Circulating Tumor DNA in Cancer Management: A Value Proposition.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) allows the noninvasive molecular profiling of tumor, and such analysis has gained popularity for the detection of mutations with therapeutic implications. A value-based assessment would be useful for an objective evaluation of the benefits of ctDNA testing. CONTENT The value proposition approach was used to evaluate the benefits of implementing ctDNA testing to inform treatment decisions of targeted therapy. The ctDNA testing was shown to complement tumor biopsy testing for the detection of mutations that are predictive of treatment response. It might be particularly useful for tracking resistance mechanisms among patients who experience disease progression despite treatment. SUMMARY: Patients, clinicians, and laboratory medicine specialists would benefit from the implementation of appropriate ctDNA testing in routine clinical care.