Clinical applications of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as biomarker in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. Worldwide, it ranks as the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. A variety of diagnostic approaches are used for the detection of gastric cancer. Early diagnosis of gastric cancer is crucial, as timely treatment can significantly improve patient prognosis. Detection and monitoring of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) provide valuable clinical information while minimizing the need for invasive procedures, such as tissue biopsy. These ctDNAs have been identified as reliable and accurate biomarkers for gastric cancer. The application of ctDNA in gastric cancer plays a significant role in the early diagnosis, detection, and monitoring of minimal residual disease, as well as in the clinical management of advanced-stage disease.