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‹ Sun · 5 Apr 2026
Early cancer detection or prevention

Circulating tumor DNA-based minimal residual disease detection and its clinical utility in early-stage cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Blood tests detecting leftover cancer cells after surgery help doctors spot recurrence earlier and adjust follow-up care.

This systematic review and meta-analysis comprehensively evaluates ctDNA-based minimal residual disease detection across early-stage cancers. The findings confirm strong prognostic utility of ctDNA MRD, supporting its potential integration into post-surgical surveillance protocols.

What the study was

Study design
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Population
Early-stage cancer patients with ctDNA MRD assessment
Category
Early Detection
Maturity
Validated

Why it surfaced

Meta-analysis providing high-level evidence for ctDNA MRD in early cancer — directly relevant to early detection and surveillance. Study design (SR/MA) is gold standard.

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