Japan society of clinical oncology position paper on appropriate clinical use of molecular residual disease (MRD) testing

Although the 5-year relative survival rates for resectable solid tumors have improved over the past few years, the risk of postoperative recurrence necessitates effective monitoring strategies. Recent advancements in molecular residual disease (MRD) testing based on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis have shown considerable promise in the context of predicting recurrence; however, significant barriers to widespread clinical implementation remain-mainly, low awareness among healthcare professionals, high costs, and lack of standardized assays and comprehensive evidence. This position paper, led by the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology, aims to establish a common framework for the appropriate clinical use of MRD testing in a tumor type-agnostic manner. It synthesizes currently available evidence, reviews region-specific clinical trends, addresses critical clinical questions related to MRD testing, and offers recommendations to guide healthcare professionals, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory authorities. These recommendations were developed based on a voting process involving 15 expert members, ensuring a consensus-driven approach. These findings underscore the importance of collaborative efforts among various stakeholders in enhancing the clinical utility of MRD testing. This project aimed to foster consensus and provide clear guidelines to support the advancement of precision medicine in oncology and improve patient outcomes in the context of perioperative care.