Overexpression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) was identified as a dynamic biomarker reflecting minimal residual tumor burden in colorectal cancer patients.
Detection of PD-L1–positive CTCs through liquid biopsy provides insights into tumor immune evasion mechanisms and ongoing disease activity.
Quantitative enumeration of circulating tumor cells demonstrated strong correlation with disease status, including response to therapy and progression patterns.
Changes in PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells may indicate evolving tumor–immune interactions during treatment.
Monitoring PD-L1–positive CTC populations may enable real-time evaluation of therapeutic response, particularly in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
The approach offers a non-invasive method for longitudinal disease surveillance, reducing reliance on repeated tissue biopsies.
Integration of CTC-based PD-L1 biomarker analysis could improve patient selection for immunotherapy and guide personalized treatment strategies.
Overall, PD-L1–positive circulating tumor cell monitoring represents a promising tool for precision oncology, immunotherapy stratification, and dynamic colorectal cancer management.
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