
ctDNA not detected” (or “ctDNA negative”) means that the test did not find evidence of cancer-derived DNA in the blood, indicating no measurable minimal residual disease (MRD)
FAQ #3 –
Can ctDNA detect resistance mutations?
Yes, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is highly effective at detecting acquired resistance mutations to targeted therapies and immunotherapies, often serving as a non-invasive, “liquid biopsy” alternative to tissue sampling
FAQ #4 –
How reliable is ctDNA for treatment monitoring?
ctDNA is used to monitor treatment response, detect minimal residual disease (MRD), and identify mechanisms of resistance in various cancers