01 How should low VAF variants be interpreted?
Patients
Low variant allele frequency (VAF) findings should be interpreted in context rather than dismissed, since a low VAF can reflect low tumor content, tumor heterogeneity, subclonal populations, or early ctDNA shedding. Confirming the variant’s read depth and quality, and correlating with the clinical picture, helps distinguish a true low-level variant from technical noise or clonal hematopoiesis.
02 What does “ctDNA not detected” mean clinically?
Clinicians
“ctDNA not detected” means no circulating tumor DNA was found above the assay’s limit of detection, which is reassuring but not proof that cancer is absent. Some tumors shed little or no ctDNA, so the result should be interpreted alongside imaging and clinical findings rather than as a standalone all-clear.
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