What Is Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA)?
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) refers to small fragments of DNA shed from cancer cells into the bloodstream. ctDNA testing uses a blood and tissue sample to help clinicians understand a patient’s cancer and its progression.
How ctDNA Helps Guide Care
Because ctDNA reflects the genetic makeup of a tumor in real time, it can help care teams:
- Detect cancer earlier by identifying abnormal DNA changes before symptoms appear.
- Monitor treatment response to see how well therapies are working.
- Identify recurrence sooner than traditional imaging or blood tests.
ctDNA testing provides valuable information about a patient’s prognosis, including clues about the likelihood of cancer returning. It can also help care teams monitor the effectiveness of treatments and detect changes in cancer over time.
How ctDNA Treatment Works
ctDNA testing requires tissue for analysis. Treatment can be completed at one of our infusion centers, or a phlebotomist can visit your home for added convenience.
Supporting Personalized Cancer Care
ctDNA testing is one of the most promising tools in precision oncology. By understanding the unique genetic signals of each individual’s cancer, clinicians can personalize treatment plans, adjust therapies sooner, and provide more informed guidance at each stage of care.