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Genetic research

Circulating Tumor DNA as a Predictive Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer Postsurgical Recurrence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research has shown that colorectal carcinoma is a major cause of oncological mortality worldwide. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli has shed light on the prognostic utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a predictive biomarker for postsurgical recurrence in colorectal cancer patients. The study, which was funded by Open access funding provided by Universita degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli within the CRUICARE Agreement, involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies investigating the prognostic significance of ctDNA in colorectal cancer recurrence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that ctDNA-positive patients had a significantly elevated risk of recurrence compared to ctDNA-negative counterparts, with a pooled hazard ratio (HR) of 2.34 (95% CI: 1.90-2.79).
  • The study's findings suggest that ctDNA may serve as a useful biomarker for predicting recurrence in adjuvant chemotherapy patients, supporting personalized surveillance implementation.
  • Methodological standardization is still warranted to improve the accuracy of ctDNA-based risk stratification.
  • The study's authors recommend further research to investigate the optimal timing and frequency of ctDNA testing in colorectal cancer patients.
  • The study was funded by Open access funding provided by Universita degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli within the CRUICARE Agreement.
  • The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, led by Atta Ullah Khan.

Statistics:

  • 2259 records were screened for inclusion in the study.
  • 11 studies were ultimately incorporated into the systematic review and meta-analysis.
  • The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for recurrence was 2.34 (95% CI: 1.90-2.79).
  • The study found that ctDNA-positive patients had a significantly elevated risk of recurrence, with a pooled HR of 2.34.
  • The study's findings support personalized surveillance implementation, with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.90-2.79.

Sources:

  • Circulating tumor DNA as a predictive biomarker for colorectal cancer postsurgical recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical and Translational Oncology, 2025.
  • Clinical and Translational Oncology can be contacted at: Springer Int Publ Ag, Gewerbestrasse 11, Cham, Ch-6330, Switzerland. (Springer - www.springer.com; Clinical and Translational Oncology - www.springerlink.com/content/1699-048x/)
  • Additional authors for this research include Yasameen Hameed Jasim, Kanza Shahid, Jasur Saidov, Zamira Atamuratova and Dilbar Urazbaeva.

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