Real-world meta-analysis demonstrates ctDNA's effectiveness for early recurrence detection in various solid tumors, indicating strong clinical value.
Key Points
Evaluate the prognostic value of circulating tumor DNA for recurrence detection post-curative treatment across different solid tumors.
Real-world meta-analysis of published studies using personalized, tumor-informed ctDNA testing from December 2022 to 2025.
Included datasets assessed ctDNA in the molecular residual disease or surveillance settings, utilizing hazard ratios from Cox regression analysis.
Analyzed clinical outcomes harmonized into a composite event-free survival endpoint.
ctDNA positivity during the molecular residual disease window indicated a significantly increased risk of event-free survival with a pooled HR of 8.15 (95% CI: 6.12–10.85).
In the surveillance window, ctDNA positivity conferred an even higher risk with a pooled HR of 18.30 (95% CI: 14.17–23.65).
ctDNA detection preceded radiographic or clinical recurrence by a median of 3.20 months (95% CI: 2.50-4.10).